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Strategic Litigation Unit

The Strategic Litigation Unit, based in Pretoria, has achieved notable successes since its inception in 2003.

The unit focuses much of its attention in ensuring just administrative action for indigent persons and communities. A considerable amount of time is also spent on unfair discrimination, refugee law and, increasingly, land reform matters.

The unit is headed by Advocate Lesirela Letsebe who, along with a group of dedicated attorneys and advocates, conducts most of the litigation work. The services of outside counsel are engaged when necessary.

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Cases and Judgements

National Commissioner of the South African Police Service v Southern African Human Rights Litigation Centre

(Case)

Limpopo Traders

(Case)

Department of Home Affairs ordered to keep Port Elizabeth refugee reception office open

(Case)

High court declares refugee appeal board rules invalid and exclude media from hearings

(Case)

Court orders CT refugee reception office to accept new asylum applicants

(Case)

News

HOME AFFAIRS REOPENS REFUGEE OFFICE IN PORT ELIZABETH AFTER YEARS OF LITIGATION

26 October 2018

(Press release)

[PRESS RELEASE] COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE WORKERS WIN IMPORTANT VICTORY

16 October 2018

(Press release)

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DISMISSES CHALLENGE TO STATE PENSION FUND CANCELLATION PROJECT

21 September 2018

(Press release)

Publications

Queue Here for Corruption: Measuring Irregularities in South Africa’s Asylum System

The report “Queue Here for Corruption: Measuring Irregularities in South Africa’s Asylum System” comes as SA grapples with xenophobic violence, incoherent changes to the country’s immigration policies and dubious attempts by various spheres of government to address these issues.

The urgent high court application to interdict the government from continuing with Operation Fiela-Reclaim raids unless legislative provisions are adhered to has been removed from the urgent roll in the high court in Pretoria.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) brought the challenge in light of grave concerns around the legality of Operation Fiela-Reclaim - a joint operation conducted by the police, army and department of home affairs. Specifically, LHR views the decision to implement raids in the early hours of the morning, in “cordoned off” areas with the army and Department of Home Affairs (and without the warrants required by legislation) as blatantly unlawful. The raids also appear to target non-nationals despite claims to the contrary.

Attached are the court documents for the case from all parties:

LHR urgent interdict against deportation

2013 annual report

The 2013 annual report highlights some of LHR's most noteworthy cases and interventions.

Policies

LHR Submission on the Prevention and Combatting of Torture Persons Bill [B21- 2012]

(Date published: 01/09/2012)

Amended Refugee Appeal Board Rules

(Date published: 25/07/2011)

Home Affairs Circular on Zimbabwe Documentation Process

(Date published: 11/10/2010)

Refugees Amendment Act, No 33 of 2008

(Date published: 26/11/2008)

Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997

(Date published: 05/11/2008)

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