One of the most remakrable developments of modern time has been the growth of a universal concern for the promotion of human rights. The rights of man anywhere are now, more than ever before, the convern of man everywhere. This concern has also given rise to a comprehensive body of human rights law, some of it universal, some regional. The African continent has made its own contribution to this process through the elaboration and adoption of the African Charter on Human and People"s Rights. This book discusses the process and the issues involved in the drafting of that Charter and surveys the jurisprudence developed by the comission established under the Charter in respect of the rights guaranteed under that instrument. The survey covers the civil and political rights, the economic, social and cultural rights as well as the third gerneration rights such as the right to development, a satisfactory environment and to national and international peace and security. The status of the Charter in municipal legal systems as well as some of its unique features, such as the lack of a derogation clause and the concept of individual duties, are also covered by the survey. This work is an authoritative and welcome survey of the African contribution to the international law of human rights by one who, from his association with human rights and governance issues within Africa, the commonwealth and wider afield, the United Nations system, is particularly well placed to deal with the subject. The work is necessary reading for anyone who wishes to be familiar with the subject.