The African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights came into force in 1986, and is in many ways unique, lacking as it does a precedent elsewhere. However, little scholarship exists analysing it as an operational system in practice. Collaborators to this volume include a range of experts, many of whom have been actively involved in the implementation of the Charter - commissioners, NGOs and academics. The volume, then, is more than just a descriptive or theoretical work, providing instead a detailed evaluation of the Charter as a mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa. Chapters cover the Charter's reporting system, the interpretation of different rights by the Commission, the prospects for the African Court on Human and People's Rights and the role of NGOs. This authoritative, comprehensive and up-to-date book will interest lawyers acting for government and non-governmental organizations, as well as academics and postgraduates.