Every day human rights defenders in South Africa face threats, intimidation, harassment and some have even lost their lives – all for standing up for human rights.
Human rights defenders are people like Thapelo Mohapi from the Abahlali baseMjondolo movement, Nonhle Mbuthuma from the Amadiba Crisis Committee, and Fikile Ntshangase from the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation, who put their lives at risk every day to fight for human rights, and some like Fikile have even lost their lives.
When they see something wrong, they can’t help but want to make things right. Where they see unfairness, they want to make things equal. They act for social good, so that people can work without being assaulted, communities are free from racism, corruption is weeded out, and land is protected. They face danger, so we don’t have to.
Yet there is little to no accountability for attacks against human rights defenders, and they go largely underreported for fear of reprisals.
South Africa does not have specific domestic legislation or public policy for the protection of human rights defenders. But right now, we have a once in a generation opportunity to call for the development and adoption of domestic legislation to ensure their protection.
Take action and call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to commit to developing and adopting domestic legislation for the protection of human rights defenders by the end of 2025.
Let’s speak up for those who speak out for all of us.
