Agency (NDA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
5 October 2007
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is pleased to co-host the
National Poverty Conference on "Fighting Poverty from the Grassroots" in
collaboration with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) on 16 -18 October 2007.
Poverty alleviation is one of the strategic focus areas for the Commission
and this is demonstrated by some of the programmes and activities within the
Commission. For example, the Research and Documentation programme monitors the
implementation of economic and social rights as a way of contributing towards
the reduction of poverty in the country. On the other hand, the Education and
Training Programme conducts human rights awareness programmes in rural
communities, especially in previously disadvantaged communities to encourage
people to access their rights. In addition, the Legal Services Programme
receives complaints of alleged human rights violations, many of which deal with
issues such as equality and access to services. To that effect, the theme and
objectives of the Conference fall within the mandate of the Commission to
promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights in South
Africa.
The National Poverty Conference will provide an opportunity for the
Commission to advance this mandate. This is more so that the Commission is well
situated to depict human rights violations, which are most prevalent in
poverty-ridden communities. The Commission also fully supports one of the main
objectives of the conference - to develop a plan of action, which will inform
national anti-poverty policy and strategies. The plan will be implemented by
various stakeholders in government and non-governmental sector such as business
and civil society.
For more information please contact:
Lorraine Molepo
Tel: 011 484 8300 ext 2206
E-mail: lmolepo@sahrc.org.za
Vincent Moaga
011 484 8300 ext 2092
E-mail: vmoaga@sahrc.org.za
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
16 October 2007
Source: South African Human Rights Commission (http://www.sahrc.org.za)
