Challenging lack of bodily autonomy, discrimination, unequal access and legal barriers to enjoyment of rights. Support and empower communities to assert their rights and obtain redress for rights violations.
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Ongoing Cases
Malawi: Protecting the rights of refugees
On 29 May 2023, a judicial review application was filed on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi, challenging the detention of refugees and asylum seekers including children. The…
Malawi: Case concerning malnutrition in prisons
Background The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi states in Section 42(1)(b) that “every person who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, shall have the right to be detained under…
Displacement of communities & Illegal conversion of customary land: Chipabwamba & 12 Others v Yssel Enterprises Limited & Others
The Southern Africa Litigation Centre, in collaboration with the Muchinda Royal Establishment together with the Zambia Land Alliance, is assisting 13 community members, each representing their family in bringing forth a case where they seek to…
Completed Cases
Botswana: Chobe Land Board v Rebeccah Banika
The Southern Africa Litigation Centre is working with the Botswana Khwedom Council to support Kgosi Rebeccah Banika, a female Chief, who challenged the decision of the Chobe Land Board to…
Malawi: Man arrested and convicted for attempting to commit suicide
Background Suicide continues to be a global health concern, affecting all continents. During the lockdown period to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic between April and September 2020, Malawi…
Malawi: Ending impunity of police officers for rape
Background Section 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and Section 4 of the Malawi Police Services Act provide that the Malawi Police Services’ mandate is to provide…
Botswana: Accountability for violation of rights of woman seeking reproductive healthcare in state institutions
SALC supported a case in which the Plaintiff, who had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy and developed complications, and she was later diagnosed as having a vaginal fistula. She failed…
Articles
International Albinism Awareness Day 2025: Inclusion Is Strength
Every year on 13 June, the world marks International Albinism Awareness Day, a moment to reflect, stand in solidarity, and, most importantly, affirm the dignity and rights of persons with…
How capitalism, patriarchy and neo-colonialism are repackaging
The Midweek Sun (4 June 2025) Modern Ghana (4 June 2025) Botswana Guardian (6 June 2025) MambaOnline (6 June 2025) Washington Blade (10 June 2025) *By Bradley Fortuin The old…
Lesotho is an example of the power of communities
A Pride event in Lesotho (Photo courtesy of the People's Matrix Association) Washington Blade (27 May 2025) By Tampose Mothopeng and Bradley Fortuin People’s Matrix Association’s tangible policy reforms have changed…
Urgent call to fully establish land dispute structures in Malawi and ensure adequate representation of women
Youth Watch Society (YOWSO), Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) and Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI) welcome the Ministry of Lands'…
Resources
Petty policing practices
African Disability Rights Yearbook Volume 12 Petty policing practices: Enforcement of minor offences against persons with psychosocial disabilities in three East African countries By Anneke Meerkotter Anneke Meerkotter contributed an…
Report: Legal gender recognition in Zimbabwe
This brief is written to support engagements around legal gender recognition between the Government of Zimbabwe and organisations advocating for the rights of transgender, gender diverse and intersex individuals in…
