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The Centre for Human Rights will be hosting a seminar on the Use of Official Languages Bill.

The presenters are:

  • Prof Fernand de Varennes
    Research professor at the international observatory of linguisic rights, Université de Moncton, Canada, and Convenor of the 13th Conference of the International Academy of Linguistic Law
  • Prof Koos Malan
    Department of Public Law, University of Pretoria

Professor Christopher John Robert “John” Dugard, Extraordinary Professor of Law in the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, will receive one of South Africa’s highest civilian honours, the Order of the Baobab: Gold, in a ceremony conducted by President Jacob Zuma on Freedom Day, 27 April 2012.

The Order of the Baobab is awarded by the President to South African citizens for ‘distinguished service that goes beyond the call of duty’ and for exceptional contributions to the nation.

Prof Dugard will be recognised for his achievements in international law and, in particular, for his efforts in opposition to apartheid, his contributions to the establishment of the rule of law, his work in the field of human rights and his role in the creation of a free and democratic South Africa.

In 2010, the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, received funding from the World Bank to cover the costs of IDF Grant TF 090558: Enhancing Access to Legal Information – a grant between the World Bank and the Faculty of Law. The core activity under this project was the production by the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) of a series of books on comparative African law, entitled the Rule of Law in Africa Series.

Julius Osega Memorial Lecture CANCELLED

Unfortunately the Julius Osega Memorial Lecture which was to have been presented by Sir Dawda Jawara has been cancelled for the moment. The Memorial Lecture will take place later in the year, date to be announced.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Sir Dawda Jawara's entourage could not get their visas in time for the flights and he may not travel without them.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The PULP "Rule of Law in Africa Series" Book Launch will, however, still be taking place.

Satang Nabanech, a 2012 LLM student (Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa) recently won a prize for her paper in AAWORD's essay competition.

The Association of African Women for Research and Development (AAWORD) organises the Advocacy Competition on Gender and Political Participation in Africa.

pdfRead Satang's prize-winning entry

It is with great sadness that the Centre for Human Rights learnt of the death of Steve Odero Ouma. Steve was a member of the LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa) class of 2005. He passed away on 23 February, after having been admitted to hospital. The autopsy revealed that Steve had advanced gastrointestinal cancer and neither surgery or chemotherapy would have saved his life.

In 2005, one of the field trip destinations of the LLM students was Sierra Leone. I was fortunate enough to go with this group, of which Steve was part. On this trip, I got to know him as someone who could be playful and mischievous, but also extremely serious about issues affecting our continent, and as an inquisitive, determined and dedicated student.

On 10 February, the Regional Office for Southern Africa of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (ROSA) launched a Human Rights Resource Centre at the Oliver Tambo Law Library at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

The inauguration ceremony took place on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 2012 Class of the LLM in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa, hosted by the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria.

South Africa’s Public Protector Thuli Madonsela addressed aspiring human rights lawyers from across the continent at the opening ceremony of the Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, a programme of the Centre for Human Rights in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria. The ceremony, held on Friday 10 February 2012, was attended by nearly 200 people, including representatives of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the senior management of the University of Pretoria.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, has followed with great concern the events that have been taking place in the Republic of Senegal since the decision of the Constitutional Council, on 27 January 2012, to allow the incumbent, President Abdoulaye Wade, to run for a third term. In our view, it is a contravention of the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Senegal, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) laws and the President’s own pledge to the Senegalese people.

The Government of Senegal has, despite the legitimate concerns raised by the opposition parties, civil societies as well as a large majority of the citizenry, decreed 26 February 2012 as the date for the presidential election.

pdfDownload the press statement (English)
pdfDownload the press statement (Français)

The Centre for Human Rights awarded an honorary doctorate degree to Advocate George Bizos SC on 9 December 2011. Advocate Bizos is a distinguished human rights lawyer who campaigned against apartheid in South Africa, most notably during the Rivonia Trial.

Currently associated with the Constitutional Litigation Unit at the Legal Resources Centre, Advocate Bizos delivered his address 'Blame neither the Constitution nor the Courts' during the Spring Graduation Ceremony.

With the deposit of the fifteenth instrument of ratification by Cameroun on 15 January 2012, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (Democracy Charter)is set to enter into force on 15 February 2012, 30 days after the deposit of the last instrument of ratification. The Democracy Charter was adopted by the African Union on 30 January 2007, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The entry into force of the Democracy Charter means that for the first time, a binding treaty on democracy, elections and governance is in place in Africa, although it will only be binding on the 15 member States that have ratified it. The Democracy Charter is the culmination of successive non-binding instruments adopted by the African Union on democracy, good governance, human rights and development, and reinforces recent initiatives such asthe New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

The University of Pretoria held a graduation ceremony for the Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. The ceremony took place at the Musaion on Friday 9 December 2011. All the 30 students who were admitted to the programme in 2011 completed the programme successfully. There were 15 women and 15 men. The students were drawn from 16 African countries.

On Tuesday 29 November, Ms Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Founder and President of the Foundation for Climate Justice, and Extraordinary Professor at the Centre for Human Rights, presented the annual Helen Kanzira lecture in Senate Hall at the University of Pretoria. HE Brendan McMahon, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to South Africa introduced Ms Robinson.

1 December is World AIDS Day. This day is clouded by the cuts to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Stephen Lewis, Co-Director of AIDS-free World made the passionate plea fro donor states to reconsider their position, and suggested some alternatives.

On this day, the Centre for Human Rights adds its voice of support to that of Stephen Lewis.

pdfDownload Stephen Lewis' plea 

Over seventy students, lawyers, nurses, midwives, NGO staff from across Africa and other interested individuals packed a lecture hall on Wednesday 19 October for a panel discussion on maternal health in South Africa presented by the Centre for Human Rights. As the rate of maternal mortality more than quadrupled in South Africa in the last decade, the need to examine the related issues, challenges and opportunities is critical.

The Centre for Human Rights (CHR) University of Pretoria, and the Institute for Democracy in Africa (IDASA), in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, held a West and Central Africa consultation on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Draft Model Law for AU Member States on Access to Information from 10 to 12 October 2011, in Dakar, Senegal.

You are cordially invited to a panel discussion on Maternal Health in South Africa.

Date: 19 October 2011
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 (with a light lunch to follow)
Venue: University of Pretoria, Faculty of Law, Room 1-45
(first floor, Law Building and follow signs

The International Development Law Unit at the Centre for Human Rights was pleased to host the 8th Annual African Trade Moot Competition from 3 – 7 October 2011.

This event has been a focal point for undergraduate students interested in Trade Law since its inception in 2005.

Ten teams from three African countries participated in this competition, with the problem to be argued set on the connection between trade law and third generation human rights, particularly environmental law. Two days were put aside for each team to argue twice as complainants and respondents before a panel consisting of faculty representatives of the participating universities.

The Centre for Human Rights was admitted as a member of the Association of Human Rights Institutes (AHRI) at the last meeting of its Executive Committee in Venice, Italy, on 21 September 2011.

The AHRI network consists of 32 member institutions that carry out research and education in the field of human rights. Its primary objective is to promote research, education and discussion in the field of human rights. For more information on AHRI, its activities and members, please visit http://www.ahri-network.org

 

The following civil society organisations support the Pretoria Statement on the strengthening and reform of the UN human rights treaty body system.

pdfDownload the Pretoria statement

Amidst increasing awareness about the particular needs and the precarious position of many indigenous peoples in Africa, the Centre for Human Rights this week for the first time presents a week-long training course on the rights of indigenous peoples in Africa to government officials, members of civil society, representatives of indigenous communities and academics from across Africa. It is the first course of this kind presented by an academic institution in Africa.

pdfDownload press statement

On Monday 22 August 2011 and at the request of the Flemish Government, the Centre for Human Rights was privileged to host HE Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President of Flanders as part of his official visit to South Africa. Mr Peeters was accompanied by the Representative of the Flemish Government in Southern Africa, Mr David Maenaut, and HE Ambassador Johan Maricou of the Belgian Embassy in Pretoria.

Professor Michelo Hansungule has demanded that President Rupiah Banda postpones the elections to allow for serious investigation into the corruption surrounding UPG. And Prof Hansungule says the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has discredited itself by harassing sources of information.

Commenting on the continued corruption revelations surrounding Universal Print Group (UPG), a South African company engaged to print ballot papers for this year's general election, the Pretoria University law lecturer said government should not bury its head in the sand and behave as though everything were normal.

The combined team from the University of Pretoria, the University of Botswana and Université de Cocody (Côte d’Ivoire) emerged as the winner at the 20th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition final in Pretoria yesterday.

The final of the Competition was held at the Conference Hall of the SA Reserve Bank in Pretoria. It was adjudicated by five members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, including the Chairperson, Advocate Reine Alapini Gansou, the Deputy Chairperson Mr. Mumba Malila, as well as South Africa’s Advocate Pansy Tlakula, who is also the Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.

The US hit its $14 trillion debt ceiling as early as May. If it is not to be raised by 2nd August, the country will face a potential default on its debt, threatening military salaries and social security payments.

Professor Danny Bradlow, SARCHI Professor of International Development Law and African Economic Relations at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria discussed the impact of this debt on emerging markets on Beyond Markets.

To celebrate 30 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in 1981, the Centre for Human Rights is organising a one-day conference '30 years of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights: Looking forward while looking back' on Monday 11 July, 8.30-17.00, at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria.

 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and what has Africa got to show for it? This is a question that will be addressed by Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf of the International Court of Justice and Advocate Reine Alapini Gansou, Chairperson of the African Commission, at the 20th African Moot Court Competition and Conference from 7 - 12 July 2011 in Pretoria.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa and the Centre for Human Rights, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique, in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, held a Southern Africa consultation on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Draft Model Law for AU Member States on Access to Information from 28 to 29 June, in Maputo, Mozambique.

The participants of the Civil society consultation on strengthening the UN treaty body system hosted by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, 20 and 21 June 2011 call on all civil society organisations to endorse the Pretoria Statement on the strengthening and reform of the UN human rights treaty body system.

The Centre expresses its sadness and sense of loss over the death of Professor Kader Asmal, who was a long-serving member of the Centre’s Advisory Board.  The Centre was privileged to have benefited from his inspirational and wise counsel, his courageous example, and his stimulating teaching.

Although we will miss him and what he stood for, he leaves us all richer from our association with him.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, together with the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa, hosted a consultation of civil society organisations from around the world, to reflect on the strengthening of the UN human rights treaty bodies.

The Consultation, which took place at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, on 20 and 21 June 2011, is part of a process to improve the working methods of the treaty bodies. In recent times, the number of treaty bodies, the number of reports required by state parties, and the activities of the treaty bodies have increased dramatically. There is consensus that the situation has become intolerable and that reform is needed. Consultations have now been held among treaty body members, national human rights institutions, treaty body chairpersons and international NGOs.

13 - 14 June 2011, Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria

Government experts and academics from Southern Africa and around the world participated in a successful workshop on giving effect to the law on genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The workshop, held on 13 and 14 June 2011 at the Centre for Human Rights, was attended by experts from the Attorneys-General’s Chambers and national prosecution authorities in the SADC region, particularly from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, an expert from the International Criminal Court participated in the workshop.

On 2 - 3 June 2001 the Centre for Human Rights hosted a two-day conference on Multi- and Inter-Disciplinary Human Rights in Africa, organised and co-chaired by Centre Director, Professor Frans Viljoen, and Visiting Fulbright Scholar, Professor Richard Maiman. The purpose of the conference was to showcase scholarship on human rights using perspectives other than the dominant legal paradigm.

The Centre for Human Rights and the Department of Political Sciences held a public lecture on the 1st of June 2011 which was presented by the European Union (EU) Ambassador Mr Roeland van de Geer. His lecture was titled ‘Is Peace possible in the Great Lakes Region?’ The evening formed part of a project which focuses on South Africa’s human rights and foreign policy which is funded by the Open Society Foundation of South Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights (CHR), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, South Africa deployed an Election Observer Team to observe the South African Local Government Elections (LGE), which were held on the 18 May 2011.This is the Team’s assessment of the municipal elections.

pdfDownload the Election Observer Team Report

A panel discussion organised by the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa and the Centre for Human Rights of the Faculty of Law.

Date: Friday, 27 May 2011
Time: 13:30 to 15:00
Venue: Moot Court, Law Building

You are cordially invited to a G20 Study Group Meeting, organised by the South African Institute of International Affairs; the International Development Law Unit in the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria; and
Oxfam.

Date: 16 May, 2011
Time: 09:30 - 15:30
Venue: SRC Chamber, UP Conference Centre

The Centre for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, held a public consultation on the Draft Model Law for AU Member States on Access to Information in Africa on 29 April 2011, during the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia.

On Saturday 7 May 2011, the Centre for Human Rights Commemorated its 25th anniversary in an informal lunch for current and former staff members and their families at the Pretoria Country Club.It was a fabulously festive event with over 150 guests including staff, board members, friends and institutional supporters of the Centre from all over South Africa.

The Integrated Bar Project (IBP) was established in the late 1980's with the objective of exposing senior black South African law students to the legal practice of especially commercial law in the country's larger law firms. Since then approximately 1385 students from all law faculties in South Africa have undertaken 3-week internships during the July university holidays. Almost all the top law firms in the country participated and additional specialised phases were added.

The Integrated Bar Project (IBP) aimed to place 100-150 senior black law students from all South Africa's Universities on July holiday internships with South Africa's top law firms. Twenty of these students advanced to specialised internships with the High Courts, the Constitutional Court and the largest commercial banks in South Africa.

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The IBP was an initiative resulting from a partnership between the

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