Institutionalising the right to self-determination as a human right solution to problems of ethnic conflict in Africa: the case of Ethiopia and South Africa
Written under the supervision of Prof. Michelo Hansungule at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, Centre for Human Rights
Ethiopia's “Leap in the Dark”: Federalism and Self-Determination in the New constitution
Benjamin Disraeli took a calculated “leap in the dark” in 1867, when he extended the right to vote to almost all British men. With hindsight, his leap can be seen to have been a necessary (but not sufficient) means of defusing discontent and promoting democratization. Ethiopia seems poised for an even bigger constitutional leap into a murkier realm, into an ethnicized attempt at democratization. To gain acceptance, a new constitution like Ethiopia's must seem to be all things to all people and, in Ethiopia and elsewhere, the end of the Cold War has seen an explosion of ethnic nationalisms similar to the one occurring in Europe late in the 19th century. Without benefit of hindsight one can only make informed guesses about the effects of a new Ethiopian “constitutionalism” on events which are largely beyond the drafters’ control. I will argue that there are grounds for a guarded optimism over Ethiopia's leap.
Constitutions of the countries of the world
For over 30 years, "CCW" has distinguished itself as the gold standard for full-text, integrated versions of 192 country constitutions, translated into English by constitutional scholars familiar with the legal systems, judicial language, and official language of the foreign jurisdictions they cover. Complementing the official documents are Introductory and Comparative Notes that examine recent amendments and highlight pertinent historical, political and economic factors. Where especially useful, a summary of topics treated is provided as well, helping the reader zero in on the most relevant articles of the constitution quickly. In some cases a chronology is also provided. Its clear and easy organization makes this set a pleasure to use. Constitutions are arranged alphabetically by country name, with each country housed in a self-contained pamphlet. Painstakingly translated, comprehensively annotated and clearly organized, this collection provides lawyers, scholars and students with an ideal tool for comparative research in constitutional law, history, and politics. It is updated approximately eight times per year.