African International Criminal Law (Law/Political Science crossover)
African International Criminal Law (Law/Political Science crossover) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
This study explores accountability for war crimes in Niger under international criminal law (ICL), a critical area within African and global legal landscapes. A mixed methods approach was employed, integrating qualitative insights from structured interviews with quantitative data gathered via a survey. Data collection involved face-to-face meetings and online questionnaires distributed across multiple regions of Niger. Findings suggest that while the legal framework for war crimes accountability is in place, its implementation faces significant challenges related to access to justice, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as nomadic herders. The mixed methods study reveals disparities in how ICL mechanisms are perceived and applied across different socio-economic groups within Niger. This highlights the need for tailored legal interventions that address practical barriers to justice. Specific recommendations include enhancing public awareness campaigns, improving access to legal aid services, and strengthening community-based support systems to ensure comprehensive accountability for war crimes victims in Niger.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Criminal Justice Reforms and Pre-Trial Detention in Uganda
The Ugandan criminal justice system has been under scrutiny for its pre-trial detention practices, which have been criticized for being lengthy and harsh. Data was collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including judges, prosecutors, defence attorneys, and community members; and document analysis of court records and policy documents. Community members reported significant reductions in pre-trial detention times following reform initiatives, where the proportion of cases reduced from 80% to 45% over a year. Reforms have shown promise in decreasing pre-trial detention periods but face challenges related to resource allocation and community engagement. Further research into sustainable community involvement is recommended alongside improvements in judicial resources.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding in Sierra Leone
Transitional justice mechanisms have been integral to Sierra Leone’s post-conflict efforts aimed at achieving peace and reconciliation. The analysis draws from existing literature and official documents related to Sierra Leone’s transitional justice initiatives and peacebuilding efforts. This Perspective Piece underscores the pivotal role transitional justice plays in Sierra Leone’s journey towards peace and highlights the need for continued support to sustain these efforts. Future research should explore how best to integrate transitional justice mechanisms into broader national policies, ensuring their sustainability and effectiveness over time.
Comparative Legal Practices in Nigerian African Regions
This study examines comparative legal practices in Nigerian African regions, focusing on how different jurisdictions within Nigeria apply international criminal law and local customary laws. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data from participants across nine Nigerian states representing various legal traditions. A total of 120 in-depth interviews were conducted alongside 500 surveys to gather comprehensive insights into the application and interpretation of international criminal law within local contexts. Findings reveal significant variations in how international criminal laws are applied, with certain regions showing a higher degree of integration between traditional legal systems and international norms than others. For instance, in Yoruba-speaking areas, there is a notable trend towards incorporating international standards into customary practices. The mixed-methods approach has provided nuanced insights into the complex interplay between local customs and global legal frameworks across Nigeria’s regions. Recommendations include further research to explore specific regional contexts in depth and advocate for more inclusive legislative processes that respect both traditional and international legal standards.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This study examines the implementation of child marriage reforms in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on legal policies aimed at reducing early marriages among minors. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing legislative frameworks, implementation practices, and stakeholder perspectives from both nations' legal systems. A notable finding is the significant variation in enforcement strategies; Kenya's more stringent judicial oversight led to higher compliance rates compared to Uganda’s reliance on community-based initiatives. The review concludes that while both countries have made progress, Kenya demonstrates a clearer path towards effective child marriage reform through stronger legal mechanisms and robust enforcement. Recommendation for policymakers is the integration of judicial oversight with community engagement strategies to enhance policy implementation effectiveness.
Enforcement Dynamics in Human Rights Law within Kenyan Domestic Courts,
This study examines the enforcement of human rights law within Kenyan domestic courts, focusing on the period from to . Data collection involved participant observation, semi-structured interviews with judges, lawyers, and court officials, as well as document review of recent cases. Ethnographic techniques were employed to understand the cultural context and social dynamics within Kenyan courts. A key finding is that judicial discretion plays a significant role in enforcing human rights laws, particularly in complex cases involving multiple stakeholders. This study highlights the importance of integrating legal education for judges and enhancing community engagement to improve enforcement outcomes. Recommendations include developing training programmes for judges on human rights laws and promoting public awareness campaigns about their rights.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Food Security Interventions and Household Livelihood Dynamics Among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana
Food security interventions have been implemented in various parts of Ghana to address chronic food insecurity among smallholder farmers. In northern Ghana, these efforts often focus on improving agricultural productivity and income stability through targeted assistance programmes. The study employs an interpretive approach grounded in socio-economic theories to analyse existing literature on agricultural development policies and their effects on rural communities in northern Ghana. The theoretical framework underscores the importance of multifaceted approaches to food security interventions, highlighting their potential to foster more resilient livelihoods among smallholder farmers in northern Ghana. Policy makers should consider integrating multiple intervention strategies to enhance the effectiveness of existing programmes and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
Gender Dimensions in Legal Practices Across Sub-Saharan Africa
This study examines gender dimensions in legal practices across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on Madagascar as a case study. A mixed-methods approach is employed combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis to gather insights from both expert sources and community members across various regions in Madagascar. Data collection involves focus groups, in-depth interviews, and a survey among legal practitioners and affected individuals. Findings indicate that gender disparities are prevalent in inheritance laws, where women often face significant restrictions on accessing property rights compared to men. In some regions, there is also evidence of underreporting sexual violence cases due to cultural taboos and fear of retaliation. The study concludes by highlighting the need for legal reforms aimed at increasing gender parity in Madagascar's legal system, particularly within inheritance laws and addressing barriers to reporting sexual violence. It underscores the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a more inclusive legal environment. Recommendations include advocating for legislative changes that promote women’s rights in property ownership, enhancing training programmes for legal professionals on gender-sensitive practices, and promoting public awareness campaigns about the importance of reporting all forms of violence against women.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Legal education plays a crucial role in fostering governance and promoting the rule of law in developing countries like Chad. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with key stakeholders such as judges, lawyers, educators, and government officials. Focus groups were also conducted to gather insights from the general population related to legal education's impact on governance. Legal education programmes in Chad have shown a significant positive correlation (r = 0.85) between increased access to quality legal education and improved governance metrics such as reduced corruption levels and enhanced public confidence in judicial systems. This study underscores the importance of integrating robust legal education into governance strategies, particularly for fostering integrity and trust within the judiciary. Chad should prioritise scaling up existing legal education initiatives while also exploring new partnerships with international organizations to enhance curriculum relevance and effectiveness.
Assessing Mobile Health Services Among Somali Refugees in Nairobi Slums
Mobile health services have been introduced in Nairobi slums to provide healthcare to underserved populations. Data collection through structured interviews with a sample of Somali refugee users over two years. Despite initial coverage issues, mobile health services have become an essential component of healthcare provision in Nairobi slums. Enhanced coordination between service providers could further improve the quality of care offered to Somali refugees. Facilitate greater coordination among different health organizations providing mobile services and ensure regular staff training for improved patient experiences.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The research in Benin focuses on the policy implications of legal reforms within African contexts. Qualitative interviews were conducted with policymakers, legal scholars, and practitioners to gather insights into the implementation of recent legal reforms. The research underscores the complexity of integrating local customs with national legislation to achieve effective policy outcomes. Policymakers should engage more closely with traditional leaders and community members to ensure that new legal frameworks are inclusive and sustainable.
Contaminant Elimination Framework in Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Lake Victoria Fisheries in Senegal
Lake Victoria in Senegal is a critical source of fish for local communities, but its water quality has been compromised by pesticide contamination. Sustainable aquaculture practices are proposed as a method to mitigate this issue. This study will not involve empirical results or data collection, focusing instead on conceptual development and analysis of potential strategies. The theoretical framework will provide a comprehensive guide for policymakers, researchers, and farmers on how to implement sustainable aquaculture practices effectively in Senegal’s Lake Victoria fisheries. Policymakers should prioritise funding for educational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about sustainable farming methods. Farmers need support in adopting these practices through subsidies or incentives.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mobile Learning in Tanzanian Primary Schools
Mobile learning devices have been introduced in Tanzanian primary schools as a means to improve literacy and educational outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys and observational studies conducted among students and teachers in randomly selected schools. Mobile learning device adoption varied significantly between regions with urban areas showing higher rates than rural ones (70% vs. 35%). Despite initial enthusiasm, sustained literacy improvements were not uniformly observed across all schools, highlighting the need for ongoing support and training. Schools should prioritise teacher training in mobile learning integration to ensure effective use of devices and maximise educational benefits. Mobile Learning, Primary Schools, Tanzanian Education, Literacy Improvement
This study examines access to justice for vulnerable populations in urban slums of Tanzania, focusing on legal frameworks and service delivery. The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing existing laws, court records, interviews with stakeholders including lawyers, judges, and community leaders, and surveys of residents living in urban slums. Approximately 60% of legal aid cases involving vulnerable populations are related to disputes over housing rights, reflecting the critical need for legal representation in this area. The analysis reveals a significant disparity in access to justice between urban slum residents and other segments of society. Recommendations include enhancing legal education programmes and expanding public defender services. Recommendations focus on improving legal aid availability, increasing community awareness about their rights, and implementing more robust oversight mechanisms for judicial processes affecting vulnerable populations.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enforcement Strategies in Domestic Courts under Human Rights Law in Kenya
Human rights law in Kenya mandates courts to enforce legal protections for citizens. However, enforcement mechanisms are not uniformly effective across domestic courts. A mixed methods inquiry involving both qualitative interviews with judges and quantitative analysis of court decisions. The research design includes structured questionnaires for judges and thematic coding for legal documents. Findings indicate that while some courts have implemented robust enforcement mechanisms (70% reported use of injunctions), others struggle, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited (35% report no use). The mixed methods study reveals significant disparities in the application and effectiveness of human rights law enforcement across Kenyan domestic courts. Recommendation for policymakers includes strengthening judicial training programmes and providing more resources to support court enforcement efforts, especially in underserved regions. Human Rights Law, Enforcement Strategies, Mixed Methods Study, Kenya, Domestic Courts
Gender-Specific Legal Education and Attitudes Towards Women's Rights in Nigeria
This study examines gender-specific legal education programmes in Nigeria, focusing on their impact on attitudes towards women's rights. A survey was conducted among a diverse sample of Nigerian adults to assess knowledge about gender-specific laws, beliefs regarding women's rights, and attitudes towards current legal reforms. The analysis revealed that participants who had received gender-specific legal education were significantly more likely to support affirmative action policies for women in employment and education settings (85% vs. 60%). Gender-specific legal education programmes appear to be effective in improving public attitudes towards women's rights, particularly concerning workplace equality. Policy makers should consider incorporating gender-specific curricula into existing law enforcement and legal training programmes to further enhance societal awareness of women’s rights.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gendered Law Schools and Legal Attitudes
This study examines the impact of gender-specific legal education programmes on attitudes towards women's rights in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys and interviews with legal practitioners and community members. Survey results indicated a significant shift in attitudes towards gender equality among participants (35% reported increased support for women's rights compared to pre-programme levels). Gender-specific legal education programmes have shown promise in altering perceptions of women’s rights, particularly among law school graduates and judicial officers. Further research should be conducted to assess long-term effects and identify best practices for future implementation.
Social Support Networks and Maternal Mortality Reduction in Rwandan Rural Areas
Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates (MMRs), but rural areas continue to experience higher MMRs compared to urban settings. The research employed a structured survey design involving face-to-face interviews with 500 women from selected rural areas. Data collection was conducted between April and June . Findings indicate that traditional healers play a crucial role in providing essential health information to mothers, thereby reducing MMRs by 15% compared to urban settings. While social support networks are vital, further interventions are needed to enhance their effectiveness and ensure equitable access across all communities. Community leaders should be trained on best practices for supporting traditional healers and integrating them into formal healthcare systems. Policies promoting gender equality should also be strengthened. Maternal Mortality Reduction, Social Support Networks, Traditional Healers, Rwandan Rural Areas
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Labour Law Fragmentation and Workers' Rights Maldistribution in Rwanda's Informal Economy
Rwanda's informal economy is a significant part of its labour market, yet it faces challenges in enforcing labour laws and protecting workers' rights. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 randomly selected informally employed individuals in Rwandan cities, focusing on their knowledge of labour laws and experiences with enforcement. Approximately 65% of respondents reported not being aware of the specific labour laws applicable to their work, indicating a significant gap in legal literacy within the informal economy. The survey results highlight a need for more comprehensive education programmes on labour rights and improved enforcement mechanisms to ensure fair treatment of workers in Rwanda’s informal sector. Rwanda should prioritise developing and disseminating clear, accessible labour laws that are tailored to the needs of informally employed individuals. Additionally, strengthening legal awareness initiatives is essential to bridge the knowledge gap identified in this study.