Programme News
19 June 2015
(Press release)
On this World Refugee Day, the People’s Coalition against Xenophobia commends the positive contributions that those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, civil strife and persecution have made in their new adopted homes. Around the globe, communities will be celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of these groups.
Tragically, millions of people will mark this day in...
9 June 2015
(Press release)
The 25th session of the African Union Summit will be held in South Africa on 07-15 June 2015. With the backdrop of the recent xenophobic attacks and responses (outcry) from countries across the continent and globally, including regional mechanisms, Amnesty International and partners will host a high-level parallel event looking into the history of xenophobic attacks in South Africa and the...
5 June 2015
(News)
AFTER a spate of murderous attacks in Durban and Johannesburg on migrant workers from neighbouring countries, South Africa badly needs to improve its image on the continent. And at the level of gestures and rhetoric, it is trying to do exactly that. On a visit to Mozambique last month President Jacob Zuma apologised for the violence by a “small minority” of his compatriots which had...
29 May 2015
(Press release)
The newly revamped and launched Kutlwanong Democracy Centre (KDC) has undergone a transformation. The KDC, owned by Lawyers for Human Rights, provides a unique hub for civil society in Pretoria, bringing together a range of organisations working in the areas of human rights, social assistance and development.
The opening and revamp of the historically significant KDC was addressed by FIDH...
28 May 2015
(Press release)
For the first time in its history, FIDH has opened an office in Pretoria, South Africa. This office, located in the headquarters of its member organisation in South Africa, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), at the Kutlwanong Democracy Centre (KDC) in Pretoria, will be officially launched on May 29.
“The decision to open an office in South Africa was motivated by the inspirational human rights...
14 May 2015
(Press release)
To commemorate Africa Month this May, Joburg Theatre will be presenting a weekend of AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS featuring local and international artists on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre on May 22nd and 23rd.
Friday May 22nd will feature Lura (Cape Verde), Femi Koya and special guest Abena Koomson (Nigeria, SA, Ghana/New York) and Ringo (SA)
Saturday May 23rd will feature Lura (Cape Verde),...
12 May 2015
(Press release)
The recent spate of xenophobic attacks and the subsequent crackdown of Operation Fiela-Reclaim (“clean sweep”), in a show of institutional xenophobia, have occurred during Africa month in which Africa Day – which commemorates African unity - is celebrated. Not only have these events severely affected South Africa’s reputation internationally and fostered a culture of fear...
12 May 2015
(Press release)
Over the last fortnight we have witnessed human rights violations and arbitrary detentions of primarily foreign nationals under the controversial Operation Fiela-Reclaim, culminating in mass-arrests and detentions in the early hours Friday, 8 May 2015.
Lawyers have been repeatedly denied access to consult with those arrested during the raids on 8 May 2015 and most detainees still have not had the...
11 May 2015
(News)
Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) say they are being denied access to more than 200 foreign nationals arrested during a raid on the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg this weekend.
235 people were arrested for being in the country illegally during a raid in the city center on Friday morning and lawyers for human rights says Home Affairs has denied its request to visit them as it is still...
8 May 2015
(Press release)
LHR continues to be extremely concerned by the ongoing raids in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town as part of Operation Fiela-Reclaim.
We have noted the worrying trend of state leaders turning to “clean up” operations to look for undocumented nationals. We feel that the priority should instead be focusing on a logical and coherent reintegration plan to prevent future violence. These...