By: Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane & Khanye Mase   

11 September 2018

On the 19th of June 2018, United States of America (USA) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Nikki Haley, announced that the USA would be leaving the Human Rights Council, noting that “we take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organization that makes a mockery of human rights.” The Trump administration’s recent decision has been at the heart of contentious debate and it has been viewed as unpopular amongst the international community. Boris Johnson, the erstwhile Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) stated that the UK aspires to see reform in the Human Rights Council but that they are committed to “working to strengthen the Council from within.” He further stated that “Britain’s support for the human rights council remains steadfast. It is the best tool the international community has to address impunity in an imperfect world and to advance many of our international goals.”

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

11 September 2018

On 29 August 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (‘The Commission’) was made aware of looting and violent attacks on foreign-owned shops in Soweto and other areas around Gauteng. It soon emerged that these incidents were sparked by allegations that foreign-owned shops were selling fake and/or expired goods to the public. Thus, the Commission will investigate the possible human rights violations that arose as a result of the alleged manufacture and sale of fake and/or expired goods.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

12th September 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or ‘Commission’) is deeply concerned by the National Crime Statistics presented by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, and senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials to Parliament's Police Portfolio Committee on the 11th September 2018.

Attention Editors and Reporters
12th September 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has finalised its investigative report containing its findings and recommendations in the matter of SC Weiss and South African Jewish Board of Deputies (the SAJBD) as the First and Second Complainants, respectively, and Mr. Tony Ehrenreich as the Respondent.

Thursday, 6 September 2018

Attention: Editors

The South African Human Rights Commission wishes to clarify its position on land expropriation following misleading press reports published in various media today to the effect: “SAHRC opposed to land expropriation without compensation”.

26 August 2018

“Racist” ANC member condemned
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Board member and anti-apartheid struggle veteran, Prema Naidoo, yesterday condemned Suzanne Govender, a now former ANC Youth League eThekwini regional executive committee member.

28 August 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission says it has received more than 50 complaints of hate speech and racism against Adam Catzavelos' racist video.

28 august 2018

Cape Town - Racial slurs marred one of the three ANC Western Cape regional conferences at the weekend, but there is still no clear sign as to when the party will elect a permanent provincial leader.

28 August 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission has released a scathing report on the damage mining in the country is posing to human rights. The conclusion paints a dark picture: “[T]he mining sector is riddled with challenges related to land, housing, water, [and] the environment.”
What’s more, the commission found that the government is responsible for the harm done to mining-affected communities because of its “failure to monitor compliance, poor enforcement, and a severe lack of coordination.”

29 August 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has taken steps to help residents of Lavender Hill and the surrounding areas with the ongoing gang violence.