First published in 1997, this volume analyses the material provisions of the African charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 1981, discussing the issues this raises both with respect to the theoretical aspects of human rights law, and in relation to its implementation in various African member states. Illustrating the first aspect, in particular the question of universality of human rights is discussed; with respect to the national implementation the Southern African states are the main focal points, in particular Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique.