Fundamental Human Rights in African Religion: A Critique

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Date

2015-06

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Department of Religion and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo

Abstract

The 21st century humans are in chains, clamouring for freedom. Round about us are clear restrictions and violations of human rights. In general, human rights are fundamental to the African values. Human rights in traditional African religion are couched in human dignity as inveterate in fundamental values cherished by the society. Thus, all these human values in African society are regarded as African humanism. In spite of this African humanism, restrictions, clauses, violations of human rights and individuality are the springboard. Therefore, this paper attempts to look at African humanism as human rights, using historical, socio-cultural, religious and moral approaches to examine and critique fundamental human rights in African religion. Therefore, the paper postulates that African humanism is urgently needed for the restoration of African civility, socialism, solidarity, communitarianism, independence, self-actualization, self-respect, freedom, egalitarianism, democratic and liberal life. This traditional African humanism therefore has much to contribute to human development.

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Keywords

Fundamental human rights, African Religion, humanism, critique, ujamaa, ozovehe

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