South African delegation appears before UN Human Rights Committee at its 116th session, Geneva, Switzerland (7 – 8 March 2016)
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery, led a government delegation to present South Africa’s Initial Report to the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland. The Report deals with South Africa’s compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”).
Deputy Minister Jeffery was accompanied by Minister of Women in the Presidency, Ms Susan Shabangu and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Luwellyn Landers.
Deputy Minister Jeffery highlighted the work done by the democratic Government over the past 22 years, in eradicating the three main pillars in the legacy of apartheid - inequality, unemployment and poverty.
At the heart of the ICCPR lies the ideal of free human beings, enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear and want. Deputy Minister Jeffery stressed that this can only be achieved when conditions are created whereby every person may enjoy their civil and political rights, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights.
Since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to world peace, security and justice. In addressing the legacy of our past, Government has adopted a number of positive measures to heal the divisions of the past and has established a society based on the democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.
Deputy Minister Jeffery said: “We have made significant progress in the attainment and enjoyments of human rights in our country. These include not only civil and political rights, but also socio-economic rights. The attainment of human rights is no longer determined by the colour of a person’s skin. We have built a society founded on equality, freedom and human dignity.
This does not mean that our country is perfect – no country is. But we have managed, within two short decades, to make significant strides in reversing the effects of centuries of colonialisation, apartheid and discrimination.”
In a frank and interactive discussion, Committee Experts raised issues such as racism, xenophobia and violence against foreigners, conditions in correctional and detention centres, and the rights of internally displaced persons, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Minister Susan Shabangu concluded the session by saying that the Constitution had brought a new commitment to the advancement of human rights in South Africa and that the ICCPR contained many provisions aligned with the Constitution of South Africa. Mr Fabian Omar Salvioli, Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, thanked the delegation for a fruitful exchange, considering it was the first time the State Party appeared before the Committee.
Enquiries:
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