incitement of violence by political parties
8 January 2009
The South African Human Rights Commission is concerned about media reports
of threats to the right of free political activity which the Constitution
affords to every South African citizen the freedom to make political choices.
This includes the right to form a political party; to participate in the
activities of, or recruit members for, a political party; and to campaign for a
political party or a cause.
The right to free political activity is one of the basic human rights
enshrined in our Constitution.
In pursuance of the promotion of this right, the Commission calls upon on
all political parties and organisations to adhere to the spirit and provisions
of the Electoral Act, including the electoral pledge that was agreed to in
Durban at a conference that was organised by the Independent Electoral
Commission on 25 November.
It also upon all individual South Africans to live up to their
responsibility of citizenship, and to make sure that they conduct themselves in
a manner that will advance the values and principles of our Constitution, which
include human dignity, equality and freedom.
The Constitution provides a basis for the protection of every South African
to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources, as
well as their right to equal protection and benefit of the law, and as a result
calls on law enforcement agencies to deal indiscriminately with those who
violate this provision.
Given the unacceptable high levels of crime and violence in South Africa,
coupled with the propensity of many of our citizens to resolve conflict through
violent means, the commission urges all political parties to view this matter
in the most serious light.
It is in view of the above that the commission condemns ongoing acts of
political intolerance which manifests in thinly veiled threat of violence,
severely toxic political discourse and in some instances violence between
members of different political parties.
Until the electoral code of conduct comes into operation and the election
date is declared, the commission will take necessary action against the conduct
of political parties, their members and supporters, which goes against the
provisions of our constitution and in our Bill of Rights.
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
8 January 2009
Source: South African Human Rights Commission (http://www.sahrc.org.za)
