Amnesty International has called for stronger protections for human rights activists in South Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for safeguards amid rising threats and violence against those fighting for justice.
The organization highlighted gender-based violence (GBV) as one of South Africa’s most pressing human rights issues, pointing to the broader need for social justice and enhanced legal protections for citizens and activists alike.
The Call for Better Protection of Human Rights Defenders
According to Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, human rights defenders—those advocating for social justice, accountability, and community rights—often operate in dangerous environments with little to no legal protection.
Amnesty International
While the Whistleblower Protection Bill is set to be introduced in Parliament later this year, Mohamed stressed that it does not extend to many human rights activists, leaving them vulnerable to harassment, intimidation, and even violence.
“Human rights defenders are normal members of the public who stand up for their and their community’s basic human rights, no matter what they may be. This is why President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to acknowledge human rights defenders in addition to whistleblowers.”
Her statement underscores a critical gap in legal protections, as many individuals risk their safety to expose injustices, challenge corruption, or advocate for marginalized communities.
South Africa’s Ongoing Human Rights Challenges
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Crisis
South Africa has long struggled with high rates of GBV, with activists consistently raising concerns over the lack of justice for victims and survivors. Amnesty International has been vocal about the government’s failure to provide adequate protection for women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence.
The organization’s recent statements reinforce the need for urgent intervention to address these deep-rooted issues.
Attacks on Whistleblowers and Activists
South Africa has seen an alarming increase in violence against whistleblowers, activists, and journalists in recent years.
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Babita Deokaran, a senior health official, was assassinated in 2021 after exposing corruption within the Gauteng Health Department.
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Human rights activists in rural communities have faced threats and attacks for speaking out against illegal land grabs, environmental issues, and police brutality.
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Journalists reporting on corruption have been subjected to intimidation tactics, including cyber harassment and legal threats.
Amnesty International warns that without stronger protections, activists will continue to face violent retaliation for exposing injustices.
The Need for Legislative Action
While the Whistleblower Protection Bill aims to strengthen legal protections for individuals reporting corruption and wrongdoing, Mohamed argues that it excludes many human rights defenders who are not classified as whistleblowers but still play a vital role in holding power to account.
The bill is expected to introduce:
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Stronger safeguards for whistleblowers who expose corruption in both government and private sectors.
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Enhanced protection mechanisms to prevent retaliation, such as job termination or threats against their lives.
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Financial and legal support for individuals who face intimidation after coming forward with evidence of wrongdoing.
However, Amnesty International insists that the bill must go further to include activists, community leaders, and journalists, ensuring that they receive the same level of legal and financial protection as whistleblowers.
A Call to President Ramaphosa
Amnesty International is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African lawmakers to expand legal protections to human rights defenders and acknowledge their essential role in protecting democracy.
The organization is advocating for:
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Stronger legal frameworks that recognize human rights activists as protected individuals.
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Increased law enforcement action against those threatening or harming activists.
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Greater financial and legal support for individuals facing retaliation.
Without these measures, Mohamed warns that South Africa will continue to see a decline in human rights protections, discouraging individuals from speaking out against injustices.
What’s Next?
As Parliament prepares to introduce the Whistleblower Protection Bill, it remains to be seen whether additional provisions will be made to include human rights defenders.
Activists and civil society organizations are expected to continue lobbying for stronger legal protections, emphasizing that a democratic society depends on the ability of individuals to speak out without fear.
For now, Amnesty International’s latest statement serves as a stark reminder that South Africa must do more to protect those risking their safety to defend justice, accountability, and human rights.