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One
of the main aims of the Human Dimension Program at the Mediterranean
Academy of Diplomatic Studies is to disseminate information
to the widest possible audience, and here lies the essence of
our concentration and focus on two important human rights documents:
the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the Arab
Charter on Human Rights. While the first came into force during
1986, and the latter is still awaiting ratification from members
of the Arab League, nonetheless both contribute to the growing
sense of awareness in their regions of the importance of human
rights, not only as a literary and theoretical subject, but
as a real issue that has to be addressed sooner or later by
all respective African and Arabic governments and peoples. |
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Many
may ask why focus on these two Charters, while neglecting the
UN system, as well as the European and Inter-American Conventions.
The answer is quite simple; there already exists an abundance
of information available both in print as well as on the Internet
on the abovementioned documents. Conversely information relating
to the African and Arabic Charters is difficult to come by.
Furthermore, we can never forget that both the African Union,
and the Arab League, which are responsible for the creation
of their respective Human Rights Charters, were ultimately born
through the movement of de-colonization during the early 20th
century, yet, both groups have had a troubled relationship with
human rights until today. Furthermore, due to the peculiarities
of both charters, further study and analysis is of paramount
importance. |
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This
project aims at contributing to the growing and ever expanding
human rights debate through the input of international scholars,
and all interested parties by using an innovative research software
application, "Hypertext,"
which enables all users to interact and participate by adding
their own links, opinions, and annotations to a particular text,
while being able at the same time to view other parties' contributions. |
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This
project was made possible through the support of "Political
Division IV," Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. |
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