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Thursday, 31 May 2012
Today, the South African government will appear before the 13th Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations in Geneva. The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council in which States peer review each other’s human rights record every 4 ½ years. The purpose of this process is to improve the human rights situation on the ground in Member States.
Today, the South African government will appear before the 13th Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations in Geneva. The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council in which States peer review each other’s human rights record every 4 ½ years. The purpose of this process is to improve the human rights situation on the ground in Member States.
Date: Friday, 11 May 2012
The South African Rights Commission welcomes the steps taken by State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele to ensure that the Protection of Information Bill passes constitutional muster. The Protection of Information Bill in its current form is unconstitutional and unjustifiably limits people’s basic right to access information. The receptiveness of the Minister to the concerns expressed by the Commission, civil society and the public is commended.
The South African Rights Commission welcomes the steps taken by State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele to ensure that the Protection of Information Bill passes constitutional muster. The Protection of Information Bill in its current form is unconstitutional and unjustifiably limits people’s basic right to access information. The receptiveness of the Minister to the concerns expressed by the Commission, civil society and the public is commended.
Monday, 07 May 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission has observed with concern the abuse of social media to perpetuate racism and discrimination.
The SA Human Rights Commission has observed with concern the abuse of social media to perpetuate racism and discrimination.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission is concerned about the number of road accidents involving the VIP Protection Unit. In addition, the Commission is calling for the Ministries of Police and Transport to urgently review guidelines on the usage of blue lights.
The SA Human Rights Commission is concerned about the number of road accidents involving the VIP Protection Unit. In addition, the Commission is calling for the Ministries of Police and Transport to urgently review guidelines on the usage of blue lights.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission (Commission) will commemorate this year’s Human Rights Month by launching the first phase of its national hearings on water and sanitation on Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 6 Spin Street, Cape Town from 08:30 – 14:30. The Commission’s commemorations will take place under the theme of Constitutional accountability, the right to dignity and the progressive realisation of the right to water and sanitation in South Africa. The hearings are in accordance with the Commission’s mandate to monitor and assess the observance of human rights.
The SA Human Rights Commission (Commission) will commemorate this year’s Human Rights Month by launching the first phase of its national hearings on water and sanitation on Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 6 Spin Street, Cape Town from 08:30 – 14:30. The Commission’s commemorations will take place under the theme of Constitutional accountability, the right to dignity and the progressive realisation of the right to water and sanitation in South Africa. The hearings are in accordance with the Commission’s mandate to monitor and assess the observance of human rights.
Date: 13 March 2012
The South African Human Rights Commission kicked-off its 2012 Human Rights Month Campaign at the Rammolutsi Township in Viljoenskroon in the Free State.
The South African Human Rights Commission kicked-off its 2012 Human Rights Month Campaign at the Rammolutsi Township in Viljoenskroon in the Free State.
Media Advisory
What: High-level experts share their views on the 2012-13 National Budget
When: Thursday 23 February 2012, from 8:30 to 11:00
Where: 6 Spin Street Restaurant, 6 Spin Street, Cape Town
What: High-level experts share their views on the 2012-13 National Budget
When: Thursday 23 February 2012, from 8:30 to 11:00
Where: 6 Spin Street Restaurant, 6 Spin Street, Cape Town
Wednesday, 01 February 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns the reported use of excessive force by police to disperse protesters in Rondebosch in Cape Town. The Commission is in possession of photos and videos showing the alleged brutal attacks on the protesters by the Police. In addition, it is not at all clear to the Commission why a protest march against poor service delivery or the lack thereof is seen as a criminal act by the police as demonstrated by their aggressive reaction in this particular matter.
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns the reported use of excessive force by police to disperse protesters in Rondebosch in Cape Town. The Commission is in possession of photos and videos showing the alleged brutal attacks on the protesters by the Police. In addition, it is not at all clear to the Commission why a protest march against poor service delivery or the lack thereof is seen as a criminal act by the police as demonstrated by their aggressive reaction in this particular matter.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The South African Human Rights Commission is still continuing with its investigation of a complaint relating to poor water quality and service delivery in the eMalahleni Municipal area in Mpumalanga.
The South African Human Rights Commission is still continuing with its investigation of a complaint relating to poor water quality and service delivery in the eMalahleni Municipal area in Mpumalanga.
Monday, 23 January 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission is concerned about the homophobic utterances allegedly made by King Goodwill Zwelithini. The Commission will be writing to the King to ascertain whether he did in fact make such statements and if he did, to immediately retract them.
The SA Human Rights Commission is concerned about the homophobic utterances allegedly made by King Goodwill Zwelithini. The Commission will be writing to the King to ascertain whether he did in fact make such statements and if he did, to immediately retract them.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development exempts certain private bodies from submitting information manuals to the SAHRC in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development exempts certain private bodies from submitting information manuals to the SAHRC in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).
Friday, 06 January 2012
The SA Human Rights Commission (the Commission) condemns the reported attack on two teenage girls by a group of men at the Noord taxi rank in Johannesburg during December 2011.
The SA Human Rights Commission (the Commission) condemns the reported attack on two teenage girls by a group of men at the Noord taxi rank in Johannesburg during December 2011.
Monday, 12 December 2011
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns this morning’s execution of Ms Janice Linden by China after she was arrested for drug-possession in 2008. According to reports she was subsequently sentenced to death in 2009. Her sentence is a violation of commonly accepted basic human rights, particularly the rights to life and dignity.
The SA Human Rights Commission condemns this morning’s execution of Ms Janice Linden by China after she was arrested for drug-possession in 2008. According to reports she was subsequently sentenced to death in 2009. Her sentence is a violation of commonly accepted basic human rights, particularly the rights to life and dignity.
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.
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)