Help us to keep Making Rights Real!

by Lawyers for Human Rights
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!
Help us to keep Making Rights Real!

Project Report | Jan 8, 2024
Litigation and advocacy updates for the last Quarter of 2023

By Wayne Ncube | National Director

launch of status of detention report
launch of status of detention report

It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that we share this report, chronicling a quarter teeming with breakthroughs and tireless efforts to fortify the bedrock of human rights in South Africa and beyond. The successes we celebrate are not solitary triumphs but a collective  determination, partnership, and unwavering support from each of you and our sector as a whole.

Advocacy and Legal Milestones


Engagement in International Human Rights Discourse
This quarter, LHR was honored to engage in the Africa Region Intersessional Consultation on a United Nations instrument that will regulate transnational corporations regarding human rights. This event in Accra, Ghana, was a vibrant confluence of ideas and aspirations, setting the stage for more robust human rights protections across the continent.

Judicial Victories in Gender Equality
A groundbreaking judgment from the Johannesburg High Court marked a historic moment for gender equality. The court's decision in Werner van Wyk & Others v Minister of Employment and Labour made strides in non-discrimination by acknowledging the rights of all parents to parental leave. This momentous decision propels us toward a more inclusive society, reaffirming the equal responsibilities and joys of parenthood, regardless of gender.

Constitutional Clarity on Immigration Detention
A landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court in the matter of  Minister of Home Affairs v LHR has clarified the rights of those detained under section 34(1) of the Immigration Act. This judgement not only reinforces the legal obligation to present detainees before a court within 48 hours but also holds the government accountable for its legal conduct.

Affirmation of Educational Rights for Prison Inmates
In another victory, the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld the right of incarcerated students to use personal laptop computers for their education, a testament to LHR's dedication to educational rights and prison reform.

Representation at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
LHR's representation at the 77th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Arusha was a proud moment, with our Penal Reform and Environmental Rights Programs leading critical discussions on immigration detention and corporate responsibility.

Monitoring International Business & Human Rights Negotiations
Our Environmental Rights Programme played a pivotal role at the 9th session of negotiations on a legally binding Business & Human Rights instrument, collaborating with global partners to inform and influence international human rights policies.

Campaigns and Community Engagement


#UnblockMyID #UnlockMyLife Campaign
The intensification of our campaign this quarter has been a vocal and vigorous challenge to the unlawful ID blocking by the Department of Home Affairs. Through innovative approaches like our first-ever podcast series, we've amplified the voices of those affected and engaged stakeholders on the significant repercussions of this practice.

Empowering Women and Children
Our commitment to reducing gender-based violence through the empowerment of socio-economic rights has been unwavering. In partnership with ProBono.Org and generous support from the Embassy of Germany in South Africa, we conducted community workshops addressing critical issues of housing, property rights, and legal succession.

Victory Against 'Abandonment' Provisions
The Constitutional Court's affirmation that the 'abandonment' provisions in the Refugees Act are unconstitutional was a significant achievement in protecting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, preventing unwarranted deportations.

Knowledge Dissemination


Research on Immigration Detention
The release of our research report, "The Status of Immigration Detention in South Africa," provides invaluable insights into the current state of immigration detention, influencing policymakers and legal practitioners alike.

Conclusion


As we reflect on a quarter filled with landmark judicial decisions, influential international engagements, and ground-breaking campaigns, we are reminded that the journey towards justice and equality is a continuous pursuit. The progress we have made is a direct result of your steadfast support and belief in our cause.

Thank you for your contribution to upholding the rule of law and enhancing access to justice in South Africa. Together, we are forging a path to a more just and equitable future.

LHR media interview for Detention judgement
LHR media interview for Detention judgement
Constitutional Court Victory
Constitutional Court Victory
Community outreach
Community outreach

Links:

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

Aug 28, 2023
Litigation and advocacy updates for March to October 2023

By Wayne Ncube | National Director

May 1, 2023
Report for LHR, October 2022 to March 2023:

By Wayne Ncube | National Director

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.

Sign up for updates

Organization Information

Lawyers for Human Rights

Location: Pretoria - South Africa
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @LHR_SA
Project Leader:
Wayne Ncube
Pretoria , Gauteng South Africa
$5,380 raised of $50,000 goal
 
90 donations
$44,620 to go
Donate Now
lock
Donating through GlobalGiving is safe, secure, and easy with many payment options to choose from. View other ways to donate

Lawyers for Human Rights has earned this recognition on GlobalGiving:

Help raise money!

Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.

Start a Fundraiser

Learn more about GlobalGiving

Teenage Science Students
Vetting +
Due Diligence

Snorkeler
Our
Impact

Woman Holding a Gift Card
Give
Gift Cards

Young Girl with a Bicycle
GlobalGiving
Guarantee

Get incredible stories, promotions, and matching offers in your inbox

WARNING: Javascript is currently disabled or is not available in your browser. GlobalGiving makes extensive use of Javascript and will not function properly with Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript and refresh this page.