The meeting was convened to discuss the increasing racial tensions in the country. It further sought to, amongst others:
•    Increase the understanding of hate speech provisions in the Constitution and Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA);
•    Enhance the relationship between the SAHRC and Parliament; and,
•    Explore how Members of Parliament can support the Commission in promoting human rights both within the context of their oversight role in parliamentary committees as well as among their constituencies.

The engagements reflected the potential for Chapter 9 Institutions to positively engage with Parliamentarians to build a more united country and pool together their respective initiatives toward fostering social cohesion and national unity.

Among the items agreed upon was the need to prioritise increased education on freedom of speech, and hate speech amongst public representatives. Other promotional initiatives discussed included the need for public education on the limitations of protest action as it relates to damage of public property by protestors.

The Commission is encouraged by the appreciation demonstrated by Chief Whips for the importance of the respect for human rights particularly the right to equality and addressing the pervasive existing inequalities in the country.

The Commission remains committed to enhancing its relationship with Parliament and placing human rights at the centre of the Parliament.  As the Commission prepares to convene a summit on escalating racial tensions in the country, as evidenced by clashes in Senekal and at Brackenfell High School, it looks forward to the continued support of Parliamentarians and the Executive in building a country that embodies a culture of respect for the human rights of all who live in it.

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