A paralegal Reference Handbook

The worldwide effort in creating Human Rights awareness and respect through education, both formal and informal, requires constant and diverse approaches towards the attainment of the ultimate goal; the acquisition of knowledge, appreciation and application of fundamental human rights as pronounced in the United Nations Charter 1945, the African Charter on Human and People's Rights 1981, and various Constitutional provision of African States. The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), is fully committed to the promotion of human rights through civic empowerment and civic education. This has prompted the publication of this Paralegal Reference Handbook as our contribution towards the UN Decade for Human Rights Education. (1995-2005). Civic empowerment through the law ensures that mechanisms are put in place to utilize legal and quasi-legal redress of human rights violations through increased interaction with judicial officers and state organs entrusted with the administration of justice. Readers of this handbook will find it a useful reference tool that will enhance their knowledge of basic human rights standards and will no doubt benefit from the experiences, discussions and case studies presented herein. This should not be seen as an end in itself. At best, the Handbook is merely part of a continuing process of creating awareness on human rights principles. We will appreciate any comments on the format, the language style and the general content of the text, for any future review.