The Commission’s monitoring activities is to ensure that rights are observed and upheld at all times. To this effect, on Tuesday 14 April 2020, the SAHRC established a statutory advisory committee (the Committee) to assist in monitoring the implementation of the COVID-19 national lockdown Regulations and its related impact on Human Rights in South Africa. The advisory Committee is established in terms of section 11 of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act). It is chaired by Commissioner Chris Nissen and consists of civil society organisations and individuals working in various communities across the country.

Members of the Committee will be issued with accreditation letters and exemption permits in compliance with the COVID-19 Regulations. This will enable Committee members to conduct monitoring in various communities where human rights concerns may be identified. For the Committee to be effective, the Commission reiterates that all organs of state are required to render relevant assistance to the Commission, including members of any Committee established by it. This includes an obligation that no organ of state or any other person may interfere, hinder or obstruct the work of this Committee. The Commission urges all law enforcement agencies to render all necessary assistance having due regard of section 4 (3) of the SAHRC Act which makes it a criminal offence to obstruct the work of a Committee established by the Commission.

The Committee will report to the SAHRC in line with the approved terms of reference and directions and conditions as set by the Commission.

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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.