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.

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.

Monday, 07 May 2012

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.