Celebrating African Human Rights Day

COMMENT Prof. Dr. Thoko Kaime, Lena Scheibinger, Isabelle Zundel 21 October 2021 As we celebrate African Human Rights Day today; we look back at one of the most innovative human rights documents in the world: the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Whilst the standards laid out in this document have led to a…

Messaging Against Single-Use Plastics – Strategies from the Grassroots

The study found that there are a variety of entities that have taken up an active role against the production and use of single use plastics in Malawi. They comprise civil society organizations, environmental activists, journalists and politicians. These organisations and individuals have focused on mesaging that will propel lawmakers into making laws that will…

Advocating Against Plastic Waste in Malawi

Malawi faces significant challenges in dealing with rising levels of waste, despite producing less waste than wealthier nations. In 2019, Lilongwe, the capital city of the country was producing approximately 250 metric tonnes of waste per day and the commercial city of Blantyre was producing 300 tonnes of waste per day, respectively (Hastings M’bawa, 2019). …

Legal Interventions of African Countries to Reduce Single-Use Plastics – Are the Laws Enough?

COMMENT Isabelle Zundel 30 August 2021 The increase of tragic natural disasters in intensity and frequency is proof of the immense challenge climate change displays. One of many contributing factors to climate change is the pollution and destruction of the environment through single-use plastic waste (SUP). The impacts are manifold and range from threatening terrestrial…

Decolonizing Law and its Practitioner’s Minds on the Example of LGBTQI+ Rights

COMMENT Isabelle Zundel 30 July 2021 Inspired by the contributors on the series “Decolonizing Law and Legal Studies” so far, I would like to stress the point Prof. Hamoudi made on the inevitable need to decolonize one’s mind in a world of deadlocked power relations between Global North and Global South. I will elaborate this…

Decolonizing Law and Legal Studies

In April 2021, the Chair for African Legal Studies hosted a seminar on key issues in African Law. One of the many important issues discussed was the decolonization of the mind, law and legal studies. In the videos below, Prof. Dr. Thoko Kaime shares his perspectives on these matters. Please feel free to make use…

Researching Key Issues in African Law

Recently, the Chair for African Legal Studies hosted a seminar on key issues in African law. The seminar focused on key emerging legal issues on the African continent, addressing topical questions ranging from human rights, sustainability governance, regional integration, constitutionalism to comparative law. Interesting guest lecturers presented their field of research, followed by vivid discussions.…

Climate Justice in the Global South

The Chair of African Legal Studies hosted a Seminar on Climate Justice in the Global South. Watch the lectures of leading experts from around the Globe! Part 1: International Institutional Arrangements on Climate Change – Dr. Stephen Turner  Part 2: International Legal Frameworks on Climate Change – Prof. Philippe Cullet Part 3: The African Union…

The legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and our collective responsibility

COMMENT Isabelle Zundel 30 September 2020 It is a major challenge to introduce the notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was way more than an American jurist. She was the second woman serving the Supreme Court. She is an idol for humans all over the world through her determined, lifelong campaign for women’s rights. Her death…