Transforming Society
Securing Rights
Restoring Dignity
Attention Editors and Reporters
3 January 2016
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the arrival of the newly appointed Commissioners who have taken office today, 3rd January 2017.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) and UNICEF will release Global Goals for Every Child: progress and Disparities Among Children in South Africa on 14 December 2016. The report speaks to the status of children in South Africa.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has issued a subpoena to Mr Vusi Shongwe, the Member of Executive Council (MEC), Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga, to appear in person before the Commission on Friday, 9 December 2016. This notice to appear before the Commission was issued in terms of section 15 (1) (c) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act, No. 40 of 2013.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) addressed a sitting of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) in Parliament on the matter between the African Diaspora Forum and Others v His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini, on the 7 December 2016, at Parliament in Cape Town.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The 10th of December 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the South African Constitution by then President, Nelson Mandela. On this day, the world will commemorate International Human Rights Day, observed annually in remembrance of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by (the newly formed) United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. This proclamation was the first global expression of human rights and is globally recognised as one of the first major achievements of the fledgling UN.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) recognises progress made in addressing historical inequalities in our public universities, however, patterns of systemic exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination continue to persist.
05 December 2016
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes President Jacob Zuma’s appointment of Commissioners to serve with effect from 03 January 2017.
On 17 November 2016, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), in partnership with the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII), will be hosting a roundtable discussion on budget analysis for advancing socio-economic rights.
Attention Editors
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the video recording circulated on social media of a man being put into a coffin by two other men who threaten to set him alight in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
Attention: Editors
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has instituted proceedings in the Seshego Equality Court (Limpopo) on behalf of a transgendered secondary school learner. The case arises from allegations of humiliation and harassment based on the gender identity of the learner that created a hostile and intimidating environment. The proceedings have been instituted to procure relief for alleged unfair discrimination, harassment, and hurtful speech.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
In October 2016, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was alerted through media reports of a social media post from Mr Tlou Molele, a mathematics teacher at Northern Academy in Polokwane in which he stated, amongst others that white people will “die inferior” and are “Genetic errors”.
22 October 16
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes with concern the South African government’s decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The withdrawal notice has been submitted on the 19th October 2016, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with Article 127(1) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Thursday, 13 October 16
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC, the Commission) notes with concern the growing intensity of student protests and related action at various universities across the country.
Whilst the protests point to underlying and systemic factors that require urgent resolution, the Commission urges all stakeholders to commit to and undertake these efforts in an environment where the best possible outcomes are more likely. Without detracting from or diminishing in anyway the powerful significance of peaceful protest in our country, the Commission condemns protest related action which is destructive and which impacts adversely on others inside and outside universities. The right to protest should not be exercised with disregard for other rights, such the right to dignity (Section 10), the right to life (Section 11), the right to property (Section 25) and the right to security of the person (Section 12) within the framework of the respect for the rule of law.
Friday, September 30, 2016
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes with grave concern, the death of 36 patients who were among the 1300 patients transferred from Life Esidimeni (Esidimeni) to various NGOs. The Commission expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and friends of those who passed away.
Click here to read the full statement
MEDIA INVITE: SAHRC LAUNCHES REPORT ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Thursday, September 29, 2016
[Media briefing on 30 September, 9.30 am; SAHRC National Office; 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein]
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has finalised its much anticipated report into the 31 complaints lodged against the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini (King) for comments attributed to him at a moral regeneration event in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal on or about the 15th March 2015.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the decision by the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, not to allow Pastor Steven Anderson into South Africa as a demonstration of political commitment in the quest to take forward South Africa’s commitment to Resolution 275 by the African Commission, and the provisions of the South African Constitution.
SAHRC REPORT
National Investigative Hearing into the Impact of Protest-related
Action on the Right to a Basic Education in South Africa
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will release a report arising from its National Investigative Hearing into the Impact of Protest-related Action on the Right to a Basic Education in South Africa on 15th September 2016.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) applauds the ruling by the Constitutional Court in the matter of University of Stellenbosch Legal Aid Clinic and Others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others and other related matters to declare that judicial oversight in the granting of emoluments attachment orders (EAO) is a necessary prerequisite.
Attention Editors:
On Tuesday, 13 September 2016 at 10h00 the Constitutional Court will hand down judgment in University of Stellenbosch Legal Aid Clinic and Others v The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others CCT 127/15. The South African Human Rights Commission has participated as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the matter.
The South African Human Rights Commission.
About us
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.
Braampark Forum 3, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)
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