 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
SAHRC
When the enforcement of irrational laws oppress the rights of the vulnerable
Police regularly arrest people for the supposed offence of “dronk op straat”. The procedure following the arrest involves the detention of the suspected drunk person in police holding cells for a minimum of four hours before release. All too often, these suspected drunk people are released late at night or in the early, pre-dawn, hours of the morning. Thereafter many are left to walk long distances to their homes.
The only reasonable conclusion one can reach, for the practice is to lock suspected drunk people up, to sober up. Whether this practice has a legitimate function in law, is in question?
International Conference of Information Commissioners 2019 - Information Regulators from across the globe to meet in Johannesburg to discuss right to information
MEDIA STATEMENT
“Information is an asset, information is knowledge, and information is power”
6th March 2019
Attention: Editors
Information regulators from around the globe are set to meet in Johannesburg from the 10-13 March 2019 at the Vodacom Commercial Park for the International Conference of Information Commissioners (the ICIC2019), an international gathering of Information Commissioners from more than twenty five (25) countries and representing all continents, who will gather to discuss the right of access to information (RTI). The right to information is provided for in a number of human rights instruments internationally and regionally, and in national constitutions globally.
The cycle of the menstrual burden
The neglect of women’s sexual and reproductive health is pervasive. Women continue to suffer discrimination in health related issues like menstruation. It is important to note that lack of access to sanitary towels not only has adverse effects on school attendance but it also has ripple effects on the economic development of communities and countries as a whole. It is not just the girls and women who benefit from having proper menstrual hygiene, the broader society and national economies can profit from better menstruation management. Therefore, women’s sexual and reproductive health are not just women’s issues but are societal issues.
Media Statement: SAHRC to Host Key Stakeholder Engagement with the Media
5th March 2019
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC), invites editors, senior journalists and reporters to participate in a formal engagement with the Commission, the South African National Editor’s Forum (SANEF), other media and interested stakeholders to strengthen the Commission’s relationship with the media and to share its work in the last year.
Media Alert: Commissioners of the SAHRC to Inspect Schools in the Western Cape
Attention Editors and Reporters
5th March 2019
Commissioner André Gaum and Commissioner Chris Nissen of the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) will be visiting Fairdale Primary and High Schools, along with Tsitsa Primary School and Nalikamva Primary School in Mfuleni, Western Cape on Tuesday, the 5th March 2019.
Media Statement: SAHRC welcomes the cabinet decision on the ratification of OPCAT
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 04 March 2019
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) welcomes the cabinet decision of 28 February 2019, to refer the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) to parliament for ratification in terms of section 231 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Commission would like to commend the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable John Jeffery for his role and support in this regard.
Media Statement: SAHRC to Host Key Stakeholder Engagement with the Media
1st March 2019
Justice Kate O’Regan, former Constitutional Court judge, outlining the importance of media freedom in South African National Defence Union v Minister of Defence and Another, stated that:
“Freedom of expression lies at the heart of a democracy. It is valuable for many reasons, including its instrumental function as a guarantor of democracy, its implicit recognition and protection of the moral agency of individuals in our society and its facilitation of the search for truth by individuals and society generally.”
SAHRC calls on SuperSport employees to make submissions on racism allegations
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called on SuperSport employees to make submissions that could help in its investigations into allegations of racism. The call comes after former Springbok winger, Ashwin Willemse, made racism allegations against two of his colleagues Nick Mallett and Naas Botha.
SAHRC concerned over sexual abuse at schools
The South African Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the increasing cases of sexual abuse at schools.
The commission yesterday visited the Curro Academy in Mahikeng, North West, following reports that a nine-year-old boy was raped at the school while waiting for transport. The school failed to produce CCTV footage of the school's premises showing the incident due to load-shedding occurring during the alleged incident.
Family ordered to pay R200,000 to worker who was force-fed faeces
The South African Human Rights Commission has welcomed a decision by the Equality Court, which ordered a Springs family to pay a former worker R200,000 in damages after force-feeding him faeces. Joseph Mona was allegedly called a "useless k****r" by his employer‚ Harry Leicester‚ in December 2017 after he failed to switch on a septic tank pump.
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)