Implementing Universal Human Rights Standards in and by Sub-Saharan African States in the Shade of Local Traditions

The article examines the roots of the conception of human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlights some aspects of African human rights policies, considering some strengths and weaknesses, whilst drawing a realistic portrayal about the situation of universal human rights implementation in the continent. The paper demonstrates how African human rights priorities are translated into practice within the UN system in general and the UN Human Rights Council in particular. Besides the strong regional characteristics of Sub-Saharan African human rights policy, there are significant differences among states in the region towards approaches for addressing contemporary human rights challenges.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela