The Commission for the Promotion and Protection the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) is a constitutional human rights institution established by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 2004 strengthen constitutional democracy with specific reference to the rights of culture, religion and language.
The CRL Rights Commission is deeply disturbed and concerned about an act of alleged religious attack that occurred at a restaurant in Magaliesburg in the North West yesterday.
It is believed that the attack was a result of lack of religious tolerance by two alleged killers who referred to the man as Osama Bin Laden because his beard resembled that of the late al-Qaeda. It is tragic that in South Africa, after 18 years of democracy, there are still members of communities that verbally and physically attack a fellow human-being because of his Muslim look.
The Rights Commission protects the cultural, religious and language rights of every member of a community within the framework of the Constitutional human rights law and the guaranteed basic human rights, such as freedom religion and belief and opinion, that are conducted equitably, freely and voluntarily. Therefore, this killing perpetrated by the alleged killers is viewed as a gross disrespect for other people's beliefs and a blatant disregard for the sacredness of life. Lack of respect and is against the principles of social cohesion.
CRL Rights Commission has an obligation to further protect the right to religious affiliation and practice thereof; and is committed to initiatives that are against discrimination emanating from racial and religious aspects. We therefore would to encourage religious tolerance, respect for religious diversity and respect for the dress code of other religious groupings as well as their appearance.
The CRL Rights Commission will continue working very hard with other stakeholders to ensure that there is religious tolerance in this country, and that religiously motivated discrimination, or any other discrimination for that matter, is not only discouraged but also utterly condemned.
The CRL Rights Commission calls upon all people to condemn this dastardly deed and to seek a way bringing sanity athat threatens our peace, security cohesion.
Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and community of the deceased. This whole unfortunate episode is further compounded by the shocking and disturbing fact that this unbelievable killing of Kazi Fayaaz happens also during the holy month of Ramadaan.
For more information and media interviews contact:
Adv Sipho Mantula
Communications and Marketing Officer
Tel: 011 537 7628
Cell: 083 233 1538
E-mail: siphon@crlcommission.org.za
CRL Rights Commission responds to the allegations that a Muslim man was beaten to death due to his religious identity (North West)
