Programme News
31 October 2019
(Press release)
On 10 August 2014 five inmates at Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre were beaten, assaulted and tortured by DCS officials. Llewellyn Smith, Xolani Zulu, Benson Qibi, Abel Phasha and Mthokozisi Sithole sustained severe physical and psychological injuries as a result.
The beatings were precipitated by Mr Zulu, the second plaintiff, jamming the cell door with a toothbrush, thus preventing it from...
16 October 2019
(Press release)
As part of the latest round of negotiations on the U.N. Binding Treaty on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, African civil society organisations are calling for a Treaty that reflects African perspectives and effectively addresses African experiences.
Over the last few decades, the continent has witnessed an increase in foreign direct and local...
7 October 2019
(News)
As members of the global community of civil society actors engaged daily in action to protect everyone’s right to a nationality, we applaud UNHCR for its ongoing efforts to combat statelessness through the #Ibelong campaign. We also commend States that have taken meaningful steps to combat statelessness: from Venezuelan children granted nationality in Columbia; legal reforms to uphold women...
4 October 2019
(News)
LHR is an independent human rights organisation with a four-decade track record in human rights activism and public interest litigation in South Africa. We offer human rights activists and administrators an exciting and challenging work environment covering a wide range of social justice issues. We are committed to transformation of the sector.
We are inviting applications for the position of...
26 September 2019
(Press release)
On Monday 23 September 2019, the Equality Court in the Western Cape handed down judgment in the matter of September vs Subramoney N.O and Others. Ms. September is a transgender woman currently serving a prison sentence inside a male correctional facility. While incarcerated, prison officials denied her the right to express her gender through her hairstyle, dress, and use of small amounts of make-...
20 September 2019
(Press release)
Lawyers for Human Rights, the Legal Resources Centre, and Gender Dynamix cordially invite you to a press conference, on judgment in the case of Jade September v Subramoney & Others.
On Monday 23 September 2019 at 14:00, the Cape High Court, sitting as an Equality Court, will hand down judgment in the matter. Ms September is a transgender woman who is currently serving a prison sentence inside...
17 September 2019
(Press release)
This October, states and civil society organisations will meet in Geneva with a UN Intergovernmental Working Group to discuss the latest version of a proposed international, legally binding instrument intended to regulate the activities of transnational corporations. This Binding Treaty aims to protect human rights and combat violations and abuses by business enterprises. In preparation for this...
5 September 2019
(Press release)
Today, 5 September 2019, the Western Cape High Court handed down judgment in Sonke Gender Justice / President RSA and others. Judge Boqwana declared unconstitutional the provisions in the Correctional Services Act (111 of 1998) which require that the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) is i) dependent on the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for its budget, ii)...
[PRESS RELEASE]: LHR ON ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THERE IS NO MONEY FOR STATE PLAN ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
4 September 2019
(Press release)
On Monday, 2 September, the South African government on Twitter called on women to “speak out”, and “not allow themselves to become victims by keeping quiet”. Yet the following day, MPs were told by the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities that it has no budget to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. The plan is...
3 September 2019
(Press release)
Lawyers for Human Rights expresses deep concern regarding the violent attacks on foreign nationals and foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and other parts of the country, over the last two days. The xenophobic outbreaks have led to loss of lives, displacement, and significant property damage, particularly in respect of an already-vulnerable portion of our population –...