Amnesty International SA: SA leaders must put human rights above politicking
Amnesty International South Africa on Saturday urged the country’s leaders to prioritize the delivery of fundamental human rights to citizens, above politicking.
The organization’s plea came as countries across the world observed International Human Rights Day on Saturday.
Amnesty International SA executive director Shenilla Mohamed said while politicians fight for power and jostle for positions, the safety, and dignity of people have taken a back seat.
“Whatever is happening within the country’s political context should not stop government officials and politicians from doing the job they were elected to do,” she said.
“It is clear that the right to life, safety, and dignity of people has taken a back seat and there is no accountability. Women and girls continue to live in fear because of the high rate of gender-based violence, while the high crime rate in general in South Africa continues unabated,” she added.
Mohamed also slammed the attacks on whistleblowers and pro-human rights activists.
“Whistleblowers and human rights defenders also continue to be treated with disdain and are either being killed or intimidated for doing the right thing, while attacks on civil society organizations, especially by government officials, continue,” said Mohamed.
“This goes against South Africa’s Constitution and undermines our democracy. This may also be a deterrent for some who may want to come forward and speak out or stand up for what is right.”
The freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remain as relevant as ever, recognizing the equal dignity and worth of every person. #StandUp4HumanRights – on Saturday’s #HumanRightsDay and every day.https://t.co/IcdjerUwFR pic.twitter.com/lsh3q2w9rA
— United Nations (@UN) December 9, 2022
-EWN
In other news – ‘Don’t push the young lady’: Twitter mocks AKA over his video on a balcony with Kairo
South African hip hop star, AKA gets trolled for decorating his balcony with his daughter, Kairo Forbes by his side. The rapper shared a video of himself decorating the balcony for Christmas with Kairo, but many didn’t perceive the video as a father and daughter moment.
The video reminded people of AKA’s former girlfriend who committed suicide by jumping off the balcony of a tall storey building where they lodged together. Learn More
