Amnesty International SA: Ramaphosa must use SONA to cement protection of human rights defenders
As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, human rights organization Amnesty International is calling on him to use the platform to highlight the importance of protecting human rights defenders.
The organisation has urged Ramaphosa to acknowledge the critical role played by activists and human rights advocates in South Africa and across the globe. It also wants him to condemn the increasing threats, attacks, and killings of human rights defenders in the country.
A Plea for Human Rights Protection
In a statement ahead of SONA, Amnesty International South Africa’s executive director, Shenilla Mohamed, stressed that human rights defenders are under immense pressure and face significant dangers for simply standing up for justice and equality.
“Throughout the world, we are seeing a rise in authoritarian practices and ideas, demonstrated by the demonisation of marginalised groups, the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights, and the targeting of climate activists, to name a few examples,” Mohamed stated.
She explained that as global threats to democracy increase, it is more important than ever for leaders like Ramaphosa to take a stand and ensure the safety of those who dedicate their lives to defending human rights.
A Growing Threat to Human Rights Defenders
Amnesty International’s plea comes against the backdrop of a worrying trend of violence and intimidation against human rights activists in South Africa. In recent years, several activists, journalists, and whistleblowers have been threatened, attacked, or even killed for speaking out against corruption, inequality, and human rights abuses.
South Africa has seen an increase in assassinations and intimidation of whistleblowers exposing corruption, as well as environmental activists and community leaders fighting for justice in vulnerable communities. The killings of land rights activists, gender-based violence advocates, and anti-corruption campaigners have sparked global concern.
Mohamed warned that failure to protect these individuals will not only weaken democracy in South Africa but also send a message that activism is punishable by violence or even death.
The Role of the State in Protecting Human Rights
Amnesty International has called on the South African government to take concrete steps to ensure the protection of activists and human rights defenders.
Mohamed emphasised that it is the responsibility of the state to create a safe environment for activists to operate without fear of persecution.
“In this context, it is imperative that states ensure the protection of those who stand up to protect human rights,” she added.
The organisation also urged the South African government to investigate attacks on human rights defenders thoroughly and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Call for Accountability and Action
South Africa has one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world, with strong protections for freedom of expression, association, and human rights. However, activists and journalists continue to face harassment, intimidation, and violence, often with little to no consequences for perpetrators.
Amnesty International is urging Ramaphosa to:
- Condemn the attacks on human rights defenders publicly and commit to holding perpetrators accountable.
- Strengthen policies and laws that protect activists, whistleblowers, and journalists from violence and persecution.
- Ensure law enforcement agencies investigate threats, attacks, and killings of human rights defenders swiftly and fairly.
- Support initiatives that promote civic engagement and protect the right to protest and freedom of speech.
A Global Struggle for Human Rights
The threats faced by human rights defenders are not unique to South Africa. Around the world, activists are being silenced, arrested, or even killed for speaking out against authoritarian governments, corporate corruption, and human rights violations.
- Environmental activists are being attacked for resisting mining and deforestation projects that harm their communities.
- Women’s rights activists are facing backlash for demanding gender equality and reproductive rights.
- Journalists and whistleblowers are being targeted for exposing corruption and abuse of power.
With South Africa being a signatory to several international human rights treaties, Amnesty International believes the country should set an example in protecting human rights defenders.
Conclusion
As Ramaphosa prepares to address the nation, Amnesty International hopes he will use this opportunity to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to human rights.
By speaking out against the persecution of activists and ensuring concrete action is taken to protect them, Ramaphosa could send a strong message that South Africa remains committed to justice, equality, and democracy.
Whether the president will take this call seriously and address the growing threats to human rights defenders remains to be seen, but activists and rights groups will be watching closely.
