News

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News Rule of Law

STATEMENT: SALC CALLS FOR THE RECUSAL OF 2 JUDGES IN ESWATINI TERRORISM CASE

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is concerned by the travesty of justice and violation of judicial independence that might occur if the terrorism and sedition appeal before the Supreme Court of Eswatini proceeds on 30 August 2021. “The disregard of judicial independence in political matters is often mooted in…

Staff Writer18 Aug 2021

Botswana Disability Rights News

Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Botswana

On 12 August 2021, the United Nations office issued a notification (Ref: C.N.216. 2021.TREATIES-IV.15) communicating Botswana’s accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) with effect from 11 August 2021. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) applauds the Government of Botswana for ratifying CRPD after years…

Staff Writer16 Aug 2021

Criminal Justice Judgments News SADC Sex Worker Rights

NEWS RELEASE: ABUJA HIGH COURT DENOUNCES VIOLATION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

12 August 2021, Abuja – On 5 August 2021, the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, per Justice Maha, handed down a groundbreaking decision against law enforcement agencies that violated women’s rights. The Applicants were among 71 women who were arrested at various public spaces in Abuja between 17 and…

Anneke Meerkotter12 Aug 2021

Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News Zambia

Statement calling on the government of Zambia to uphold human rights ahead of the upcoming elections

On 12 August 2021, general elections will be held in Zambia wherein voters will elect a President, 156 members of parliament, and 117 district council leaders. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) calls upon Zambian authorities and political parties to commit to respecting, protecting, promoting, and ensuring full respect for…

Staff Writer11 Aug 2021

Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News South Africa

News Release: Constitutional Court confirms that publication by Jon Qwelane constituted hate speech

On 30 July 2021, the Constitutional Court handed down its judgment in the matter of Jonathan Dubula Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission and Another. Central to the Court’s decision was whether the hate speech provision under Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000…

Staff Writer30 Jul 2021

Children's Rights Criminal Justice Malawi News

News Release: Malawi High Court declared detention of children in police custody unlawful

Blantyre, 30 July 2021 – The Malawi High Court today delivered a judgment declaring the lower Court’s detention of children in police custody unlawful. The presiding Judge, Justice Chirwa, stated that the applicants’ detention in Limbe Police Station was unlawful, and the Court ordered their immediate release from custody. The…

Staff Writer30 Jul 2021

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News South Africa

Letter to MTN group president and CEO: Violation of freedom of expression in Eswatini

On 7 July 2021, SALC wrote a letter to the Group President and CEO of MTN group regarding the violation of freedom of expression in Eswatini in light of recent internet shutdown.

Staff Writer7 Jul 2021

Children's Rights Malawi News Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Media Advisory: Challenging criminalisation of adolescent sexuality in Malawi

On 7 July 2021 the High Court in Blantyre will hear the case of an adolescent child of 15 years old who was arrested and charged with the offence of Defilement contrary to section 138(1) of the Penal Code due to having a consensual sexual relationship with another child. The…

Staff Writer6 Jul 2021

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News

Statement: Internet shutdown in Eswatini challenged in the High Court

On Friday, 2 July 2021, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre supported the filing of an urgent application in the High Court of Eswatini before Honourable Justice Qinisile M. Mabuza (Melusi Simelane v MTN Eswatini, Eswatini Mobile and others). The application was filed to oppose the internet shutdown in the country…

Staff Writer5 Jul 2021

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News

SALC statement condemning the human rights violations in Eswatini in light of recent protests

SALC is concerned by the recent developments in Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini has seen a wave of protests over the past month. Protests started in May 2021, following the unexplained death of Thabani Nkomonye, a finalyear law student. The hashtag #JusticeForThabani soon trended, and he became the symbol of…

Staff Writer30 Jun 2021