Reclaiming Humanity: Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights as the Cornerstone of African Human Rights

Abstract

This Article argues that economic, social, and cultural rights are the key to effectively realizing human rights in Africa. It contends that human rights discourse on the indivisible bundle of rights must be put into practice in the African context, where these rights are people's primary means of self-defense. First, the Article argues that African governments' failure to enthrone enforceable socio-economic rights compromises civil and political rights. It then examines the inextricable link between these rights and development, arguing that there is no justification for discriminatory enforcement of human rights. The Article addresses factors inhibiting the realization of these rights. It highlights the broad consequences of the continued marginalization of socio-economic rights. Finally, it urges a rejection of the Western model and explores approaches to improve the fortunes of these rights. It concludes that selective enforcement of human rights in the context of worsening social, economic, civil, and political conditions is a heedless truncation of humanity.