Attention: Editors and Reporters
11 December 2018
On 11-12 December 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”), Western Cape Provincial Office in partnership with CESVI, will be hosting information sessions to amplify basic human rights awareness enshrined in “Chapter 2 of the Constitution – the Bill of Rights”. The information sessions are centered under the theme “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities”.
Attention Editors and Reporters
9th December 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) will be releasing its annual report on trends in human rights violations in South Africa, the Trends Analysis Report for the financial year 2016/2017 on the 10thDecember 2018, at its head office at Braampark, Forum Three, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein.
Attention Editors and Reporters
4 December 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) condemns the acts of looting and vandalism that occurred at a Vodacom store at the Mall of the North in Polokwane, on Sunday the 2nd December 2018. The store was stormed and damage was caused by a group of people, allegedly wearing Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) regalia.
Attention Editors and Reporters
4 December 2018
In November 2018, the SAHRC (the Commission) became aware, through various social media platforms, of a tweet posted by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba in which he stated the following “we are not going to sit back and allow people like you to bring us Ebolas in the name of small business. Health of our people first. Our health facilities are already stretched to the limit”.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
04 December 2018
On 05th December 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission will host roundtable discussions to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 3 December 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of PwD in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme for 2018 is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”. This theme is inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which pledges to “leave no one behind”.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
30 NOVEMBER 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) will conduct an inspection of key discharge points in the City of Ekurhuleni which are responsible for removal of effluent flowing into the Vaal River. These key plants are allegedly the point of discharge of the pollutant-containing effluent.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
29 November 2018
The SAHRC, Legal Aid SA and ProBono.Org will be hosting an outreach clinic at Warwick Junction in Durban. This initiative is designed to inform the community about their rights and responsibilities; to create a platform for the community to engage directly with stakeholders and to provide a free legal advisory desk.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
28 November 2018
In the last few years, the South African Human Rights Commission in Mpumalanga (“Commission”) has received a number of complaints relating to sewerage spillages and waste water treatment challenges in various municipalities in Mpumalanga. The complaints alleged that the sewerage spillages and/or the inadequate treatment of waste water violated the affected communities’ right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being (section 24 of the Constitution), as well as the affected communities’ right to clean water (section 27 of the Constitution) and their right to dignity (section 10 of the Constitution).
Attention: Editors and Reporters
26 November 2018
On 27 – 28 November 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”), Western Cape Provincial Office in partnership with GCIS, will be hosting information sessions to amplify basic human rights awareness enshrined in chapter 2 of the Constitution – the Bill of Rights. The information sessions are centered under the theme “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities”.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
21 NOVEMBER 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) Gauteng Provincial Office in collaboration with the Network or African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), will host a National Consultation on the African Commission Principles on Decriminalisation of Petty Offences in Africa.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
20 November 2018
On 20 – 22 November 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) will be hosting capacity building workshops to amplify basic human rights awareness with the specific focus to the right of access to courts enshrined in section 34 read with sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution. The workshops are centered under the theme “My Right to Use Courts Responsibly”, and are intended to equip rural communities with information on the content of the right of access to courts.
15th November 2018
Attention: Editors and Reporters
South Africa ratified the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), two decades after it was signed by former President Nelson Mandela. In terms of the Convention, South Africa presented its report about how it was faring in making rights a reality on 12 October 2018 to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission), which also has a standing with the United Nations Committee provided its own independent report about the level of progress achieved by the State under the Convention.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
14 November 2018
On 16-18 November 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission will host roadshows in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality.
In the last financial year the Free State Provincial Office visited the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality. The sites visited highlighted the need to intensify human rights awareness campaigns in rural and far-flung areas of the province. During the visits, the delegation of the Free State Office established that there has been an upsurge in farm evictions and many farm dwellers in these areas visited face many challenges when they are evicted illegally with their homes often being destroyed upon eviction.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Tuesday, 13 November 2018
In its efforts to promote a culture of and the observance of human rights, today, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African Police Service (SAPS). Both parties recognised that the duty to protect people and property has implications for the promotion and protection of human rights and ensuring that peace and security is maintained in our democracy.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
12 November 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will host a public outreach clinic in the uMngeni Local Municipality from the 13 – 16 November 2018.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
12 November 2018
On 13 – 15 November 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”), Mpumalanga Provincial Office (MPO), will be hosting information sessions to amplify basic human rights awareness enshrined in “Chapter 2 of the Constitution – the Bill of Rights. The information sessions are centered under the theme “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.
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)