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The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria is pleased to announce a groundbreaking judgment issued by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights today (5 February 2025), in Application No. 019 of 2018 Centre for Human Rights (CHR), Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) and Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) v. United Republic of Tanzania.

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The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) has issued an e-Note confirming that pharmacists  may not refuse to dispense abortifacients (a drug that induces abortion) due to personal beliefs  or moral reasons. This e-Note comes after 13 NGOs and legal centres addressed an open letter  to the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and the National Department of Health. The letter  highlighted alarming reports of pharmacists refusing to dispense abortifacients despite patients  having valid prescriptions. A vast majority of these pharmacists cited moral or religious grounds as the reason for their refusal to dispense. A staggering 40% of surveyed pharmacies were  implicated in these refusals, undermining constitutional rights to reproductive autonomy and  access to healthcare.

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The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, joins the global community in commemorating Data Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28. This day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of data privacy, empower individuals and institutions, and promote proactive measures to protect personal information.

Objective of the reader

The Centre for Human Rights is seeking a wide range of multidisciplinary submissions for the compilation of a reader on the best interest of the African queer child and surviving conversion therapy in Africa. The central objective of the proposed reader is to advocate for the eradication of conversion therapy targeted at African queer children guided by the rationality of the best interests’ principle, a child’s evolving capacity and a child’s age. In analysing legislation and case law, cultural, religious and societal understanding of gender identity  and expression, sexual orientation and  sexual characteristics  the book further aims to clarify the complex issues of childhood conversion therapy, spotlight their different approaches to childhood conversion therapy and to suggest the statutory recognition of the rights of a queer child in domestic African law.

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On Saturday 30 November 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University for Pretoria (the Centre), sensitised Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on ratification of African Union (AU) human rights treaties. This session was one of the sessions during PAP’s Regional Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of AU legal instruments on shared values held from 29 to 30 November 2024, the seat of PAP in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The workshop is part of PAP’s efforts to facilitate the effective implementation of AU’s policies and objectives.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, joins the international community in observing International Anti-Corruption Day, which is observed annually on 9 December. The 2024 theme is: ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity’. This year’s focus acknowledges the critical role of young people in combating corruption and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency globally. We reaffirm our commitment to addressing corruption, a persistent challenge that undermines democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) on 6 December 2024 launched its second of a series of commentaries on African human rights treaties, The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child: A Commentary.  

For two days (Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November 2024) the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, held a capacity-building workshop for African civil society actors (CSOs) on engaging with the African human rights system. The capacity-building workshop, which was hosted at 224 in Pretoria, benefited 20 participants from CSOs operating across the four regions of the African continent in these countries: Algeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The work of participating organisations covers diverse human rights issues including women’s rights, children’s rights, persons deprived of their liberty, sexual minorities, socio-economic rights and refugees.

From 13 - 14 November 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria hosted the 12th Annual Disability Rights in Africa Conference under the theme ‘Disability Rights, information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Africa.’ The conference was held in a hybrid format, with some participants attending in person at Premier Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport and others virtually. The conference aimed to critically examine laws, policies, practices, programmes, and ideologies pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa within the context of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and to promote discussions on innovative solutions aimed at enhancing human rights for persons with disabilities through the use of ICTs. The Conference brought together stakeholders interested in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities through ICT and related technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Since its adoption in July 1990 and entry into force in November 1999, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Children’s Charter), has become a key instrument within the African human rights system, governing children’s rights in Africa. To date, 51 out of 55 African Union member states have ratified the African Children’s Charter, which demonstrates a growing commitment to respect, protect and promote the rights of children. There is no doubt that the Charter, since entering into force, has significantly contributed to the development of standards and practice related to children in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, warmly welcomes the adoption of the Resolution on Promoting and Harnessing Data Access as a Tool for Advancing Human Rights and Sustainable Development in the Digital Age by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) during its 81st Ordinary Session. This Resolution represents a landmark achievement in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Africa’s digital future is one rooted in human rights, equity, and social justice. By recognising the transformative power of data in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability, the ACHPR is positioning data access as a crucial tool in advancing the sustainable development agenda and safeguarding fundamental rights across the continent.

From the 31st of October to the 1st of November 2024, the Centre for Human Rights hosted the 3rd Regional Convening on access to justice for persons with disabilities in Africa. The convening sought to strengthen the capacity of criminal justice personnel including police officers, prosecutors, magistrates, defence lawyers and intermediaries on how to ensure that persons with disabilities access justice on an equal basis with others. The participants were drawn from a number of African countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Malawi.

On 12th and 14th of November 2024, the Centre hosted two pivotal meetings in Windhoek, Namibia, focusing on advancing the country’s human rights landscape under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The two separate gatherings brought together civil society organisations (CSOs) and representatives of the State Reporting and Follow-up Inter-ministerial Committee of Namibia including representatives from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to its 12th Annual Disability Rights in Africa Conference, which will take place from 13 to 14 November 2024 in hybrid format in Johannesburg, Premier Hotel, OR Tambo and online via Zoom and online via Zoom. The theme of this year’s Conference is ‘Disability rights, information and communication technologies (ICT) in Africa.’ 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the government of Côte d’Ivoire, Ministry of Women, the Family and Children, hosted a Francophone Regional Training on State Party Reporting under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The training was held from 28 to 30 October 2024 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The training brought together government and civil society representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Guinea Conakry, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali. The workshop highlighted the importance of state party reports in assessing the progress made by African nations in fulfilling their commitments to human rights, specifically concerning women's rights under the Maputo Protocol.

On 26 - 27 of September 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria hosted a regional workshop on enhancing the ratification and implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (African Disability Protocol).

The African Disability Protocol was adopted by the African Union (AU) Assembly with a view to promote and protect rights of persons with disabilities in Africa. The regional workshop sought to encourage and foster open dialogue among AU Member States on effective implementation strategies and encourage a wider ratification of the African Disability Protocol as the Protocol has come into force.

On 17 October 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria collaborated with other stakeholders to commemorate 25 years of the Office of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa (Special Rapporteur). The event was hosted on the side-lines of the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa taking place in Banjul, the Gambia. The other partners of the event were IPAS and Equality Now.

The Centre for Human Rights welcomes the landmark judgment handed down by the Pretoria High Court on Monday, 30 September 2024 in the case of The Embrace Project NPC and Others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Case no.:04856/22, Pretoria High Court]. In terms of the judgment, Baqwa J ordered that Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 read with section 1(2) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Act 32 of 2007 are declared unconstitutional, invalid and inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent that these provisions do not criminalise sexual violence where the perpetrator wrongly and unreasonably believed that the complainant was consenting to the conduct in question, alternatively to the extent that the provisions permit a defence against a charge of sexual violence where there is no reasonable objective belief in consent. This significant judgment marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s legal approach to prosecuting sexual violence cases.

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The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, welcomes the coming into force of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (African Disability Protocol), which came into force on 3 May 2024, following the receipt of the 15th instrument of ratification, in accordance with article 38 of the Protocol. The fifteen African Union (AU) Member States that have ratified the African Disability Protocol include Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, South Africa, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Uganda. The Protocol’s entry into force creates an enabling legal framework in the African Human Rights System for the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa.

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The Information Regulator in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria will host the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) Symposium on 27 September 2024.

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On 05 September 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, collaborated with the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) and the ICT4Peace Foundation and hosted a consultative workshop on the responsible use of technology in private security. The workshop convened participants from the public sector, private security, civil society organisations, and academic institutions to discuss the deployment of new technologies in the private security sector and compliance with human rights and ethical standards.

In response to the emerging practice of pharmacists refusing to dispense abortifacients due to conscientious objection, the Centre for Human Rights, and 11 other public interest organisations, have addressed an open letter to the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and the National Department of Health (NDOH). The open letter contains a legal opinion highlighting the significant, and adverse, impact of conscientious objection on access to safe and legal abortions. 

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On Tuesday 10 September 2024, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Court) will hold a public hearing in Centre for Human Rights and Others v United Republic of Tanzania (Application No. 019 of 2018). This case was filed on 26 July 2018 by three NGOs, namely: the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa and the Legal and Human Rights Council.

The Centre for Human Rights (Centre), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is convening a conference on sexual and gender minority rights in Africa under the theme Preventing and eradicating conversion practices in Africa. The conference aims to bring together scholars and activists to share perspectives and strategies towards preventing and eradicating conversion practices in Africa. The conference will be held in a hybrid format on 5 - 6 December 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. It is anticipated that papers presented at the conference will be reworked by authors and submitted to be part of an edited book on strategies to prevent and eradicate conversation practices in Africa.

From 19 - 21 August 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria convened a capacity-building workshop on the African human rights system for the Africa Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA). AIRA is a dynamic network of Africa-based civil society organisations (CSOs) at the forefront of advancing digital rights and internet freedom across the continent. The purpose of the engagement was to equip AIRA members with a comprehensive understanding of the African human rights system. 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria will host a two-day (17 Thursday 17 to  18 Friday October 2024) capacity-building workshop for African civil society organisations (CSOs) on engagement with the African human rights system. The workshop targets African CSOs that have so far had limited or no interaction with the three core African human rights bodies, namely: the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

On Thursday, 22 August 2024, the Centre for Human Rights (Centre), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. The signing ceremony, held at the recently refurbished and renamed Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, marked the solidification of the partnership between the two institutions, and their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in line with their visions and missions. The two institutions pledged to work together in co-hosting the annual Equality Court Clerk Conference as part of their strategic aim to enhance access to Equality Courts in South Africa for the LBGTQI+ community in the country.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, congratulates the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur) on the significant occasion of its 20th anniversary. Since its establishment in 2004, the Mechanism has exhibited a remarkable dedication to the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, resolutely advocating for these fundamental rights. On this occasion of this milestone, the Centre for Human Rights, commends the Mechanism’s steadfast advocacy for these fundamental rights across the continent, reflecting a persistent commitment to promoting freedoms essential for public engagement, democratic governance, and the realisation of broader human rights.

Bringing together over 18 participants from across the Continent, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre) held the 9th edition of the capacity building workshop on strategic litigation and advocacy for LGBTIQ+ Advocates in Africa from 22 - 26 July 2024. The capacity building workshop aims to enhance the skills of experienced African activists in strategic litigation and advocacy towards the protection of sexual and gender minorities in Africa.

On 23 and 24 July 2024, the Centre for Human Rights (CHR), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) and supported by the Open Society Foundations, convened a regional capacity building workshop on the information ecosystem and elections in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights is seeking to conduct a study on these organs of the AU, based in Midrand, South Africa, with a particular focus on ways to enhance citizens’ participation in the reforms of the African Union.

The CHR is looking for a qualified consultant to conduct research on the social protection accorded to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons, including LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, in various African countries.

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 Namibia   Tanzania   South Africa   Malawi  Botswana   Zambia   Zimbabwe


On 23 and 24 July 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia, the Centre for Human Rights (CHR), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) will be convening a regional capacity building workshop on the information ecosystem and elections in Africa.

In 2024, three of the eleven positions of Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) need to be filled. The African Court, which has been established under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court Protocol), is the African Union (AU)’s primary human rights judicial body. It has jurisdiction over 34 of 54 state parties to the African Charter. 

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Law (The Centre), in collaboration with the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College (BMJC) of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, hosted a transformative seminar series focusing on the Equality Court and LGBTIQ+ in the Social Context from 8 to 12 July 2024. Held at the newly launched Brigitte Mabandla Justice College at 332 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Tshwane, this series marked a significant step forward in advancing access to justice for sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in South Africa, through facilitating conversations on LGBTIQ+ persons and their lived realities.

Disability Rights, Information and CommunicationDisability Rights, Information and CommunicationTechnologies in Africa

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, will be convening a hybrid conference titled ‘Disability Rights, Information, and Communication Technologies in Africa’, scheduled for 13-14 November 2024. The conference aims to achieve two primary objectives: firstly, to critically examine laws, policies, practices, programs, and ideologies pertaining to the rights of individuals with disabilities in Africa within the context of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); secondly, to promote discussions on innovative solutions aimed at enhancing human rights for individuals with disabilities through the utilisation of ICTs. It is anticipated that papers presented at the conference will be refined by authors and subsequently submitted for potential publication in the 2025 volume of the African Disability Rights Yearbook.

In 2024, there are three positions of Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Court that need to be filled. The African Union policy organs will be electing three Judges later in July. In anticipation of these elections, the Arusha Initiative is collaborating with three academic institutions (the University of Pretoria (Centre for Human Rights), Makerere University (Human Rights and Peace Center (HURIPEC)), and Kabarak University (School of Law), to co-host a webinar on this topic. The Arusha Initiative is a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) led rights-holders movement advocating for a more transparent, participatory and merits-based process in the nomination and selection of African Union (AU) human rights bodies.

 The Centre for Human Rights (CHR), in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), hosted a Judicial Colloquium on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of women and girls in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 2nd  and 3rd  of July 2024. The event brought together judicial officers from Southern and Eastern African Countries.

From21 to 22 June 2024, the Centre for Human Rights at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre for Human Rights) in collaboration with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) and the Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Coalition) to organise a two-day conference focusing on the implementation of the African Court's decisions. The conference was held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, coinciding with the 73rd Ordinary session of the African Court.

On 24 June 2024, the Centre for Human Rights hosted the Pretoria launch of Prof Marc Epprecht’s book Accidental Queer: and other essays around critical masculinity studies in Southern Africa and Canada (Accidental Queer). The launch was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, Hatfield campus.

In an era of global interconnectedness, movement of persons remains a vital driving for improved economic growth. However, in recent years, African visa applicants face disproportionately high rejection rates when applying for Schengen visas compared to other regions. In 2022, Africa nationals topped the list of most rejections with one in three of all processed applications being turned down. This was 12.5% higher than the global average. The rejection rates for Schengen visas are generally 10% higher than the global average and ten times higher than for United states citizens. This article highlights the deep-seated biases in the Schengen visa process and advocates for necessary reforms such an equitable and accessible appeal system which states legitimate reasons for visa denials in order not exacerbate high influx of illegal African migrants risking their lives across the Central Mediterranean- the most deadliest migration routes in the world- to enter Europe.  ensure a fairer and more equitable system.

by Sara Hafidh, Eden Getenet, and Dorcas Ameonu 

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in Africa has revolutionised the electoral processes. There are fears that if not properly regulated, the use of AI may cause irreparable injuries to African elections. These fears have prompted discussions on how AI could be effectively regulated and its potential impact on African elections.

by Tendai Mbanje

A 2023 study conducted by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, indicates that persons with albinism in South Africa continue to experience discrimination based on the colour of their skin. Titled ‘The impact of race and colour on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism in South Africa,’ the study demonstrates the adverse impact of colour-based discrimination on social inclusion and on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with albinism in South Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria organized a webinar on 21 June 2024 to discuss and assess implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in South Africa. The aim of the webinar was to assess CSE delivery in South Africa through Life Orientation (LO) subject in schools.  

The Centre for Human Rights, in partnership with the Centre for Child Law both at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria and Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights, University of the Western Cape hosted the annual Advanced Human Rights Course on Children’s Rights in Africa from 17 to 21 June 2024.  This year, the course was also supported by the Global Campus of Human Rights.

On 12 June, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in partnership with Corruption Watch and the Thulani Maseko Foundation, hosted the 2nd Annual Thulani Maseko Memorial Lecture in honour of the dedicated and tireless human rights defender, respected human rights lawyer and advocate for constitutional reform in Eswatini. The theme of this year's lecture was 'Lack of Accountability and Impunity in the Persecution of Human Rights Defenders'.

As South Africa celebrates Youth Day, and the world commemorates International Day of the African Child on 16 June 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, recalls the events that explain why this is the date on which children’s rights are highlighted. It also calls for recommitment to make the right to education meaningful reality to all children.

Portrait of Two little African kids looking together at digital tablet at table.

The Global Campus of Human Rights and the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria cordially invites you, on the occasion of the Day of the African Child, to a webinar on Edtech regulatory frameworks and the right to education in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria invites you to the Pretoria launch of Prof Marc Epprecht’s recent book Accidental Queer: and other essays around critical masculinity studies in Southern Africa and Canada. 

We, the undersigned organizations, write regarding the ongoing developments relating to the repeal of the Sections of the landmark Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, which criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Gambia. We are deeply concerned that these developments threaten the protection of the human rights and dignity of women and girls in the country, as well as in the region.

On the 24 - 25 May 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Media Network on Child Rights and Development held a workshop in Lusaka, Zambia.  This workshop, the third of its kind following previous workshops in Malawi  and Kenya, focused on “Promoting Child Participation in Development Frameworks in Africa” and to established the African base of the Global Campus for Human Rights, Child Leadership Team (GC-CLT). 

Collaborating with the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre) on 23 May 2024 hosted a virtual launch of the recently published open-access book The Impact of the United Nations Human Rights Treaties on the Domestic Level: Twenty Years On. This book, edited by Frans Viljoen and Rachel Murray, together with the late Christof Heyns, contains studies on the implementation of the UN human rights treaty system in 20 countries across the world. The book was dedicated to the memory and legacy of Professor Christof Heyns.

On the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Intersexism (IDAHOBIT) on 16 and 17 May, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria took part in a pivotal workshop aimed at fortifying the digital advocacy landscape in human rights activism within the Southern African Democratic Community (SADC) region. 

On 15 May 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo, co-organised a webinar for academics, NGOs and civil society organisations on the implementation of the UN treaty system within domestic legal systems across the world.

The United Nations Independent Expert  on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (UNIE-SOGI), Dr Graeme Reid, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights (Centre), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, held a workshop on 2 May 2024 focused on the South African perspective of sexual orientation, gender identity and human rights at the Department of International Relations and Corporation (DIRCO). The Director-General of DIRCO, Zane Dangor, opened the hybrid workshop, which was held as part of the DIRCO Academy’s ongoing initiatives aimed at contributing to the development of the knowledge and skills of DIRCO officials in a wide range of relevant human rights and international relations issues. The workshop was aimed at strengthening the knowledge of participants on pertinent geopolitical developments that affect South Africa’s foreign policy initiatives with respective sexual and gender minority rights and to empower participants with knowledge about sexual orientation, gender identity (SOGI) and human rights from a South African perspective.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024, a momentous occasion designated by the UN General Assembly in 2005. This day serves as a platform to spotlight the transformative potential of the internet and other technologies in advancing socio-economic development, while also championing efforts to bridge the digital divide. Its date, May 17, holds profound historical significance, tracing back to the signing of the First International Telegraph Convention on 17 May 1865, which established the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The establishment of the ITU, laid the foundation for international cooperation and innovation in the dynamic sphere of communication and information technology. 

On 17 May, 1990 the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of diseases. The decision was celebrated by the sexual as well as gender minority rights movement as it marked a milestone in the history of the quest for equality and non discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Henceforth, 17 May has been celebrated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, joins the rest of the world in commemorating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).  GAAD is an annual global observance held on the third Thursday of May to raise awareness and promote the significance of digital accessibility and inclusion for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). GAAD promotes dialogue and education, aiming to empower over one billion individuals with disabilities to navigate the digital realm seamlessly. While GAAD primarily focuses on digital accessibility and inclusion for PWDs, its overarching goal is to promote awareness and understanding of accessibility issues in digital environments for all individuals. It also encompasses broader themes of inclusivity, which can include individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The 2024 GAAD is commemorated under the theme: ‘Built Without Barriers’, emphasising the importance of creating digital environments that are universally accessible and inclusive.  

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria is pleased to launch this call for book chapters on the theme of democracy versus mis- and disinformation in Africa. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 30 June 2024.

From 2 - 3 May 2024, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) convened the inaugural experts’ validation session for the study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa. The validation event took place with a hybrid format, blending in-person attendance in Nairobi, Kenya, with virtual participation. The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is the technical support institution to the development of the study.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), cordially invites you to apply for its Capacity Building Workshop on Strategic Litigation and Advocacy for human rights defenders working on the promotion and protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other non-binary and gender-nonconforming persons in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria organised a webinar on 2 May 2024 to discuss youth engagement in elections and participation in politics in South Africa ahead of the 2024 national and provincial elections. The webinar also aimed to diagnose the possible causes of youth decline in participation in elections and politics and proffer possible solutions.

On Tuesday 30 April 2024, the Centre for Human Rights (Centre) Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre, successfully conducted a full-day training session aimed at empowering LGBTQI+ persons on the usage of the South Africa Equality Courts.

The recently published open-access book The Impact of the United Nations Human Rights Treaties on the Domestic Level: Twenty Years On – Second Revised Edition | Brill, edited by Frans Viljoen, and Rachel Murray, with the late Christof Heyns, contains studies on the implementation of the UN human rights treaty system in countries across the world. Four African countries — Egypt, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia — are covered in this publication. During this webinar, the authors of the chapters on these four countries will present a summary of their findings. They will highlight examples of the meaningful impact of UN human rights treaties, and discuss the challenges and opportunities experienced by these countries. The webinar is co-hosted by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Regional Office for Southern Africa). 

The World Press Freedom Day is commemorated annually on 3 May to reiterate State obligations to respect, protect and promote press freedom. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in December 1993. Three decades later, the need to celebrate the democratic contributions of an independent press and reaffirm commitments to protecting the press against existing and evolving threats to their freedom remains crucial. 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria cordially invites you to a webinar on youth engagement and elections in South Africa.

To the Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

We, the undersigned organisations, are reaching out to alert you to a critical issue regarding human rights protection in Africa, particularly concerning the interpretationand application of Article 59(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.This concern has led to the development of a concept note outlining the imperativeneed for a progressive interpretation of Article 59(1) and the launch of the Article59(1) Campaign.

On 18 April 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria hosted the pre-election assessment delegation from the Electoral Commission Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) to discuss issues related to electoral preparedness in anticipation of South Africa’s forthcoming National and Provincial Elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) is looking for a consultant to undertake a study on access to information and the quality of the information ecosystem in the 2024 national and provincial elections in South Africa. The study is supervised by the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit under the Access to Information and Elections project.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and the Norwegian Centrefor Human Rights, University of Oslo, cordially invite you to an online seminaron the implementation of the United Nations treaty system within domesticlegal systems of the world. This webinar is part of the UTFORSK project, entitled “Fostering research-based education through academic mobility and measuring the domestic impact of core human rights treaties”. The project connects teaching and research through collaborative exploration of a key human rights topic, namely the domestic impact of core UN human rights treaties and mechanisms.

The Centre for Human Rights supports the call for inputs by the United Nations Independent Expert (IE) on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), for a thematic report on electoral participation and sexual orientation and gender identity. The purpose of the call is to seek inputs for incorporation into a report on the obstacles to full and meaningful participation in electoral processes that individuals face, linked to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The report will be presented at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in November 2024, by the current IE SOGI, Graeme Reid. 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria(the Centre) attended the 24th Ordinary Session of the Civil Society Organisations Forum on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CSO Forum), held from the 13 - 14 April 2024, in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho. The session was held on the eve of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).  

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria welcomes the adoption of  a resolution on ‘Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons’ by the United Nations Human Rights Council during its 55th Session on 4 April 2024. Resolution #HRC55 is timely and important in so far as it recognises the discrimination, violence and harm that intersex persons are  commonly subjected to  because of  harmful stereotypes, stigma, taboos, as well inaccurate information and misconceptions about persons with innate variations in sex characteristics.

On 27 March 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) hosted a training with the Pretoria Aurum Institute Pop INN clinic, on the Equality Courts of South Africa to increase confidence, knowledge and capacity in seeking recourse for discrimination. Naledi Mpanza, Tholoana Mosia, Victoria Amaechi, from the Centre, coordinated the training, ensuring its success.

From 11 - 15 March 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, hosted the Advanced Human Rights Course on Disability Rights in an African context. The short course was presented using a hybrid format, with participants joining both in person at the Graduate Centre, University of Pretoria, as well as virtually via Zoom.

The Centre for Human Rights (CHR) and the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) have been formally admitted as joint amici curiae (friends of the court) in the case of Embrace Project NPC and Another v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others (Case no.: 48656/2022) (“Embrace Project case”). 

Arusha, March 28, 2024 - The African Human Rights Mechanisms Nomination and Selection Initiative, also known as ‘the Arusha Initiative,’ announced a campaign to help identify qualified candidates ahead of the upcoming elections to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The aim of the campaign is to assist the State Party-led nomination process by identifying experts who meet the criteria for serving at the African Court. Given the current geographical composition of the Court, nominations are open from the East Africa, West Africa, and Central Africa regions.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre for Human Rights), in collaboration with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) and the Coalition for an Effective African Court, will host a 2-day conference on the implementation of the decisions of the African Court. The Conference will be held from 27 -  28 June 2024 alongside the 73rd Ordinary session of the African Court) in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, seeks to recruit a Part Time Project Assistant to be embbed withing the Womens Rights Unit. 

Post information
Department  : Womens Rights Unit
Duty Station : Pretoria, South Africa
Duration       : 4 months
No. of positions: 1
Start Date     : As soon as possible 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, welcomes the launch of the "Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa" developed by the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA). The Guidelines and Principles were officially launched by Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile. This notable milestone underscores the significance of integrating digital advancements while steadfastly upholding democratic values.

by Prof Frans Viljoen

The Mauritius Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a law that criminalises consensual same-sex acts between adult men. The decision boosts the trend in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region towards decriminalisation. Now, a slight majority – nine out of 16 member states – do not prohibit gay and lesbian sexual relations.

The Centre for Human Rights (the Centre) is an academic department in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria. Recognised internationally for excellence in human rights law in Africa, the Centre is uniquely positioned as both an academic department and a non-governmental organisation. A leader in human rights education in Africa, the Centre works towards a greater awareness of human rights, the wide dissemination of publications on human rights in Africa, and the improvement of the rights of women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, sexual minorities and other disadvantaged or marginalised persons or groups across the continent. 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria joins the voices of many human rights defenders and organisations in condemning the passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values  Bill by the Parliament of Ghana on 28 February 2024. 

Over the past decade, more than half of African countries have shut down internet access at least once. Typically, these internet shutdowns are usually ordered by government authorities amidst major political events such as public protests and elections. Notably, in 2023, ten African countries including Ethiopia, Algeria, Mauritania, Gabon and Senegal collectively contributed to 17 new cases of internet shutdowns. Senegal is the most recent African country to order an internet shutdown in the new year and the shutdown has been instituted twice already in February 2024. 

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La première suspension d’internet datamobile a été imposée le 4 février 2024 par le Ministre sénégalais de la communication, télécommunications et économie numérique en réaction au tôlée qui a suivi  l’annonce par le président Macky SALL de report de l’élection présidentielle initialement prévue le 25 février 2025 sans donner de nouvelle date. Le Ministre a suspendu de nouveau l’internet, le 13 février à la suite des manifestations continues dans le pays, consécutives à l’annonce du Président SALL.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted the 2024 edition of the annual short course on Sexual Minority Rights in Africa. The course was presented through both virtual and physical sessions from 19 to 23 February 2024 and was attended by over 90 participants with 13 presenters from both across and outside Africa. Participants included LLM/MPhil students in both the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) and the Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA) Masters programmes in the Faculty of Law, UP. Other participants included researchers, academics, judicial officers, government workers, officials of selected National Human Rights Institutions, and members of civil society.

On 26 February 2024, the United Nations Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (“IE SOGI”), in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights (Centre), Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, brought together global experts, academics, and activists in an online consultation for the upcoming report that will focus on the vital issues of freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association concerning the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). The report will be the first from the newly appointed Independent Expert on SOGI Graeme Reid from South Africa, according to the office’s mandate to advance protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In South Africa, racial discrimination has received considerable attention from researchers, human rights advocates and scholars. Because of South Africa’s apartheid legacy, the focus on racial discrimination is justified. Despite the focus on racial discrimination in South African society, certain population groups have been neglected. Specifically, race and colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism has received little or no attention despite the existence of anecdotal evidence indicating that persons with albinism experience this kind of discrimination daily.

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On Thursday 22 February 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi (Embassy of France), and the Delegation of Flanders, successfully hosted a compelling film and panel discussion celebrating two decades of the legal recognition of Same-Sex Marriages in Belgium, France and South Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre) is deeply concerned about the political situation currently unfolding in Senegal. Following President Macky Sall’s announcement on 3 February 2024 annulling the presidential elections earlier set for 25 February 2024, the actions of the Senegalese Government have continued to threaten digital rights in Senegal. The annulment is one of the most recent developments in a series of actions taken by the government leading up to the presidential elections over the past year. These actions include internet shutdowns, attacks on media practitioners and violent crackdowns on public protests. These actions violate various human rights including the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and political participation as guaranteed in domestic national laws and under international treaties ratified by Senegal.

Civil society organisations and National Human Rights Institutions engaging with the African Union (AU) human rights mechanisms call for greater transparency in the nominations and selection of its members, and a more inclusive and participatory process. This call is especially applicable to the July 2024 elections to fill three vacancies at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

On 13 February 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Information Regulator (IR), the Human Research Council (HSRC), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) convened an engagement with representatives from the media and civil society, focusing on the upcoming May 2024 South African elections. The purpose of the engagement was to deliberate and strategise on monitoring and reporting on the forthcoming elections, with a specific focus on the information ecosystem, electoral transparency, and integrity. This collaborative initiative underscores the shared commitment to fostering a transparent and informed democratic process in the upcoming electoral events.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria in coalition with Civil Society Organisations and the Pan-African Parliament Civil Society Forum, address the Assembly on the crisis at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

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The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) stands in solidarity with the global community in observance of World Radio Day, celebrated on 13 February annually. World Radio Day emerged from a proclamation in 2011 by UNESCO member states before being endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2013. The day is commemorated in recognition of the significance of radio as a medium for accessible communication across the globe.

The Centre for Human Rights,Faculty of Law,  University of Pretoria welcomes and applauds the recent adoption of the Resolution on mass surveillance and unlawful targeted surveillance by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission).  Resolution 573 was adopted during the 77th Ordinary Session of the African Commission held from 20 October to 9 November 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania. The landmark Resolution on the deployment of mass and unlawful targeted communication surveillance and its impact on human rights in Africa, is a significant step by the African Commission in recognising the importance of human rights protection in an increasingly interconnected world, particularly the need to safeguard privacy rights in the face of evolving technological advancements. 

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre) joins the global community in commemorating Data Protection Day 2024. Launched by the Council of Europe (CoE) in 2006, Data Protection Day was set for January 28 of every year in recognition of the day that the CoE opened its data protection convention (Convention 108) for signature. The day is now celebrated across the globe, known sometimes as International Data Privacy Day to raise awareness about data protection and privacy. In celebrating the day, the Centre notes the commitments by the African Union (AU) and its member States to ensure the protection of personal information through data protection frameworks in Africa. However, given the ever-evolving nature of data use, there is a need to increase these efforts.

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Social media and artificial intelligence (AI) have become integral parts of modern society, influencing communication, information dissemination, and social interactions. However, the impact of these technologies on people with disabilities has received limited attention. This book aims to explore the intersection of social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and disability in the context of the Global South, with a focus on opportunities, challenges, and strategies for promoting inclusivity and empowerment. The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the fields of social media and artificial intelligence (AI), has the potential to significantly impact the lives of people with disabilities in the Global South. This intersection presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment. Understanding the dynamics between social media, AI, and disability in the Global South is crucial for harnessing the potential benefits and addressing the potential risks.

2023 marks 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and 25 years of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa (OHCHR ROSA) and the European Union Delegation in South Africa, in partnership with Ford Foundation, hosted a commemoration of this milestone on 4 December 2023.

On 23rd November 2023, the Centre hosted a conference on sexual and gender minority rights in Africa, under the theme of decriminalising anti-sodomy laws in a hostile environment. This Conference falls within the broader work of the Centre to advance sexual and reproductive rights in Africa, including those of sexual and gender minorities. The Conference was held in a hybrid format and brought together academics, researchers, legal practitioners, activists, religious leaders and students from across the continent.

 

On 24 November 2023, the Centre held a training workshop for officials from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) focusing on the implementation of the Resolutions 275 on Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity (2014) and Resolution 552 on Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Intersex Persons in Africa (2023). The training falls within the broader work of the Centre to advance sexual and reproductive rights in Africa, including those of sexual and gender minorities. The objectives of the training were to increase the understanding of the contents and significance of Resolutions 275 and 552, to strengthen the capacity of NHRIs in the implementation of the 2 Resolutions, and to enhance the ability of NHRIs to protect and promote the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Africa.

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