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The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, welcomes the appointment by President Ramaphosa of two special envoys to engage with the deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe.  However, we regret the characterisation of a situation of serious human rights violations as “difficulties”, and urge President Ramaphosa to ensure that South Africa’s approach is not one of “quiet diplomacy” at the expense of addressing the underlying issues of impunity and lack of accountability. Given that South Africa is currently chairing the African Union, it is of increased importance for President Ramaphosa to take a clear stand against erosions of constitutional governance and the rule of law, and to insist on accountability for violations of human rights in Zimbabwe.

In answer to the question “What would it take to turn the tide of the negation of women’s rights”, a webinar commemorating Women’s Month identified two main responses: the need for mobilisation at grass root street level, and the need for building closer partnerships between men and women to achieve the full dignity and equality of women and men.

The Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa (ICLA), University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa, Nairobi, Kenya cordially invites you to an Online Seminar under the theme “Assessing the Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic regulations on Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Eastern and Southern Africa”

The first issue of the 2020 volume of the African Human Rights Law Journal (AHRLJ) is published today (6 August 2020). The publication of this volume of the AHRLJ marks twenty years since the Journal has first appeared.  The African Human Rights Law Journal, which is the only scholarly journal focused on the African regional human rights system, is published by the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP), in association with the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria.  

Understanding Indigenous People’s rights from a global perspective

In conversation with Professor Cyndy Baskin

The COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor Coordinating Group express their alarm about increasing police violence against persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic, and are calling on governments around the world to take urgent steps to prevent acts of brutality.

The International Development Law Unit (IDLU) at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Boston University, Global Development Policy Center, the SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC-DFRC), the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa recently published a report that articulates how development finance can play a significant role in helping SADC countries shift toward more renewable and accessible energy sources for their countries.

This webinar hosted jointly by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Leading Like Mandela Institute, the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the United Nations, in a series of online “Mandela Talks” honours these legacies, celebrates the power of women to rise above adversity in creating a better world and remembers the indomitable spirit of Zindzi Mandela, a great daughter of the nation.

The most recent volume of the Global Campus Human Rights Journal was published on 31 July 2020. It comprises a special focus feature, foregrounding selected developments in the area of children’s rights’. The special focus results from a cooperation agreement between the Global Campus of Human Rights and the Right Livelihood Foundation. 

In 2017, the Assembly of the African Union adopted the “African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020”. The Silencing the Guns campaign is part of the broader vision of Agenda 2063 with the goal of achieving the ‘Africa We Want’. It aims to ensure a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa with inclusive and sustainable development. In 2020, as part of the practical steps, the African Union has kicked off the Silencing the Guns campaign, targeting its member states as they are the primary duty-bearers to ensure peace and security, and the realisation of human rights within their respective jurisdictions and beyond.

The Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) invites you to the virtual book launch of Exploring the link between poverty and human rights in Africa

This book, edited by Ebenezer Durojaye and Gladys Mirugi-Mukundi, addresses poverty, one of the important issues confronting Africa, from a multi-disciplinary approach. With contributions from eminent scholars from diverse backgrounds, the book explores poverty from a human rights perspective. Its central message is that poverty is not necessarily a failure on the part of an individual, but rather caused by the actions or inactions of governments, which are often exacerbated by structural inequalities in many African societies. This in turn requires a more pragmatic approach grounded in respect for human rights. Exploring the link between poverty and human rights in Africa will be useful to researchers, policymakers, students, activists, and others interested in addressing poverty.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, wishes to congratulate Prof Charles Maimela on his appointment as the Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning of the Faculty of Law for the period 1 August 2020 to 30 April 2024. He joins the Dean, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, at the helm of the faculty ship as it faces the stormy waters of a COVID-19 world.

(Op-Ed by Dr Ashwanne Budoo)

Since the new wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in December 2019, many states around the world have taken drastic steps including lockdowns and quarantine to ensure the minimal spread of the virus.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee last week adopted comprehensive standards on the way in which States should deal with peaceful assemblies. These guidelines are authoritative for the 173 States in the world that have ratified the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The 18-member committee of international experts adopted the General Comment as the culmination of a two-year process. The process was led by Professor Christof Heyns, former Director of the Centre for Human Rights, current Director of the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa at the University of Pretoria and a member of the Committee. He was supported by colleagues in the Faculty of Law and a doctoral student from Kenya.

(By Professor Daniel Bradlow)

African sovereign debtors are caught on the horns of a dilemma. On the one hand, they are obliged to help their populations deal with the COVID virus. This requires them to mobilize as quickly as possible the maximum available resources to spend on health care and on supporting people facing hunger, homelessness and unemployment. However, they know that they cannot raise sufficient financing for these purposes merely by mobilizing domestic resources and accessing official sources of finance. 

(Op-Ed by Prof Daniel Bradlow)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a R70 billion (US$4.3 billion) loan for South Africa to help the country manage the immediate consequences of the fallout from COVID-19. The Conversation Africa’s editor, Caroline Southey, asked Danny Bradlow to shed some light on what South Africans should expect.

The Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria will be hosting a session on “Civil society in the digital age in Africa: identifying threats and mounting pushbacks” at the 2020 RightsCon.

On 23 July 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the University of Ghana and the University of Nairobi, hosted the first online Julius Osega Memorial Lecture. The theme of this year’s lecture was Governance and human rights in Africa. 

As part of Mandela Month, during which we remember the birth date of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on 18 July 1918, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with Leading Like Mandela Institute and the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, hosted the first in a series of online Mandela Talks.

(Op-Ed by Prof Daniel Bradlow)

The South African government has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $4.2 billion.

The money would come from a facility that provides financing to countries facing an urgent balance of payments need, without the need to have a full-fledged program in place.

The Centre for Human Rights calls on the African Commission through the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to urgently issue an appeal to the Zimbabwean government to respect and abide by its human rights obligations under the African Charter and other international law. This ongoing crackdown, if left unchecked, will cement the culture of impunity and entrench unwarranted arrests of journalists and human rights defenders. The Centre for Human Rights also takes this opportunity to impress upon the relevant authorities the need to respect constitutional provisions on media freedom and free expression and reiterates that journalism is not a crime, but a crucial element in the exercise of freedom of expression and an essential component of democracy that is also instrumental in fighting against corruption. Journalists and other media practitioners deserve protection.

Applications are invited for the position of “Junior Graphic Designer” at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. 

The Centre for Human Rights' Human Rights and Democratisation class of 2020 take pleasure in inviting you to a Webinar on the Implication of armed conflict on women and the need for a ceasefire in Cameroon

#Tech4Rights: The importance of technology and human rights

In conversation with Ms Hlengiwe Dube 

On 20 April 2020, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) launched an international survey to monitor state measures concerning persons with disabilities amid the pandemic. The initial analysis of the ongoing global survey has revealed grave and systemic violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights of persons with disabilities detained in large- and small-scale institutions, which have become the epicenter of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

The University of Ghana and the University of Nairobi in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria cordially invite you to the Julius Osega Memorial Lecture 2020 under the theme - "Governance and human rights in Africa". 

This year, Mandela Day comes at as opportune a time as ever. As the novel coronavirus surges ahead with alarming alacrity, we are fortunate to be reminded that we can draw inspiration from Madiba’s life. For many of us, COVID-19 poses the challenge of being isolated, disconnected, depressed and losing our sense of being grounded. During the 27 years of his incarceration, Madiba transcended his isolation and disconnection. We are reminded, and should draw encouragement, from how he strengthened his purpose and resolve under extremely trying circumstances, and constantly shaped himself in preparation of his influential role that left an impact on us all. For those among us who have faced or are confronting illness or loss due to COVID-19, Madiba’s example of courage and perseverance speaks loudly and reassuringly.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (the Centre), is implementing a two-year project on Children’s Privacy in the Digital Sphere. The overall goal of the project is to promote enhanced protection for children’s right to privacy in the digital sphere in Africa. This goal will be achieved through three main interventions: research for evidence and knowledge building on the standards and practice on children privacy online; evidence-based advocacy for children’s privacy in the digital sphere, and capacity building to enhance the development and implementation of relevant protections to enhance online privacy for children. The first pillar of the project entails knowledge building on the regional and domestic standards governing children’s privacy when navigating the internet. One of the main components of this aspect is a regional study that seeks to foster an evidence-based understanding of key issues relating to children’s privacy online in the African context.

The Centre for Human Rights, Human Rights and Democratisation class of 2020 take pleasure in inviting you to a Webinar on the Relevance of The African Union's "Silencing the Guns" Campaign for African Civil Society

As part of Mandela Month, during which we remember the birth date of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on 18 July 1918, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Leading Like Mandela Institute and the Thembekile Mandela Foundation are jointly hosting the first in a series of online Mandela Talks.

The Centre for Human Rights' Human Rights and Democratisation class of 2020 take pleasure in inviting you to a Webinar on "Silencing the Guns" - A focus on child soldiers and women in conflict. 

Over the last decade governments across the continent have introduced a plethora of legal restrictions aimed at tackling disinformation and other kinds of “false” or “misleading” information. More recently, COVID-19 has prompted some governments, such as in South Africa, to pass emergency measures which also criminalise disinformation as it relates to the pandemic.

The Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is hosting a discussion that will draw out the ways in which governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are tackling the disinformation challenge and delve into the issues these pose for the enjoyment of human rights and freedom of expression in particular in both theory and practice.

The Centre for Human Rights made a statement on the human rights situation in Africa during the 66th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Centre has been enjoying observer status as NGO with the African Commission since 1993. The 66th session is the first Commission Session to take place virtually.

On 7 July 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, hosted a follow-up webinar on privacy and data protection in Africa in the COVID-19 context. Privacy and data protection practitioners from Africa analysed the current status of data protection and privacy on the continent. In the responses to COVID-19, there is collection, sharing, storage and processing of personal information. This raises questions regarding Africa’s preparedness to the security, management and protection of personal information and safeguarding the right to privacy. The webinar assessed privacy and data protection approaches in the various responses to COVID-19. 

The Centre for Human Rights welcomes the passing of the Civil Union Amendment Bill by South Africa’s second legislative body, the National Council of Provinces (NCP). The Amendment Bill repeals section 6 of the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 (CUA), which had provided that a marriage officer may, in writing, inform the Minister of Home Affairs that he or she objects to solemnising a civil union between persons of the same sex on the ground of conscience, religion, and belief. This provision had long been a barrier to the legal recognition of same-sex couples by marriage officers in the Department of Home Affairs.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum12 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

Institutional racism and how it manifests in the African context

In conversation with Dr Joel Modiri

On 2 July 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, hosted the eleventh in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights on human rights and democratisation in Africa. The discussion was held in Zoom.

(Please note that this is a re-advertisement for some of the countries from the initial call if you have applied previously you need not reapply)

The Centre for Human Rights has previously published research on the impact of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (The African Charter) as well as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The research was in the form of two editions of a publication, The Impact of the African Charter and the Maputo Protocol in selected African states published in 2012 and 2016 respectively.  The Centre is building on this work through a new publication focusing solely on the impact of the Maputo Protocol. 

On 2 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria hosted a webinar to discuss the challenges faced by hyper-androgenic women in competitive sports, with a focus on Caster Semenya. Members of the panel were Commissioner Advocate Mohamed Shafie Armeemia (from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)), Professor Steve Cornelius (from the University of Pretoria), Bianca Kapp (a lawyer and researcher on hyperandrogenism in sports), Joshua Sehoole (a South Africa based human rights activist), and Tapiwa Mamhare (a human rights lawyer and project officer at the Centre).

On 29 June 2020, the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) in collaboration with China Accountability Project (CAP), organised a webinar on COVID-19 and its impact on Chinese investments in Africa.

On 30 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights hosted a webinar onon elections in South Africa and whether individual candidacy will change the game.  In June 2020, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled the electoral act unconstitutional, for failing to permit individuals to run for a seat in the national or provincial legislatures. No doubt, the Court’s ruling will have significant implications for South African politics – especially for the upcoming national elections slated for 2024. For individuals who have been left outside of party politics, the Constitutional Court’s new ruling represents an opportunity to re-engage with the system, launch an election campaign of their own, and vie for a seat in the legislature. For voters, apathetic ones especially, the court’s ruling will expand the pool of candidates offering them more choices at the ballot box. 

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, is hosting a follow-up webinar on privacy and data protection in Africa in the COVID-19 context. Privacy and data protection practitioners from Africa will analyse the current status of data protection and privacy in continent. In the responses to COVID-19, there is collection, sharing, storage and processing of personal information. This raises questions regarding Africa’s preparedness to the security, management and protection of personal information and safeguarding the right to privacy. This will assess privacy and data protection approaches in the various responses to COVID-19. 

The Centre for Human Rights welcomes the news that the legislature of the Gabonese Republic (‘Gabon’) has voted to pass a landmark bill to decriminalise homosexuality in the country. The amendment removes an ‘offence against morality’ provision in the Penal Code which prohibits ‘sexual relations between persons of the same sex’, stipulating up to six months in prison and a fine of five million CFA francs (about US$8,600) for anyone found guilty.

On 25 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the tenth in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights is inviting experts and practitioners in the area of privacy and data protection to submit abstracts for a conference and book project. Contributions can be in the context of national, regional and international human rights on legal, regulatory, academic and technological developments and other perspectives on privacy and data protection. This project is meant to build upon existing scholarly work on data protection and data privacy in Africa. The book publication will be preceded by a conference that will be held in October 2020. Book chapters will be selected from the conference manuscripts.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum11 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

The 2020 Helen Kanzira Memorial Lecture was co-hosted by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa and the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Lagos-Nigeria. The lecture was presented online and held on 18 June 2020. The theme of this year’s lecture was Gender inequalities, social inequities and maternal deaths.

In June 2020, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled the electoral act unconstitutional, for failing to permit individuals to run for a seat in the national or provincial legislatures. The Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is hosting a discussion on the judgment and its implications for South African politics. The discussion aims to unpack the ruling, the actors it implicates and considers what the new electoral act could look like taking into account the Court’s directives.

On 23 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights facilitated a discussion on data protection and privacy issues in Africa. Data protection authorities explored the status of privacy and data protection on the continent. They highlighted the milestones and challenges faced in the adoption and implementation of data protection legislation. The discussion also included privacy and protection of personal information in the context of COVID-19 and steps that have been adopted to ensure that individual privacy is protected while trying to achieve the broader goal of the protecting public health.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum 10 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

What role does international law play in curbing the challenges presented by COVID- 19? 

In conversation with Prof Dire Tladi

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, invites tenders for an Evaluation of a Grant titled RAF-16/0027, CAPACITY-BUIDING TO ADVANCE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (CAHRDA), and funded by the Norwegian Government to the Centre for Human Rights. In this process, it will target at least three specific potential tenderers, and will further widely disseminate this `Invitation to Tender’.

On 19 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the ninth in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

On 16 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held a webinar organised by the Children’s Rights Unit on the occasion of the Day of the African Child 2020. The webinar focused on the issue of access to a child friendly justice system in Africa, against the backdrop of the 30 year anniversary of the adoption of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, will host a webinar on data privacy, protection and security in Africa in the COVID-19 context. The discussion will be centred on the notion that while the most urgent on the governments’ agenda is the protection of public health to ensure the pandemic is halted, personal privacy should not be undermined. Also, taking into consideration that the right to privacy is not an absolute right but limitations should be prescribed by law, necessary and proportionate and serve a legitimate aim. Representatives of the African Network of Data Protection Authorities will discuss these data protection and privacy issues on the continent generally and specifically in the context of COVID-19. The discussion on COVID-19 is centred on striking a balance between protecting public health and privacy. The webinar will be held in English and French.

On 11 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the eighth in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

Today, Global Partners Digital (GPD), ARTICLE 19, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), PROTEGE QV and the Center for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, jointly launched an interactive map to track and analyze disinformation laws, policies, and patterns of enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa.

(Op-Ed by Women's Rights Unit)

Youth Day in South Africa commemorates the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976.[1]  It is the day that many black students went on a protest rally against an official order which made Afrikaans compulsory in black township schools throughout the country.[2] The day is celebrated in order to recognize the role of the youth in the liberation of South Africa from the Apartheid regime.[3]  On this basis, the African Union designated 16 June as the Day of the African Child.  This year, Africa on this day commemorates the adoption, 30 years ago, of the AU’s main human rights treaty, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. As we at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, remember the past, we also draw attention to the challenges that the present COVID-19 crisis presents to the youth particularly within educational settings. 

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum 9 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

The South African Constitutional Court’s recent judgment requiring Parliament to amend the Electoral Act is remarkable for two reasons. In this judgment, the Court for the first time ever placed reliance on a judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. This hopefully marks the beginning of a continuous dialogue between the highest South African and African Union courts. Through this judgment, the Court has set a process in motion that would see the end of the closed party-list proportional representation to the national and provincial legislatures. This is a welcome development, and provides an opportunity not only to expand citizen participation in the electoral process, but also in the drafting of the new Electoral Act. 

With the recent happenings in the world: racism, police brutality, rape, and femicide, a number of Centre for Human Rights HRDA alumni came together with others to provide a message of hope and solidarity. In this video, Ms Mary Izobo (HRDA 2015), Ms Hibo Mahad (HRDA 2015), Ms Aminata Ly (HRDA 2015) and Ms Khuraisha Patel (HRDA 2015), alongside Ms Greta Dunn, Ms Neda Grozeva, Ms Khanyo Farise and Ms Rita Jacques provide this message: "We may look different and speak different languages, but we are one race - the human race. Hoping that our voices will be heard and we can contribute towards the wave of change."

The Centre for Human Rights (CHR), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is an internationally recognised institution combining academic excellence and impactful activism to advance human rights, particularly in Africa. Through education, research and advocacy, to support the African Union’s infrastructure and improve the enjoyment of human rights on the continent.

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) held its inaugural session in March 2004. With the PAP now marking 16 years of operation, the CHR is commissioning an evidence-based analytical study to assess (a) the way in which the PAP has executed its functions and exercised its powers; (b) the extent to which it has achieved its objectives; and (c) the factors that have supported and constrained it in its operations. In particular, the study examines how the PAP has helped close the ‘democratic deficit’ in AU governance, while exploring the AU’s attempts to convert PAP into a fully-fledged legislative institution for the African continent.

On 9 June 2020, The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Regional Office for Southern Africa, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (UP), convened a webinar on the right of peaceful assembly in Southern Africa in the context of COVID-19.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, notes with grave concern the instances of death and other human rights violations due to excessive force during law enforcement in South Africa. We note that these are not isolated instances, but are linked to inequalities based on race.

“The disturbingly high rate of arrest-related deaths, and its structural causes, in particular as far as it relates to racial inequalities, must be investigated and addressed with great urgency and seriousness”, said Frans Viljoen, the Centre’s Director. 

The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, and the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invite you to the Annual Helen Kanzira Memorial Lecture, which will be presented online.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to a webinar organised by the Children’s Rights Unit on the occasion of the Day of the African Child 2020. The webinar will speak to the issue of access to a child friendly justice system in Africa, against the backdrop of the 30 year anniversary of the adoption of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

These are some of the African organisations that have been in the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic by putting the interests of persons with albinism at the fore, as we prepare to celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June 2020.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum 8 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

Covid-19 and the impacts of concomitant government regulations on women

In conversation with Ms Patience Mungwari

In commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June 2020, these are some of the voices from women with Albinism in Africa telling us how they are #MadeToShine

On 4 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the seventh in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Regional Office for Southern Africa, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (UP), is convening a webinar on the right of peaceful assembly in Southern Africa in the context of COVID-19.

The Centre for Human Rights, in partnership with the United Nations Independent Expert on Albinism, Open Society Foundations and other organisers takes pleasure in inviting you to an online albinism celebration to commemorate International Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June 2020. The celebration is a global event which features various artists with albinism from all over the world. 

On 2 June 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held a webinar on challenges of hyperandrogenic women in competitive sports. The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum 7 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

A webinar on the theme “Assessing the implications of Covid-19 pandemic regulations on human rights and the rule of law in Africa,” is planned for 11-12 August 2020. It is organized by the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa and Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa - Nairobi, Kenya. 

Since 20 April 2020, through a global survey, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) has been gathering data to conduct rapid independent monitoring of state measures concerning persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to a webinar to discuss the impact of the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) Regulations on the human rights of hyperandrogenic female athletes.

On 28 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the sixth in a series of discussions, which are now open to the public. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (UP), with the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held its annual Advanced Human Rights Course (AHRC) on the judicial enforcement of socio-economic rights in Africa from 18 to 22 May 2020. The course was delivered for the first time in a virtual format.

On 26 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held a webinar organised by the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit to unpack the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on elections on the African continent. The discussion was held in Zoom.

The right to access to justice for persons with disabilities

In conversation with Ms Dianah Msipa

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, takes pleasure in inviting you to our COVID-19 Discussion Fora. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. This Discussion Forum is part of a series of events at which the panelists are alumni of the academic programmes of the Centre. While these Fora had initially been targeting only the Centre’s staff and alumni, they are now public. The panelists of Forum 6 are all alumni of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation Africa (HRDA).

On 21 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the fifth in a series of discussions with Centre alumni, students and staff. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa.The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to a webinar organised by the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit to unpack the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on elections on the African continent.

As governments attempt to tackle the unprecedented public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are deeply concerned that women and girls are suffering even more egregious violations of their human rights. In the absence of gender-sensitive intersectional responses, different forms of systemic discrimination already faced by women and girls will be exacerbated. The dramatic increase in women’s caregiving responsibilities, the rise in what was already an epidemic of sexual and domestic violence, the continued feminization of poverty, the proliferation of barriers to healthcare, especially pregnancy-related healthcare, will profoundly jeopardize women’s safety and well-being, economic security, and participation in political and public life, both during and after the pandemic. The measures taken by governments to mitigate the risks to health and life posed by COVID-19 must take into account the specific attributes and circumstances faced by women and girls. These include, but are not limited to their sex, gender, age, disability, ethnic origin, and immigration or residence status. States must refrain from any action that will exacerbate the already disproportionate economic and social impact of this pandemic on women and girls.

On 19 May 2020, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria and ARTICLE 19 (Eastern Africa and Western Africa) convened a webinar to introduce the revised Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.

In response to the recent Khoza judgement in the Pretoria High Court on the use of force by law enforcement officials during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa together with the Centre for Human Rights have made available an overview of the main international legal documents and standards on the use of force.

The Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G), recognise, support, and commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This annual event, observed on May 17, is marked internationally for the recognition of LGBTIQ+ rights. In particular, it is used to raise awareness and educate the public on issues of violence, discrimination, repression, and also to call attention to the health challenges that detract from the progress and wellbeing of the LGBTIQ+ community all over the world.

On 14 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the fourth in a series of discussions with Centre alumni, students and staff. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and the Southern African Miners Association (SAMA) (comprised of the undersigned organisations), are gravely concerned by the recently published SADC Regional COVID-19 Response Report – Bulletin 2 which omitted to set out clear guidelines on how older persons right to health should be protected during national lockdowns. This is particularly alarming considering the vulnerability of older persons to COVID-19. This susceptibility is further heightened for older persons who used to work in the mines with pre-existing occupational lung diseases and weakened immune systems due to ageing. Without a clear regional response that involves working together across communities, organisations and countries, which targets the protection of the most vulnerable, the spread and minimisation of the virus cannot be suppressed.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a major impact on the global public and has disrupted the daily pattern of life for billions of people across the world. As states across the globe impose lockdowns and ‘social distancing’ regulations to contain the spread of the virus, human rights have become severely restricted even in the most liberal democratic countries.

On 12 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held a webinar on the need for businesses to respect and promote human rights in Africa, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion was held in Zoom.

In commemoration of IDAHOBIT, there will be a webinar hosted by the Centre for Human Rights in collaboration with the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS & Gender, University of Pretoria.

(Op-Ed by Dr Ashwanne Budoo)

Governments across the world are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside the mountain of related challenges, fake news has become a source of frustration. Some are now referring to this fake news phenomenon as a ‘disinfodemic’.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, would like to inform applicants and prospective applicants of the Advanced Human Rights Course on the Judicial Enforcement of Socio-Economic Rights in Africa (18 – 22 May 2020) that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of borders as well as academic institutions in South Africa, the course will be presented in a modified format — a format different from the conventional contact sessions.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to a webinar on the need for businesses to respect and promote human rights in Africa, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 7 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held the third in a series of discussions with Centre alumni, students and staff. These discussions deal with the potential and actual impact on human rights and democratisation of COVID-19 in Africa. The discussion was held in Zoom.

On 5 May 2020, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, held a webinar on human rights abuses by police officers during enforcement of government responses to COVID-19 in Africa. The discussion was held in Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, together with the Sex Workers Education & Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) and Sisonke is deeply concerned about the ongoing discrimination against sex workers in South Africa in response to the COVID-19 crisis and calls on the government to take urgent measures to extend its COVID-19 palliative measures to sex workers in need.

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