National Human Rights Institutions as a means to foster Good Governance and Human Rights in Developing Countries

Exemplified by the "Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice" in Ghana

In der Arbeit wird untersucht, welche Rolle nationale Menschenrechtsinstitutionen bei der Implementierung von Menschenrechten und demokratischen Standards in Entwicklungsländern spielen können. In einer theoretischen Einführung ins Thema werden unterschiedliche Institutionsformen vorgestellt und stukturelle sowie rechtliche Kriterien entwickelt, die eine erfolgversprechene Institution erfüllen sollte.
Anschließend wird am Beispiel der Menschenrechtskommission in Ghana, die ein sehr erfolgreiches Modell darstellt, untersucht, welchen Einfluss die Kommission bei der Verwirklichung von Menschenrechten und Standards guter Regierungsführung in Ghana hat.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction
• 2. National Human Rights Institutions
  • 2.1 Concept and Composition
  • 2.2 Function and Competences
  • 2.3 Evolution and International Standards
  • 2.4 Different Sub-Types
  • 2.5 Critical Aspects
  • 2.6 Conclusion: Effectiveness and Chances
• 3. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice in Ghana - an Assessment
  • 3.1 Transition to a Multi-Party Democracy and the Establishment of the CHRAJ
  • 3.2 Composition and Structure
  • 3.3 Mandate and Activities
  • 3.4 Conclusion: The Human Rights Record of Ghana and Accomplishments of the CHRAJ

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis paper aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) as a means of fostering good governance and human rights standards, particularly in developing countries. The paper focuses on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in Ghana as a model example.

• The role of human rights in achieving sustainable development and prosperity.
• The concept and function of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights.
• The transition to multi-party democracy and the establishment of the CHRAJ in Ghana.
• The mandate, structure, and activities of the CHRAJ.
• The contribution of the CHRAJ to good governance and human rights promotion in Ghana.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter sets the stage by discussing the evolving concept of human rights, their importance for a well-functioning state, and their link to good governance. It emphasizes that human rights are crucial for political stability, economic development, social progress, and peaceful international relations.
• Chapter 2: National Human Rights Institutions This chapter delves into the concept of NHRIs, exploring their composition, functions, evolution, and international standards. It examines different sub-types of NHRIs and highlights critical aspects related to their effectiveness and challenges.
• Chapter 3: The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice in Ghana - an Assessment This chapter presents a detailed assessment of the CHRAJ, focusing on its establishment within Ghana's transition to a multi-party democracy. It analyzes the composition, structure, mandate, and activities of the CHRAJ, examining its role in advancing human rights and good governance in Ghana.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this work include human rights, good governance, national human rights institutions, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana, democratic transition, civil society, rule of law, transparency, accountability, development, and poverty reduction. These concepts are examined through the lens of their interconnectivity and their influence on achieving sustainable development and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)?

NHRIs are independent state bodies established to promote and protect human rights and foster good governance within a country.

How do human rights contribute to sustainable development?

Human rights are essential for political stability, economic development, social progress, and poverty reduction, forming the basis for a well-functioning state.

What is the CHRAJ in Ghana?

The CHRAJ (Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice) is Ghana's national human rights institution, established during the country's transition to a multi-party democracy.

What criteria make an NHRI effective?

Effectiveness depends on structural and legal criteria, including independence, a broad mandate, adequate funding, and international standards compliance.

What role does the CHRAJ play in Ghana's governance?

The CHRAJ serves to advance human rights, ensure administrative justice, and promote transparency and accountability within the Ghanaian government.

Details

• Hochschule: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Seminar für Politikwissenschaft)
• Veranstaltung: Model-United-Nations Seminar
• Note: 1,7
• Autor: Timo Alexander Holthoff (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2007
• Seiten: 27
• Katalognummer: V94587
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640101375
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: National Human Rights Institutions Good Governance Human Rights Developing Countries Model-United-Nations Seminar