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Tuesday, 22 November 2011
The South African Human Rights Commission is concerned that the Protection of State Information Bill in its current form could impact negatively on basic human rights. During its previous presentation the Commission emphasised to Parliament that it is vital that the objectives of our constitutional democracy are in a justifiable and informed balance with the need to protect specific information by organs of state. The Commission has a Constitutional and legislative responsibility for the right to access to information. It emphasised the need for the Bill to be aligned with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, to avoid moving back towards a culture of secrecy which has the potential to undermine our democracy.
The South African Human Rights Commission is concerned that the Protection of State Information Bill in its current form could impact negatively on basic human rights. During its previous presentation the Commission emphasised to Parliament that it is vital that the objectives of our constitutional democracy are in a justifiable and informed balance with the need to protect specific information by organs of state. The Commission has a Constitutional and legislative responsibility for the right to access to information. It emphasised the need for the Bill to be aligned with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, to avoid moving back towards a culture of secrecy which has the potential to undermine our democracy.
Monday, 07 November 2011
Hate Speech complaints and diverse public discussions regarding the South Gauteng High Court judgment regarding the singing of struggle song dubul’ibhunu prompt the SA Human Rights Commission to bring together ordinary South Africans, experts and other stakeholders into a national conversation.
Hate Speech complaints and diverse public discussions regarding the South Gauteng High Court judgment regarding the singing of struggle song dubul’ibhunu prompt the SA Human Rights Commission to bring together ordinary South Africans, experts and other stakeholders into a national conversation.
Monday, 17 October 2011
SA Human Rights Commission hosts African National Human Rights Institutions to look at how to engage with state and non state actors on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons and persons with disabilities within the African continent.
SA Human Rights Commission hosts African National Human Rights Institutions to look at how to engage with state and non state actors on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons and persons with disabilities within the African continent.
Sunday, 09 October 2011
It is World Mental Health Day on Monday, 10th October
People with mental disabilities are treated inhumanely, stereotyped, discriminated against, abandoned, ignored and excluded.
The Commission remains concerned about the ongoing acts of discrimination against people with mental disabilities.
It is World Mental Health Day on Monday, 10th October
People with mental disabilities are treated inhumanely, stereotyped, discriminated against, abandoned, ignored and excluded.
The Commission remains concerned about the ongoing acts of discrimination against people with mental disabilities.
Wednesday, 05 October 2011
The Commission has noted with concern the unexplained delays that occurred in the processing of a visa application by the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
The Commission has noted with concern the unexplained delays that occurred in the processing of a visa application by the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
The Commission notes the Johannesburg Equality Court judgment which found that the singing of the song “Dubul’ibunu” by the ANC Youth League President, Mr Julius Malema, constituted hate speech. The Commission respects the decision of the Equality Court in this matter.
The Commission notes the Johannesburg Equality Court judgment which found that the singing of the song “Dubul’ibunu” by the ANC Youth League President, Mr Julius Malema, constituted hate speech. The Commission respects the decision of the Equality Court in this matter.
Friday, 02 September 2011
1. Rethinking the Commission
The Commission is repositioning itself to be more responsive to the needs of South Africans. The Commission’s 2011 first plenary report (quarterly) indicates that despite experiencing formidable challenges, the institution’s process of rethinking and realigning its ways of delivering on its mandate, is progressing markedly well.
1. Rethinking the Commission
The Commission is repositioning itself to be more responsive to the needs of South Africans. The Commission’s 2011 first plenary report (quarterly) indicates that despite experiencing formidable challenges, the institution’s process of rethinking and realigning its ways of delivering on its mandate, is progressing markedly well.
Friday, 05 August 2011
The Commission is pleased to announce that the North Gauteng High Court upheld with costs, its appeal against the 2008 judgment of the Lydenburg Equality Court which dismissed its complaint against allegations of hate speech and the use of insulting language.
The Commission is pleased to announce that the North Gauteng High Court upheld with costs, its appeal against the 2008 judgment of the Lydenburg Equality Court which dismissed its complaint against allegations of hate speech and the use of insulting language.
Wednesday, 03 August 2011
The Commission will appear before the North Gauteng High Court to appeal the judgment of the Lydenburg Equality Magistrate Court which dismissed its complaint regarding allegations of hate speech and the use of insulting language.
The Commission will appear before the North Gauteng High Court to appeal the judgment of the Lydenburg Equality Magistrate Court which dismissed its complaint regarding allegations of hate speech and the use of insulting language.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission is monitoring ongoing developments relating to reported investigations against the Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, and the Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Adv Willie Hofmeyer.
The SA Human Rights Commission is monitoring ongoing developments relating to reported investigations against the Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, and the Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Adv Willie Hofmeyer.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns the alleged torture of an awaiting trial offender at the Pretoria Central Prison.
According to an investigation by a Johannesburg-based radio station, the offender alleged that he was tortured by six warders who claimed to have found him in possession of a smuggled cellphone.
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns the alleged torture of an awaiting trial offender at the Pretoria Central Prison.
According to an investigation by a Johannesburg-based radio station, the offender alleged that he was tortured by six warders who claimed to have found him in possession of a smuggled cellphone.
Date: Wednesday, 13 July 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission confirms that it has lodged opposing papers with the Johannesburg Equality Court.
This is in response to Mr Jon Qwelane’s legal representatives’ decision to ask the court to rescind its default judgment in a complaint that was lodged against him. Mr Qwelane wants the court to hear the complaint against him afresh and provide him with an opportunity to defend himself.
The SA Human Rights Commission confirms that it has lodged opposing papers with the Johannesburg Equality Court.
This is in response to Mr Jon Qwelane’s legal representatives’ decision to ask the court to rescind its default judgment in a complaint that was lodged against him. Mr Qwelane wants the court to hear the complaint against him afresh and provide him with an opportunity to defend himself.
Tursday, 14 July 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission welcomes the swift response by Minister of Human Settlements to allegations that the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality planned to sell vacant land with toilets to residents, instead of building them low-cost houses.
The SA Human Rights Commission welcomes the swift response by Minister of Human Settlements to allegations that the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality planned to sell vacant land with toilets to residents, instead of building them low-cost houses.
Friday, 08 July 2011
The Commission held a successful workshop on Law Enforcement and Police Brutality from 06 – 07 July 2011 at its head office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The two-day event ended on a high note where stakeholders from across the Criminal Justice System committed themselves to an ongoing process of improving the advancement of human rights and policing.
The Commission held a successful workshop on Law Enforcement and Police Brutality from 06 – 07 July 2011 at its head office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The two-day event ended on a high note where stakeholders from across the Criminal Justice System committed themselves to an ongoing process of improving the advancement of human rights and policing.
Date: Thursday: 07 July 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission has found that members of the Presidential Special Protection Unit have violated the rights of Mr Chumani Maxwele of Cape Town.
The SA Human Rights Commission has found that members of the Presidential Special Protection Unit have violated the rights of Mr Chumani Maxwele of Cape Town.
Date: Thursday, 23 June 2011
The Commission joins the rest of the world to mourn the passing away of human rights activist, constitutionalist, and former Cabinet Minister, Prof. Kader Asmal, who passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack.
The Commission joins the rest of the world to mourn the passing away of human rights activist, constitutionalist, and former Cabinet Minister, Prof. Kader Asmal, who passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission welcomes the proactive role played by the South African government in the passing of a resolution by the UN Human Rights Council to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sexed (LGBTI) people.
The SA Human Rights Commission welcomes the proactive role played by the South African government in the passing of a resolution by the UN Human Rights Council to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sexed (LGBTI) people.
Date: Monday, 20 June 2011
On 20th of June each year, South Africa joins the international community in commemorating World Refugee Day. The SA Human Rights Commission views World Refugee Day as a formal opportunity for the South African government, as well as other governments across the world, to re-affirm the values upon which international agreements of refugee protection are based. It is also a time for all sectors of society to reflect on their role, to examine, form and strengthen partnerships on how best to find lasting solutions to the challenges faced by refugees.
On 20th of June each year, South Africa joins the international community in commemorating World Refugee Day. The SA Human Rights Commission views World Refugee Day as a formal opportunity for the South African government, as well as other governments across the world, to re-affirm the values upon which international agreements of refugee protection are based. It is also a time for all sectors of society to reflect on their role, to examine, form and strengthen partnerships on how best to find lasting solutions to the challenges faced by refugees.
The South African Human Rights Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kayum Ahmed, has received a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans Award at a ceremony held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
As the world observes the 2011 Elderly Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, 15 June, the SA Human Rights Commission expresses concern about the ongoing violations of the rights of elderly people. In addition, the Commission is concerned that their contribution to the development of society is largely ignored and unappreciated, particularly their role as mentors and knowledge-carriers.
As the world observes the 2011 Elderly Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, 15 June, the SA Human Rights Commission expresses concern about the ongoing violations of the rights of elderly people. In addition, the Commission is concerned that their contribution to the development of society is largely ignored and unappreciated, particularly their role as mentors and knowledge-carriers.
About us
Understanding PAIA
The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)