As a Chapter Nine Institution mandated by the Constitution to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone, the Commission to stand with the women of South Africa and supports the call to end the scourge of violence. Gender-based violence violates the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution; especially the right to equality, dignity and freedom.

The Commission urges all South Africans to recognise the constitutionally-entrenched right to protest peacefully, acknowledging how this right is inextricably linked to other rights in our Constitution.

The Commission calls on the government in implementing its obligation under section 7(2) of the Constitution to particularly vindicate women’s rights to life, dignity, equality, bodily integrity, freedom of movement and freedom from violence. The Commission further calls on the government to take immediate and decisive steps to address violence against women in South Africa in order to ensure that all women enjoy the right to live in a country that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.

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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.