Prepared by government experts from all 46 member states of the Council of Europe, this publication seeks to help promote a better understanding of the relationship between human fights and environmental issues by setting out details of relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and the principles upon which these judgements are based. These include: the right to life (Article 2), the right to respect for family life (Article 8), the right to a fair trial and access to a court (Article 6) and the right to receive and impart information and ideas (Article 10) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This book conducts the first ever comprehensive study of the ICRC’s interpretations and law-ascertainments. It analyses in detail their impact on the development of international humanitarian law and international law in general as well as the reasons for their impact. This analysis involves the discussion of the ICRC’s authority. Is it legal or just factual authority? The analysis also illuminates the direction that IHL – and international law in general – develops. This insight sheds light on the question of the current type of international law, i.e., what international law is and who makes it.

At a time when the issue of human rights in Africa is making many advances, Human Rights Sourcebook and Manual for Africa introduces easy-to-use jurisprudence. The first section covers key principles and human rights norms which are detailed in straightforward language. The second section is devoted to the death penalty, detailing the relevant provisions from both international and regional instruments and offering a comparative commentary as to how the principles and relevant rights relate to the death penalty. The third section summarizes key case law from international, regional and domestic African courts and tribunals. The case summaries detail the facts and decisions and include a headnote of relevant concepts for quick reference. The fourth section focuses on thirteen African countries, yet the reports are a useful comparative resource for all countries. From conducting the research and compiling the material for this final section, it is apparent that nothing like this has been attempted before in Africa. Much of the work emanates from primary research and investigation conducted by local research teams in the individual countries. Investigative research includes visiting prisons, physically counting the individuals on death row and interviewing the detainees to obtain their age and the length of time they had been on death row.

The alarmingly low health status of millions of people in many developing countries is now recognised as a major obstacle to the process of development. In response, increasing numbers of non-governmental organizations are championing the right to health of the disadvantaged, vulnerable and those living in poverty. They are using the right to health in their struggle for access to quality health services, as well as the underlying determinants of health, such as safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. In other words, the right to health, and other fundamental human rights, are seen as a way of promoting development. In a clear style and accessible format, this unique, timely and practical Manual shows health professionals, their associations and other interested non-governmental organizations, some of the practical ways in which they can promote, protect and monitor the right to health in their communities and countries. It considers the obligations of states in relation to individuals within their borders, as well as the human rights responsibilities of states beyond their borders. As befits a human rights manual, it has a particular preoccupation with the right to health of the vulnerable, marginalized and otherwise disadvantaged groups and those living in poverty.