Studies in Human Rights – serie

Written by a distinguished group of social scientists, the essays address critical aspects of the global refugee situation. The contributors analyze the current problem from the perspectives of law, ethics, and social science, paying particular attention to the linkages and conflicts between international and national refugee issues and concerns. Arguing that a serious gap exists between the obligations undertaken by government delegations to the various refugee conventions and what is actually required to meet the needs of the displaced, the contributors issue a call for concerted international action to address the refugee challenge, explore alternatives to existing policies, and suggest choices consistent with the goal of human dignity for all.Following an introductory chapter on the nature of the refugee problem, the volume is divided into four parts. The contributors first explore international responses to the refugee problem examining such issues as the rights of refugees under international law, the problem of accountability, and conflicting trends in Western European refugee policies. In a section devoted to the United States response, topics covered include U.S. refugee policy in Africa, Central American refugees, the role of Congress and the courts, and trends in U.S. immigration law and policy. The following chapters address the response of citizens and church-affiliated groups while the concluding section examines ways in which countries can act both to avert the flow of refugees and provide more effective protection for those that need it. An excellent set of readings for courses in international relations and international law, this volume is an important step towards the solution of the international refugee crisis.

Discussion over the impact of economic aid and development programs in Africa has become much more than an economics debate. In order to produce more effective and humane programs of adjustment for Africa and other developing regions, debate must encompass not only economic impacts but also political, social, and human consequences. This second volume in the Consortium on Human Rights Development's special studies on adjustment programs in Africa combines theory with empirical evidence and economic with political analysis to provide the most comprehensive multi-disciplinary coverage to date on IMF and World Bank adjustment programs in Africa. Building a link between structural adjustment and human rights in Africa, it makes a case for economic and political justice through sustainable development.

This book brings together African and American scholars on human rights and Africa, who look at the broad issues relating to global human rights within the specific context of Africa. The key concerns addressed include notions of traditional human rights, structural adjustment and its effect on human rights, regional integration and the right to development, and political liberalization.In addition to broad themes, the collection looks at instances of human rights concerns in specific states including Liberia (humanitarian intervention), Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (political liberalization and structural adjustment), Ethiopia (humanitarian assistance), Botswana (traditional human rights formulations), and South Africa (liberation struggle). The volume will be of particular interest to political scientists and legal scholars involved with current African issues as well as human rights organizations and church groups focusing on Africa.