The South African Human Rights Commission has concluded its nine provincial hearings into human rights in Farming Communities. Both State and Civil Society had an opportunity in each of these provincial hearings to speak about the human rights problems and challenges facing farming communities. Both sectors have spoken about their programmes and the effectiveness of state policies and laws within Farming Communities.
Given the content of provincial submissions, the Commission has found it necessary to call all relevant national departments to hearings where they could speak of their policies, laws and programmes in all provinces.
These hearing will be focusing on the following human rights issues:
- Safety and security
- Land rights and tenure
- And socio economic rights
The National hearings will be made up of the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, two Commissioners and two external experts, which will oversee this hearing. A legal team from the SAHRC will lead evidence from witnesses.
"The Commission believes that these hearings should be set up in a non-accusatory manner as the hearings should provide an opportunity to gather all the facts and seek systematic redress" said MC Moodliar, Head of Legal Services in the Commission. Interpreters have been arranged for translation.
The National government hearings are open to the public and will be held between the 4-6 December 2002 at the Conference Centre at the University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road from 10h00-16h00.
Issued by: The South African Human Rights Commission
For further information contact
Commissioner Charlotte McClain on 083 357 0980
Top
of Page
