06 Apr 2009: ISS/ICJ Reception and Book Launch, Pretoria: A New Era of Counter-Terrorism in Africa: Are African Governments Ready to Strengthen the Ru

ISS/ICJ Reception and Book Launch: A New Era of Counter-Terrorism in Africa: Are African Governments Ready to Strengthen the Rule of Law?
Pretoria, 6 April 2009

 

Initial widespread support for the US-lead ‘War on Terror’ in response to the 9/11 attacks has diminished markedly. In fact, counter-terrorism today has a less-than-honourable reputation, conjuring images of extra-judicial renditions, unlawful and indefinite detention, and torture. However recent developments indicate that change is coming to the way the world – and Africa – combats terrorism. President Obama has already ordered an end to several unlawful US-lead practices; in Europe and other regions courts are reminding governments about the importance of human rights and due process. Rather than falling primarily within the domain of spies and the military, criminal justices responses will become increasingly important.

 

But is Africa ready for this change? Do African countries have the political will, legal infrastructure and specialised capacity to promote criminal justice, rule of law and human rights-based responses to the threat of terrorism?

 

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) invite you to an evening reception to explore these questions and launch the recent report of the ICJ’s Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights. The event will also mark the launch of the ICJ’s South African office and its partnership with the ISS to promote rule of law and human rights in the fight against international crime and terrorism.

 

Guest speakers

 

• Arthur Chaskalson (Chair, ICJ Eminent Jurists Panel, Former Chief Justice and President of Constitutional Court of South Africa)

• Sanji Monageng (Chairperson, African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights)

• Judge Charles Mkandawire (Registrar, SADC Tribunal)

 

Moderator

 

• Judge Unity Dow (Former Judge of the High Court of Botswana and member of the Executive Committee of the ICJ)

 

Date: Monday, 6 April 2009
Time: 17h30 – 19h30
Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria

 

RSVP: Tuesday 31 March, Ms Lucia Motloung: Tel: +27 12 346 9500; Fax: +27 86 636 8725; E-mail: [email protected].
You can also complete the form at the bottom of this page to register online.

 

About the Organisations

 

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

 

The ISS is a regional strategic studies institute based in Pretoria, South Africa with additional offices in Cape Town, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. The ISS’s mission is to inform and enhance the debate on human security in Africa in support of policy formulation and decision-making. The International Crime in Africa Programme (ICAP) at the ISS works towards enhancing peace, justice and accountability in Africa by raising awareness and building capacity to respond to international crime and terrorism. ICAP works collaboratively by drawing on existing African and international expertise and by partnering with sub-regional, regional and international organisations.

 

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)

 

The ICJ is formed by a group of up to 60 Commissioners, all of whom are prominent jurists from across the world. In addition to its Commissioners, the ICJ network consists of Honorary Members, National Sections and Affiliated Organisations. The ICJ has a vision of the world in which, through the rule of law, a just, democratic and peaceful society can be achieved. A vision based on the rule of law, not as a static set of rules, but as a dynamic concept that protects against arbitrary power, expands freedoms and embraces justice. A rule of law under which everyone is entitled to, without discrimination, their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. Our vision is one in which everyone in society is equal before the law and protected from human rights violations by the law and in practice; in which those in power are held accountable and brought to justice if they violate human rights; where victims have access to remedies and justice and those who come before the courts receive a fair trial and never face the death penalty.