Power and civic action: mobilisation for human rights in developing societies

Abstract

This chapter examines the key roles played by civil society organizations in the promotion and protection of human rights. It recognizes the political character of struggles for human rights, and that rights are both secured and denied in political and social contexts of power. It notes the phenomenon of ‘shrinking civic space’ in many countries, as governments seek to restrict the spaces for civil society mobilization and action through both legal and repressive (extra-legal) measures. The chapter explores various forms of civil society activism to secure rights, the power constraints that they come up against, and the strategies to counter and challenge those constraints. While this phenomenon is evident in all political contexts, the chapter argues that different contexts, democratic or autocratic, offer differing political opportunities for civic action and the securing of rights. Therefore, the chapter looks at civic action for human rights in two contrasting contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: democratic Ghana and autocratic Cameroon.