Paris 2024 Olympics: A landmark for LGBTI athletes in global sports
Posted: 6 September, 2024 Filed under: Lakshita Kanhiya | Tags: (LGBTI) rights, anti-discrimination law, anti-discrimination principles, bisexual, Caster Semenya, fight for equality, French Constitution, French law, gay, human rights, Imane Khelif, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), international human rights law, International Olympic Committee (IOC), intersex, Key international instruments, LGBTI athletes, LGBTI culture, LGBTI persons, LGBTI rights, marked a historic event not only in sports but also in the ongoing struggle for lesbian, Paris 2024 Olympics, Penal Code, sports regulation, The Paris 2024 Olympics, transgender, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Leave a comment
Author: Lakshita Kanhiya
Pan-Africa ILGA
The Paris 2024 Olympics,[1] held from 26 July to 11 August 2024, marked a historic event not only in sports but also in the ongoing struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights. The Olympics is a global platform where the world’s best athletes showcase their talents, but it is also a stage where issues of equality, human rights, and inclusion come into sharp focus.
Swiping Right or Wrong? The Risks of Digital Romance for Women’s Rights
Posted: 4 September, 2024 Filed under: Hlengiwe Dube | Tags: African context, challenges, compatible matches, cyberstalking, digital harassment, digital revolution, digital romance, digital technology, discrimination, identity theft, mental health, non-consensual sharing of personal information, online dating platforms, personal data, Privacy Concerns, romance, safety, smartphones, social boundaries, social media, social media networks, targeted harassment, unwanted attention, women’s rights Leave a comment
Author: Hlengiwe Dube
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Introduction
In the age of digital technology, where smartphones and social media have revolutionised communication across the globe, the landscape of romance has experienced profound shifts, especially within the African context. The rise of online dating platforms and social media networks has introduced unprecedented opportunities for connection, allowing individuals to meet potential partners beyond traditional geographical and social boundaries. However, this digital revolution also brings to light a series of challenges, particularly in terms of women’s rights and safety. In many societies, gender dynamics often intersect with technology use, and consequently, women face specific issues related to privacy breaches, non-consensual sharing of personal information, and digital harassment. The potential for exploitation in online spaces further exacerbate concerns about consent and equality. This article explores the negative repercussions of digital romance on women’s rights, critically examining how these new technological avenues can both empower and endanger women, thereby highlighting the urgent need for digital literacy, robust legal frameworks, and gender sensitive interventions to ensure a safer and more equitable online environment.
Navigating a restrictive access to information infrastructure in Uganda through the use of social media
Posted: 2 September, 2024 Filed under: Kansiime Mukama Taremwa | Tags: #MeToo, #UgandaParliamentaryExhibition, Access to Information, Access to Information Act, Arab Spring, costs of access to information, dictatorship, digital technologies, human rights law instruments, informed decision-making, internet, political development, political issues, social media, Social media activism, socio-economic development, street protests, traditional media, transparency, Uganda, youthful demonstrators Leave a comment
Author: Kansiime Mukama Taremwa
LLM Candidate, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
From late February into March 2024, a hashtag ran on X (formerly Twitter) under the designation #UgandaParliamentaryExhibition. According to the protagonists behind this hashtag, the purpose of this move was to cast light on the outrageous spending within Uganda’s parliament.
The internet is considered to be the most disruptive piece of technology that enables the receipt and dissemination of information. Uganda is home to 2.6 million social media users. Few people can doubt the power of the internet in general and social media specifically, in stimulating democratic culture. Even some of the critics of digitisation accept that digital technologies lower the costs of access to information. The use of social media to organise and mobilise persons for action came to the fore in the early 2010s in what was known as the Arab Spring; a series of protests that led to the ousting of dictatorial governments in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. It was known for the youthful demonstrators that staged street protests and used social media to coordinate, raise awareness of the political issues, and record the events on the ground. The results of the Arab Spring are that dictatorships that had managed to stifle access to information and free flow of ideas for many years were toppled in part, due to the mobilisational capacities of social media.
Internet Shutdowns in Sudan: From Authoritarian Tool to Weapon of War
Posted: 30 August, 2024 Filed under: Razan E H Ali | Tags: censor information, civil unrest, control, displacement, dissent, elections, electoral fraud, electronic communication services, freedom of expression and access to information on the Internet, human rights violations, humanitarian crisis, internet blackout, internet shutdowns, Model Law, national security, periods of conflict, political transition, refugees, Sudan, war-related information Leave a comment
Author: Razan E H Ali
LLM Candidate, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Introduction
Internet shutdown or blockage means the deliberate suspension or termination of internet and electronic communication services, making them inaccessible or practically inoperable for a particular group of people or geographic area, usually to control the flow of information.[1]
This exercise has been used by governments as a tool to suppress dissent, censor information, conceal serious infringements of individual rights, and evade accountability for human rights violations, especially during periods of conflict, civil unrest, and contested political transitions.[2]
Enhancing Access to Information through Community Media in South Africa
Posted: 28 August, 2024 Filed under: Hlengiwe Dube | Tags: Access to Information, accessibility, accurate information, community broadcasters, Community Media, cultural practices, Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, democratic participation, diversity, essential information, inclusivity, informed decision-making, International Federation of Journalists, linguistic preferences, local issues, mainstream media, religious information, right to freedom of expression, South Africa Leave a commentAuthor: Hlengiwe Dube
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Introduction
South Africa’s community media sector plays a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs and interests of its various geographic and interest-based communities by ensuring access to relevant and accurate information. These media outlets are dedicated to developing and disseminating content that reflects local issues, cultural practices, and linguistic preferences. This localised approach ensures that content is tailored to the immediate needs and interests of specific communities, which is vital for community engagement and empowerment. By focusing on the specific concerns and interests of their audiences, community media provides essential information that might not be covered by mainstream media, reinforcing the public’s right to access crucial information. This access supports informed decision-making and strengthens local identity, promoting active civic participation and contributing to the overall resilience and cohesion of the community.
Back to Basics: From the medical model to the social model of disability rights – where are we now?
Posted: 26 August, 2024 Filed under: Neville Mupita | Tags: disability rights, environmental barriers, human rights frameworks, legislation, medical condition, medical intervention, medical model, ongoing challenges', persons with disabilities, policies, rehabilitation programs, social model, societal barriers, subversive oppression, unemployment rate, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Leave a comment
Author: Neville Mupita
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
In recent years due to the growing recognition of the need for a paradigm shift, the international community has witnessed major progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. This is a shift from viewing disability as a medical condition or an inherent deficit to a view that understands that disability is a result of environmental and societal barriers. The reimagining of disability was and is a practical necessity as it plays a major role in legislation, policies and everyday interactions.
Miss Universe Mauritius 2024: A landmark in the legal battle for transgender equality
Posted: 23 August, 2024 Filed under: Lakshita Kanhiya | Tags: anti-discrimination protections, Association VISA-G, beacon of hope, Central Population Database, Civil Status Act of 1981, discrimination, gender identity, human rights, international human rights treaties, Jeanny Michelle Karla Fanfan, legal framework, legal obstacles, legal recognition, LGBTQ+, Mauritius, Miss Universe Mauritius 2024, sexual orientation, stigmatisation, transgender persons, transgender rights, Young Queer Alliance Leave a commentAuthor: Lakshita Kanhiya
Pan-Africa ILGA
The historic participation of Jeanny Michelle Karla Fanfan as the first transgender woman in Miss Universe Mauritius 2024 marks a significant milestone in the fight for transgender rights and inclusivity in Mauritius.[1] This moment not only symbolises progress within the realm of beauty pageants but also serves as a powerful platform to discuss the broader legal, social, and human rights challenges faced by transgender persons in Mauritius. As a general observation, the legal recognition and protection of transgender rights in Mauritius remain areas of significant concern, reflecting a broader global struggle for equality and non-discrimination.
Empowering African Governance: Unveiling the Path to Accountability and Emancipation
Posted: 21 August, 2024 Filed under: Micha Wiebusch | Tags: A Theory of Africanizing International Law, accountability, Africa, African Governance, Emancipation 1 Comment
Author: Micha Wiebusch
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Have you ever felt frustrated when you are working on something and someone comes along and tells you, “you should do it this way”? Or, they even say “you should do it my way”. Or worse, they just push you aside and do it themselves, or they threaten or even apply physical force if you do not do it their way. That sense of annoyance, when receiving the “advice”, and in its extreme variation, the loss of dignity when being physically coerced, is at the core of this book.
While those feelings are discussed primarily in an African context, the book acknowledges the occurrence of those feelings in different geographical spaces, cultures, social settings and throughout time.
The injustice of climate mitigation strategies on pastoralist communities in Kenya: An international law perspective
Posted: 19 August, 2024 Filed under: George Njogu | Tags: carbon trading, climate change framework policy, climate change mitigation strategies, climate finance, disease management, environmental justice, Food and Agriculture Organisation, global development objectives, global warming, government, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, injustice, international environmental law, international law, Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Association (KWCA), Kenya's State Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Kyoto Protocol, livelihood diversification, livestock, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), policies Leave a comment
Author: George Njogu
Kabarak University School of Law
Pastoralist communities in Kenya, whose livelihoods depend on livestock, are increasingly being required to reduce their herds as part of climate change mitigation strategies. While the intention behind these measures is to combat global warming and climate change, they disproportionately affect these communities, whose contributions to climate change are minimal compared to industrial activities in developed countries. This disparity raises significant concerns about fairness and equity under international law. This article seeks to explore the reason behind these mitigation practices and recommends a solution to the predicament.
Livestock accounts for approximately 10% of Kenya’s national gross domestic product (GDP) and over 50% of the agricultural GDP. The sector employs half of the agricultural labour force.[1] The primary stakeholders in this subsector are pastoralists and farmers, who primarily raise animals for food and income generation. For pastoralists, however, livestock also serves as a symbol of self-esteem and wealth within their communities.[2]
Unlocking sustainable development: How foreign direct investment shapes Africa’s future
Posted: 15 August, 2024 Filed under: Elim Shanko, Khushi Agrawal | Tags: 2030 Agenda, 2063 Agenda, African Continental Free Trade Area, climate change, developing countries, environmental degradation, environmental protection, FDI, fighting poverty, Foreign direct investment, global plan, global well-being, human rights abuses, international cooperation, reducing inequalities, social inclusion, sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goals Leave a comment |
Author: Khushi Agrawal Intern, RA Consulting |
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Author: Elim Shanko Sustainable development consultant, RA Consulting |
Introduction
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a critical method of shaping economic growth and development for developing countries.[1] While instances of cross-border capital flow aim to foster improvement, it is becoming increasingly apparent that FDI is not the significant beneficiary of sustainable development it was originally believed to be.[2] The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are nowhere near their desired or planned standings.[3]
This article critically examines the current state of FDI and its effects on Africa’s developing economy, uncovers the challenges foreign investment is facing and searches for potential steps forward in achieving sustainability goals.
AfricLaw 