Edition 4, 2024


Campaign location

As a global organisation Amnesty International has ended this year with the launch of our landmark report into Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the Occupied Gaza Strip.

In short, Amnesty International has found that Israel has and continues to commit genocide since the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023. 

This is an important and significant finding in the fight for international justice. We did not come to that conclusion lightly, politically or preferentially.

For more than a year now, utter carnage has unfolded in front of the very eyes of the world and there is no end in sight. For over a year now, the Palestinians of Gaza have been held in a nightmare. Bombed, starved and repeatedly displaced, 

You are probably asking yourself what difference does this report make, will it change anything? Amnesty International’s goal is to help stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza, prevent further acts of genocide against Palestinians and reiterate the urgency of the need for a ceasefire. In the longer term, our aim is to support measures aimed at accountability for crimes under international law, including genocide and other serious human rights violations, and justice and reparation for victims and survivors.

The launch of the report comes after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel; Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Minister of Defence; and al-Qassam brigades commander, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, known as Deif, (in the absence of confirmation of his reported death), for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Although it took six months for the arrest warrants to actually be issued, it is an important step which provides legitimacy to the many Palestinian and other voices who over decades insisted that crimes were being committed – voices that demanded justice but have been largely ignored.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC should urgently consider adding genocide to its ongoing investigation of alleged crimes committed by Israeli officials since 7 October 2023 and consider how its investigations can be expedited. Where appropriate, the ICC Prosecutor should also consider applying for additional arrest warrants against individuals suspected of criminal responsibility, including for the crime of genocide.

In this final 2024 edition of Lesedi, you can read more about how Amnesty International came to its finding of genocide and what this means.

In this edition we also commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. It is clearly still a big problem in South Africa when you look at the crime statistics and the recent release of the first national study on the prevalence of GBV in this country. It is concerning that toxic social norms, attitudes and beliefs continue to be driving factors of GBV. 

This is proof that we should not only care about GBV during the 16 days campaign, but that it is a problem that needs to be properly addressed every single day of the year. 

However, what 16 Days of Activism does is shine a spotlight on GBV, which is important. It’s easy to become complacent and stop caring when it is something we see and hear about every day. But we cannot become complacent, and we must continue fighting for change.

Our work on the protection of human rights defenders continues in earnest. This quarter the team took part in a march to the Union Buildings with other partner organisations calling for accountability from President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government and protection for human rights defenders whose lives are at risk everyday in this country. 

Mary Lawlor, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders, visited South Africa last month. Our campaigner, Cassandra Dorasamy, joined her in meeting defenders in KwaZulu-Natal, including Abahlali baseMjondolo, with whom AISA collaborated on a report highlighting their challenges.

You can also read about this year’s Write for Rights cases. This year’s global campaign is supporting nine individuals and groups who are defending human rights. Individually and collectively, they stand for the world we want, not the world we live in.

I hope you enjoy this last edition of Lesedi for 2024. 

Thank you to all our members, supporters and activists who continue to stand with us and take injustice personally!

We look forward to continuing this impactful work in 2025. 

Wishing you a joyful and restful festive season.

Aluta Continua!

Shenilla Mohamed

 

ALL HANDS ON DECK TO CALL FOR AN END TO THE GENOCIDE

By Cassandra Dorasamy, Amnesty international South Africa Campaigner

For over a year, the world has borne witness to the horrors of Israel’s genocide on Gaza, with a sinking feeling of despair as calls for Israel to stop the war were completely ignored. Over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, including 13,300 children, most likely an undercount as many bodies remain trapped under the rubble. 

On 5 December, Amnesty International released the findings of its investigation into Israel’s actions since October 2023 concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Amnesty added not only its voice, but almost 300 pages of evidence and analysis supporting the conclusion. The investigation involved interviews with 212 people (including Palestinian victims and witnesses, local authorities in Gaza and healthcare workers), fieldwork (Amnesty has researchers on the ground), and analysis of an extensive range of visual and digital evidence, including satellite imagery. Our team also analysed statements by senior Israeli government and military officials, and official Israeli bodies, to establish intent. (More on our findings below in Shenilla Mohamed’s op-ed). In the days that followed, we shared the report with many government officials, partners, and other stakeholders and worked to amplify the message in the media. 

The report was an immensely difficult output considering that some of the Amnesty team involved were based in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Now that the report has been published, the campaigning to build on the report’s recommendations begins, and it requires all hands on deck. 

In the next three months, the primary objective of the campaign is to ensure that the message gets out there – that THIS IS GENOCIDE – and to display a global outcry against it. If you would like to get involved, here are a few ways you can amplify the message in your spaces: 

Read and share the report. 

Continue to re-share content about the report and the genocide on social media. 

If you are visiting any landmarks this festive season, consider taking a photo with a sign saying “Stop Israel’s Genocide” or “#EndGazaGenocide”. Please tag us on any pictures that you share at @amnestysafrica (on all platforms). 

Sign the petition calling for an end to Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza (find the petition below). 

We will continue to keep you updated on the development of the campaign, and will continue to monitor for ongoing violations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

 

 

The state of Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza strip.

Watch thw video below to understand how Amnesty International arrived at this conclusion.

Governments must take action—they have the power to end this genocide.

#EndGazaGenocide

 

Amnesty International investigation concludes Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

Read the full report here.

 

The report, ‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, documents how, during its military offensive launched in the wake of the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, Israel has unleashed hell and destruction on Palestinians in Gaza brazenly, continuously and with total impunity.

 

 

AISA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHENILLA MOHAMED WROTE AN OPINION PIECE, PUBLISHED IN NEWS24, EXPLAINING HOW AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CAME TO ITS FINDING OF GENOCIDE. 

Read it here

 

 

End Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

Act now and call on Israel to immediately stop committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

TAKE ACTION HERE

 

Toxic social norms, attitudes and beliefs continue to be driving factors of GBV

Gendered power inequality, and pervasive harmful patriarchal social norms, attitudes and beliefs continue to be factors which drive and enable the high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) in this country, Amnesty International South Africa on 25 November 2024. 

“Today marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against GBV. It is deeply troubling that, in a country where women remain unsafe, some still hold the belief that there are circumstances under which a woman deserves to be beaten or punished,” said Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa.

“Such attitudes are alarming in a nation where approximately 15 women are murdered daily, 172 are assaulted, and an average of 116 rapes are reported each day.”

The release of the first national GBV prevalence study, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council shows that almost 36% of women reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. This translates to an estimated 7,847,438 women. 

It was worrying to see that 10.7% of men surveyed believed that a woman should tolerate violence in order to keep her family together, and 8.3% of men believed that there are times when a woman deserves to be beaten. The majority of men, at 69.5%, believed that a woman should obey her husband, while 9.1% of women agreed with the statement that if a wife does something wrong, her husband has the right to punish her.

“It is clear that the high rates of GBV in South Africa are perpetuated by a culture of silence and ‘acceptance’. We need more people reporting crimes of GBV and calling out the toxic social and cultural norms that exist at every level of society,” Shenilla Mohamed said.

“There needs to be consequences for those who perpetuate violence. This is where the broken criminal justice system has failed victims of GBV. It is because of this failing system, and more importantly the shoddy investigative work and lack of implementation of legislation, that there is little deterrent for perpetrators.” 

According to the SA Police Service’s 2023/24 annual crime statistics, there were 42,569 reported cases of rape. While this is a 0.5% decrease from the previous financial year, this still equates to just over 116 cases of rape a day. Additionally, there were 7,418 cases of sexual assault. This is down 0.9% from the previous year. While there was a slight decrease in cases of reported rape and sexual assault, the numbers are still too high and this does not necessarily mean that there was less rape and sexual assault.

We continue to see failures by the SAPS, as evident in the cases of Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula. Since 2020 Amnesty International South Africa has been campaigning for justice for these two young women who were brutally murdered seven years ago. Since their murders, their families have received little to no communication on the status of the case, leaving them in the dark with no hope of justice being served.

Last year, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi wrote to Amnesty International South Africa informing us that although the Director for Public Prosecutions in Gauteng had decided that there was insufficient evidence at this stage to proceed with prosecution, the decision had been taken to refer the matter to an inquest. The matter was referred to the Protea Magistrate’s Court for the inquest, but since then there has been no indication of when the inquest will start despite our regular follow ups. 

“While society needs to do its part in fighting against toxic norms, attitudes, and gender-power relations, the state also needs to play its part. The police and the state continue to fail all who live in South Africa by not acting with the urgency and seriousness this requires. This failure to do more is violating people’s rights to safety, life and dignity,” Shenilla Mohamed said.

“Enough is enough! More action is needed, and it is needed now.”

 

We need to bring more attention to human rights defenders in South Africa

By Marike Keller, Amnesty International South Africa Researcher

While South Africa recognises many international days, like International Women’s Day and International Human Rights Day, and has even marked some of these nationally, like National Women’s Day and National Human Rights Day, one that is starkly missing, and not many people know about, is International Human Rights Defenders Day. This is surprising given the importance human rights defenders played in the history of our country. It was human rights defenders who pushed back against the oppressive apartheid regime, fighting for the rights of all living in this country, and contributing towards ushering in democracy. 

Human rights defenders are people who individually, or in association with others, act to defend and/or promote human rights at a local, national, regional or international level.

Human Rights Defenders Day is celebrated on 9 December, yet we don’t see or hear anything about this day here in South Africa. It marks the day the United Nations adopted the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in 1998, recognising them as a group of people who work peacefully and legitimately for human rights and who deserve recognition and protection.

Yet, we continue to see these individuals fighting for their, and our, rights, being targeted, attacked, harassed, threatened and even killed. We read their stories in the media and, given the high murder rate in our country, are easy to feel the go-to spurt of anger and then forget about them without giving more thought to the reason why, and the context within which they were killed – fighting for what is right.

Bazooka Radebe, chairperson of the Amadiba Crisis Committee fighting for land, environmental and human rights in their community in the Eastern Cape, shot dead in 2016.

Fikile Ntshangase, a vocal opponent of the open coal mine in her community in KwaZulu-Natal and advocating for environmental justice, shot inside her home in 2020.

Babita Deokaran, a whistleblower shot outside her home in 2021 after exposing corruption at the Gauteng Department of Health.

Nokuthula Mabaso, a member of Abahlali baseMjondolo fighting for housing and socio-economic rights for the community she lived in, in KwaZulu-Natal, shot dead while tending to a pot of rice in 2022. 

The list of humans killed for doing what’s right goes on.

The common denominator is a state that has failed. A state that has failed to protect these people. A state that has failed to ensure justice is served for those who have been killed. A state that has failed to speak out in support, and on the importance, of human rights defenders. A state that has failed to take action to prevent these tragedies from continuing and to create an environment that is safe for them to do their work and activism. A state that has failed by remaining silent. 

This quarter, Amnesty International South Africa participated in several events to highlight the plight of human rights defenders and call on the state to protect them by creating specific legislation for their protection. On 22 October, we participated in a march to the Union Buildings, organised by Defend our Defenders together with partners. A memorandum was handed over to officials from the presidency and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate demanding legislation to protect human rights defenders, public condemnation of their killings, for those responsible to be brought to justice, and a response to these demands by the government by 30 November, which has not been received yet.  

In November, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders came to South Africa on an academic visit. We met with her to share the findings of our latest research report – “Our Lives Count For Nothing: Threats, attacks, and killings of members of Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM) movement in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province” – and joined her as she visited Fikile’s home and met with members of Abahlali baseMjondolo and other human rights defenders in KZN. Across the province, we heard stories of defenders living in fear of retaliation but refusing to abandon their fight to protect their rights. In Somkhele, the home of Fikile Ntshangase, we saw the community broken by the expansion of mining activities, physically isolating community members from one another through relocations. Throughout the province, the need for protection and support for human rights defenders to carry out their work without fear was evident. 

As the international community celebrates the milestone of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders reaching its 26th year, let us make sure that South Africa comes on board too. 

Support us in calling on our government to publicly speak out in support of the important work human rights defenders do, and to commit to developing legislation for the protection of human rights defenders.

 

 

In November, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor undertook an academic visit to South Africa and met with Amnesty International South Africa, the regional Amnesty office, and other organisations and human rights defenders from the country and region.

 

South Africa has a very proud history of human rights defenders who stood up against an oppressive apartheid government. There are also many human rights defenders post-apartheid who are standing up for the rights of their communities, and are paying a heavy price for doing so.

Amnesty International South Africa Media and Communications Officer Genevieve Quintal wrote an op-ed published in Daily Maverick on why human rights defenders in South Africa need protection.

Read it here.

 

 

CALL ON PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO DEVELOP DOMESTIC LEGISLATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Sign here. 

 

 

On 10 December (international Human Rights Day), Amnesty International launched its annual global letter-writing campaign to fight injustice and support people whose human rights are under threat at a time when global order hangs in the balance.

This year Amnesty International’s Write for Rights Campaign will be supporting nine individuals and groups who are defending human rights. Individually and collectively, they stand for the world we want, not the world we live in.

TAKE ACTION HERE

 

MESSAGE FROM THE AISA BOARD CHAIRPERSON

 As the AISA Board looks back on another busy quarter, we would like to sincerely thank all of our members and supporters who help us grow, and wish you all the best for the coming year.

It was a pleasure to see so many of our members at our first hybrid AGM, and we look forward to continued engagement as we implement the instructions from members. The hybrid format allowed us greater flexibility and reach to accommodate our members, and we continue to work towards more efficient, impactful ways of meeting. 

The Board is very excited to pursue two priority areas next year, being the development of an integrated youth and members development strategy to secure AISA’s governance future, and secondly to pursue deep, meaningful engagement with Amnesty sections in the Southern Africa region and across the continent. There is a lot of potential for learning from each other, sharing resources and finding efficient ways of working to increase Amnesty’s impact on the continent. 

Lastly, the Board is very grateful to our former Chairperson, Nwabisa Piki, for her service to AISA’s board over a very busy and taxing period. The Board accepted Nwabisa’s resignation at our last meeting on 23 November, as her professional commitments have grown substantially since she joined our board – we know that Nwabisa has always put AISA’s interests first. We look forward to continued warm interactions with her as an AISA member and friend, and wish her all the best.

Best wishes in solidarity,

Xander Ehlers

AISA Board Chairperson

 

Message to AISA members from Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at our 2024 AGM.

 

Dear Comrades,
It is my singular honour to stand before you and to share a few
words as you begin the serious business of Amnesty International
South Africa’s Annual General Meeting for the year 2024.

Today is almost six months to the day since Amnesty International
released this year’s instalment of the movement’s annual flagship
human rights report, The State of the World’s Human Rights.

Tracing the contours of human rights across 155 countries across
the world, this year’s annual report revealed several troubling
trends globally.

The report showed that over the past year:

• Economic crises, climate change and environmental
degradation had disproportionately affected marginalized communities the world over;
• Human rights defenders campaigning for the rights of these communities were targeted as part of wider repression of
dissent;
• The backlash had intensified against the rights of women
and girls, and LGBTI people;
• Incitement to hatred and other harmful content posted
online against some racialized groups had increased;

• Conflict continued to cause untold suffering for millions
across the world; and
• The existing international system remained paralysed at
best, and subverted at worst, with powerful actors
displaying cynical and selfish gamesmanship at the expense
of human life.

Here at home, in South Africa, according to the report, millions
were united with the many peoples of the world in their suffering of abuses and violations of their human rights:
• Incidents of gender-based violence continued, while
perpetrators enjoyed impunity;
• Access to education and other economic and social rights
remained severely restricted;
• Refugees and migrants continued to suffer discrimination,
and be denied access to primary healthcare and other
essential services;
• Threats against human rights defenders, activists and
whistleblowers, and attempts to silence journalists
continued;
• The murder rate remained high.

As we meet here today the last six months have not been any
different. In fact, the human rights situation has become
increasingly dire globally.

Continued fighting in Sudan has seen the country quickly become the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with 10 million people displaced internally, while over 2 million have fled the country and 19,000 people have been killed.

Nine months since the International Court of Justice warned of the risk of genocide in Gaza, Israeli authorities continue to violate the provisional measures ordered by the court.

Meanwhile, Israel’s ruthless bombardment continues to kill
Palestinians in Gaza, and the human catastrophe spirals by the
day. Over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in the last
11 months.

That this is the reality we face despite the resistance of millions
across the world weighs heavy on the conscience.

But at the same time, we are reminded that Amnesty is a
movement of 10 million people driven by the audacity of hope and active solidarity in the pursuit of justice.

An undying hope that is neatly embodied in the time-honored
Chinese proverb and oft-cited Amnesty refrain: It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

For over 60 years, and now working through over 70 national
entities and a globally distributed International Secretariat, we
have transcended history, politics, ethnicity, gender and religion, to pull together in support of- and with those whose rights are
trampled upon.

As we meet here today to reflect on- and celebrate the impact we
have registered on human rights in South Africa, and to
consolidate and build on gains towards strengthened institutional health and governance, equally important will be to reflect on
how we deliver on the dual mandate which is the defining
attribute of all Sections in the Amnesty movement:
• How will we safeguard human rights nationally, while
offering our experiences, competencies, and energies to the challenge of leadership in regional and global pursuits for
justice and human rights?
This is the one challenge I leave with us all as I conclude.
Comrades, let me appreciate again, the opportunity to come and join you, and share a few words today.

Secondly, let me appreciate your invitation into your deliberations
– of comrades and colleagues from elsewhere in the movement,
specifically from Amnesty International Zimbabwe, and the
International Secretariat. There may be others.
This indeed, is the movement in action.

And to you all, members of the global Amnesty movement in
South Africa, thank you for your commitment, your time, and investment in building a stronger Amnesty International South Africa.

Lastly, I want to invite us all to a commitment as we begin the
business of the day, which is that, in the crucial and critical
discussions that will follow, may we let:
• moral courage,
• humility,
• unity of purpose,
• the audacity of hope, and
• solidarity with all who suffer human rights injustices across
the world, be the fuel that keeps the candle for human rights
burning.

I thank you.

 

Youth Activism Soars Amid Challenges in Q4

by Rejoyce Motaung, Activism Coordinator: Organising

As the year draws to a close, Amnesty International South Africa’s (AISA) university chapters have shown remarkable resilience and creativity in their activism, despite facing significant challenges common during this time of the academic year.

In Q4, chapters engaged in diverse activities such as vox pops to highlight AISA’s work around Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM) and our human rights defenders campaign, mural paintings, and movie nights where they screened our AbM documentary. These activities demonstrate the vibrancy of AISA chapters.

However, common challenges persisted, including difficulty recruiting supporters during exam season, and limited engagement during this time. One student noted: “Recruiting was tough as many students lacked awareness about our work”. Despite these obstacles, chapters recruited supporters, with some groups reporting over 100 new supporters in 2024.

I want to thank the chapters for their hard work this year. Let us gear up to make 2025 a year of even greater impact!

 

AI WITS

AIW Recruitment Process and 2024/2025 Executive Committee Elections 

by Chioma Nzelu 

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Amnesty International Wits (AIW) held its Annual General  Meeting (AGM), during which the 2024/2025 executive committee was elected. The election  process was thorough and democratic, with candidates applying for one of eight key positions  and submitting manifestos outlining their vision for AIW. These manifestos were shared with  the membership, allowing for informed voting. Additionally, candidates underwent a vetting  process to ensure they were aligned with AIW’s values and  mission. 

This diverse and passionate team is set to lead AIW in advocating for human rights, focusing  on gender equality, climate justice, and global human dignity while engaging and empowering  the AIW community in the year ahead.

 

AI University of CAPE TOWN (UCT)

by Ofentse Lemao, Chairperson

We are proud to introduce the new UCT executive for 2025 who were elected during our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Our team is dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement within Amnesty International, understanding that genuine involvement is crucial to our mission. We aim to build trust and inspire activism in every individual, recognising that each voice matters in the fight for human rights. Through collaborative initiatives and outreach efforts, we seek to empower our members and the broader community to advocate passionately for human rights in 2025 and beyond.

AI UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

By Nobukhosi Ncube, Vice-chairperson and Motsidisi Rankwe, Chairperson 

From doom-scrolling to witnessing doom on our screens through our social media platforms, we are constantly exposed to global injustices and human rights violations. This creates a great sense of confusion and disempowerment. Therefore, as AIUP, in collaboration with the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, we hosted a panel discussion  titled ‘Rights Under Siege’ together with Dr John Trimble of the All African Pan Africanist Party, Bram Hanekom from Africa4Palestine, and Fidele Mulaja Binene, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic Congo.

The panel dissected the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, questioned why these human rights seem to only be reserved for specific groups of people, and discussed how youth activism can influence change. Bram Hanekom addressed the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations and emphasising the importance of support from South African youth for the Palestinian cause. Ambassador Binene discussed the atrocities in the DRC, recommending resources for tracking statistics related to the devastating conflict and incidents of violence. Dr Trimble provided valuable insights into potential pathways for African nations, such as Sudan and the DRC, to achieve recovery and long-term stability.

During the Q&A session, students actively engaged with the panelists, creating a lively and enriching educational experience. The discussion was well-attended, with many students filling the room, reinforcing Amnesty UP’s commitment to human rights advocacy. We hope this event has established Amnesty UP as an organisation that genuinely cares about these critical issues.

 

 AI UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE

I am thrilled to announce the successful completion of the interviews for the 2025 executive team for AISA UFH Chapter. Engaging with such passionate and dedicated individuals who aspire to lead our chapter into the future was truly a privilege. Candidates demonstrated a deep dedication to advocacy and activism.

Please join us in welcoming the new executive – Onika Booi as Chairperson, Christian Buthelezi as Vice Chairperson, Mmabontle Nkadimeng as Secretary General, Teboho Makhubu as Treasurer General, Lisakhanya Magandela as GBV and Climate Change Officer, Abenathi Xolo as Events Organiser, and Mzukhona Gumbi as Public Relations Officer. This dynamic team is sure to deliver innovative ideas and a robust dedication to the chapter’s mission.

 

Spotlight on Youth Excellence: Rwanda Wins Amnesty International South Africa’s Human Rights Award at University Model UN Debate 

By Rejoyce Motaung, Activism Coordinator: Organising

Second-year international relations students gathered at the University of Pretoria in October for the Model United Nations debate. This year’s session explored the critical theme: “Climate Refugees: Contemplating a Stateless Future”.

In a fierce competition of ideas, the delegation from Rwanda emerged as the standout performers, earning the Amnesty International South Africa Human Rights Award for Best Delegation. Their arguments showcased a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding climate-induced displacement, with innovative solutions to challenges faced by those at risk of becoming stateless. The team’s ability to balance ethical principles with pragmatic approaches won over judges and fellow participants alike.

The award was officially presented by Amnesty International South Africa’s Board Chairperson Xander Ehlers and Activism Coordinator for Organising, Rejoyce Motaung, recognising the delegation’s exceptional contributions. Their success not only highlights the strength of youth activism but also inspires others to tackle pressing global issues with creativity and conviction.

The debate brought together diverse perspectives, creating a space where young leaders could explore and engage with the complexities of climate change and human rights. Participants noted that thorough preparation, teamwork, and critical thinking were key to their success.

As Amnesty International South Africa, we celebrate the efforts and passion of all participants and look forward to seeing how they will continue to champion the cause of human rights. Together, we are building a brighter future, one debate at a time!

 

Israel/OPT: One year on from 7 October need to ensure a ceasefire and release of hostages more pressing than ever

Monday 7 October 2024 marks a year since the horrific attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 abducted. It also marks one year since the start of an ongoing devastating Israeli onslaught that has killed more than 41,500 people and forcibly displaced 1.9 million in the occupied Gaza Strip. To mark the date Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, said:

“7 October marks a day of mourning for the Israelis whose loved ones were killed and abducted and for thousands who continue to be displaced ever since the heinous attacks by Hamas and other armed groups.

“7 October also marks a year since the start of the horrifying Israeli forces’ onslaught in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands, forcibly displaced 90% of the population and triggered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, placing Palestinians in Gaza at risk of genocide, as stated by the ICJ.

Read the full statement here.

 

Israel/OPT: Netanyahu, Gallant and Al-Masri must face justice at the ICC for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity

Responding to the news that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel; Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Minister of Defence and al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri , known as Deif, (in the absence of confirmation of his reported death), for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said:

“The wheels of international justice have finally caught up with those who are alleged to be responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Palestine and Israel. Today’s arrest warrants represent a historic breakthrough for justice and must signal the beginning of the end of the persistent and pervasive impunity at the heart of the human rights crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man.”

Read the full statement here.

 

 

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Amnesty International South Africa was interviewed on various human rights topics. 

Watch/listen to some of those interviews below. 

 

On 3 October, Amnesty International South Africa Exeuctive Director Shenilla Mohamed spoke to Newzroom Afrika about the Israel/Gaza conflict and whether we are on the brink of world war III. 

Watch the interview here.

On 7 October, Amnesty International South Africa Exeuctive Director Shenilla Mohamed spoke to SABC TV News on the one-year anniversary of the 7 October attack in Israel. 

Listen to the interview here.

 

On 22 October, Amnesty International South Africa Campaigner Cassandra Dorasamy spoke to GroundUp about rhe importance of human rights defenders and the need for protection.

Read the article here.

 

In October Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed spoke to News24 about the responsibility of police in the context of a number of police shootouts where suspects are killed.

Read the article here. 

 

On 5 December, Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed spoke to SABC about the movement report and finding that Israel has committed genocide and continues to comit genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip.

Watch the interivew below.

 

Mozambique: violent post-election crackdown

Mozambique: SADC must take strong stand against spiralling police killings and assault on peaceful assembly 

Responding to the apparent police killings of seven people amid post-election protests in Nampula on 13 November 2024, Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, said: 

“The situation in Mozambique gets worse every day as the death toll spirals, yet the Southern African Development Community remains shockingly silent. Regardless of the outcome of the elections, SADC must take a strong stand against the assault on the right to protest and the killing of protesters. 

“SADC has been painfully slow to respond to Mozambique’s crisis. The bloc must forcefully speak out now against the ongoing violations of human rights by Mozambican security forces and put human rights and accountability at the center of its upcoming summit in Harare, Zimbabwe. 

Read the full statement here. 

 

Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march

Ahead of a major opposition march planned for 7 November in Maputo following disputed elections, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must halt its violent and widespread crackdown on human rights and respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International said. 

The crisis in Mozambique is the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. Police have killed more than 20 people and injured or arrested hundreds more, according to civil society. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. Authorities say protesters killed at least one police officer. 

“The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. 

Read the full statement here.

 

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Richer countries must commit to pay at COP29 as climate change forcibly displaces millions across Africa

With millions of people already displaced by climate change disasters in Africa, the richer countries most responsible for global warming must agree at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan to fully pay for the catastrophic loss of homes and damage to livelihoods taking place across the continent, Amnesty International said. They must also fully fund African governments’ adaptation measures to prevent further forced displacement, stop human rights violations and help them achieve a fast and fair phaseout of fossil fuel production and use. 

These same countries must then follow up on their agreement by urgently financing the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, the main international fund addressing climate change’s unavoidable harms. So far, such countries have pledged less than USD 700 million of the 400 billion dollars that lower-income countries estimate they need for loss and damage by 2030. Meanwhile, adaptation may cost USD 30 to 50 billion per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. International financial institutions must ensure equitable distribution of the money to African countries based on need. 

African people have contributed the least to climate change, yet from Somalia to Senegal, Chad to Madagascar, we are suffering a terrible toll of this global emergency.

Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa

Read the full statement here.

Africans and people of African descent call on Europe to reckon with their colonial legacies

Experts from the African continent and its global diasporas called on European governments to address their colonial past and ongoing impacts at the Dekoloniale Berlin Africa Conference, a decolonial counter-version of the 1884/5 Berlin Africa Conference 140 years ago.

Representatives from Africa and people of African descent came together at the conference on November 15, 2024, to reflect on the history and lasting impacts 140 years after the opening of the 1884/5 Berlin Africa Conference, where European powers expanded their colonial reach across the African continent. Civil society organizations working on the legacies of colonialism in the world, including its ongoing impact on human rights, also joined the November 15 conference.

At the Dekoloniale Berlin Africa Conference, 19 experts discussed how the legacies of those historical injustices are linked to systemic racism and global inequality. The 19 experts included the award-winning UK broadcaster Gary Younge, the Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, the Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, and Pumla Dineo Gqola, the South African academic, award-winning writer, and gender activist.

It’s important the Dekoloniale Berlin conference took place at the site that changed the world in many ways, powered by an enormous sense of entitlement, which can never be fully returned

said Pumla Dineo Gqola.

Read the full statement here. 

 

Angola: No justice for years of police violence that left people dead, wounded and traumatized

Authorities in Angola must hold police officers accountable for killing, injuring or traumatizing dozens of people during protests between November 2020 and June 2023, Amnesty International said in a new report. Police must also stop attacking protesters and respect and uphold everyone’s right to freedom of assembly. 

The report, Broken promises: protesters caught between tear gas, bullets and batons in Angola, reveals a pattern of excessive and unnecessary use of force by police under Angola’s president João Lourenço. Amnesty International investigated police actions at eleven protests and found that officers deployed live bullets and tear gas against demonstrators, killing at least 17 people, while beating and arbitrarily detaining others in violation of Angolan and international law. 

“People in Angola protested when President João Lourenço didn’t live up to his electoral promises. But instead of respecting the right to peaceful assembly, police under Lourenço’s leadership cracked down with brutal force. Amnesty’s research documents a child shot dead, limbs burned by tear gas canisters hurled at crowds and vicious beatings in police custody resulting in deep physical and emotional scars. Angolan authorities still have held no one accountable for these violations. The victims and their families deserve justice now,” said Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. 

Read more about it here. 

 

Sudan: French-manufactured weapons system identified in conflict – new investigation

French-manufactured military technology incorporated into armoured personnel carriers made by the United Arab Emirates is being used on the battlefield in Sudan in what likely constitutes a violation of the UN arms embargo on Darfur, Amnesty International said in a new investigation.

In a briefing published earlier this year, Amnesty International identified armoured personnel carriers (APCs) in various parts of Sudan made in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). New research has shown that these APCs, which are in use by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), include sophisticated French-designed and manufactured reactive defense systems.

The Nimr Ajban APCs are manufactured in the UAE by the Edge Group, and equipped with the French Galix System. In pictures shared on social media and verified by Amnesty International, several Nimr Ajban APCs destroyed or captured by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have the Galix System visible.

The Galix System – made by Lacroix Defense and jointly designed with Nexter (now KNDS France) – is a defense system for land forces that releases decoys, smoke and projectiles to counter close-range threats. Lacroix Defense advertises that the Galix System “hides fighting vehicles from an approaching threat and protects the vehicles, main battle tanks and APCs”.

All countries must immediately cease direct and indirect supplies of all arms and ammunition to the warring parties in Sudan.

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

Read more about it here. 

 

DRC: Senior army officials must be investigated for possible crimes against humanity over Goma massacre

The former governor of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) North Kivu province and two other senior army officers must be investigated for possible crimes against humanity committed while suppressing a demonstration in Goma city, in which at least 56 people were unlawfully killed and over 80 wounded on 30 August 2023, Amnesty International said in a new report. 

The report, Operation “Keba”: Massacre by the Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Goma City, details how security forces went on a killing spree, opening fire on protestors demanding the departure of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Most protesters were followers of the religious and political group Natural Messianic Judaic Faith Towards the Nations (FNJMN), which calls its adherents “Wazalendo”. 

Amnesty International has reconstructed the locations, timing and sequence of the massacre and identified three army officers who should be individually investigated — and with sufficient evidence, prosecuted — for possible crimes against humanity. These individuals are former North Kivu Military Governor Lieutenant General Constant Ndima Kongba; Colonel Mike Kalamba Mikombe who was the commander of North Kivu Republican Guard Combined Arms Brigade (BIA); and Major Peter Kabwe Ngandu, who was the Republican Guard’s Special Forces Battalion Commander in Goma, serving under Colonel Mikombe. 

“This massacre was not the result of a blunder by a few soldiers who intervened unexpectedly after Wazalendo followers stoned a police officer, as authorities have claimed. It was the result of a series of deliberate, planned actions by the Congolese authorities, after MONUSCO explicitly requested they prohibit the protest,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.  

Read more about it here. 

COP29: Finance target is a blueprint for inequalities and violations

The derisory new climate finance target agreed at the close of COP29 in Azerbaijan will put the human rights of billions of people at risk and perpetuate global inequalities, Amnesty International said today. Following days of protracted and opaque negotiations in Baku, the conference ended yesterday with an agreement by high-income countries to mobilize USD300 billion annually by 2035, to help lower-income countries address the escalating climate crisis.

The world’s wealthiest countries have spent this year’s climate conference bullying lower-income countries into accepting a miserly finance agreement which could saddle them with huge debts.

Ann Harrison, Climate Justice Advisor

This is less than a quarter of the minimum amount demanded by many lower-income countries and activists.

“The world’s wealthiest countries have spent this year’s climate conference bullying lower-income countries into accepting a miserly finance agreement which could saddle them with huge debts. High-income countries and the Azerbaijan presidency are loudly congratulating themselves, but no amount of spin can hide the fact that this agreement is a disaster for the human rights of people and communities on the front line of proliferating climate impacts,” said Ann Harrison, Climate Justice Advisor at Amnesty International.

“Rather than moving towards a world where the human rights of all are protected from the harms of climate change, the outcome of COP29 gives the green light to profit-making business as usual. It will perpetuate the ongoing harms stemming from colonialism, and exacerbate the suffering caused by climate change. High-income countries are breaching their obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. This outcome will allow fossil fuel companies to continue sacrificing the human rights of countless people in their ruthless pursuit of profit.”

Read more about it here. 

 

Global: FIFA produces whitewash of Saudi Arabia World Cup bid and ignores own report to provide compensation for migrant workers in Qatar

Reacting to FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 men’s World Cup, Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said:

“As expected, FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid is an astonishing whitewash of the country’s atrocious human rights record. There are no meaningful commitments that will prevent workers from being exploited, residents from being evicted or activists from being arrested.”

“By ignoring the clear evidence of severe human rights risks, FIFA is likely to bear much responsibility for the violations and abuses that will take place over the coming decade. Fundamental human rights reforms are urgently required in Saudi Arabia, or the 2034 World Cup will be inevitably tarnished by exploitation, discrimination and repression.”

Read more about it here. 

 

World: States must step up protection for abortion care providers

On international Women Human Rights Defenders Day, a coalition of human rights organizations are launching a new set of guidelines for governments to protect frontline abortion rights defenders, including healthcare providers.

Amnesty International, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Ipas, MSI Reproductive Choices, the Organisation Pour Le Dialogue Pour L’Avortement Sécurisé (ODAS Centre) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) published the Key principles and actions to safeguard abortion care providers as human rights defenders.

The document provides a set of concrete recommendations for governments to guarantee that health professionals and other human rights defenders of the right to abortion care for women, girls and pregnant people, can do so without fear of attacks and intimidation.

“Despite the global progress we have seen on sexual and reproductive health and rights over recent years, including steps to decriminalize abortion in many countries, defending abortion rights, which includes the provision of abortion by healthcare providers, remains a dangerous job,” said Fernanda Doz Costa, Gender, Racial Justice, Migrants & Refugees Programme Director at Amnesty International.

“Abortion rights defenders are failed by many States. On the one hand, States are negligent in their obligation to protect them while, on the other hand, abortion continues to be restricted and criminalized. As such defenders are deemed less ‘deserving’ of support and protection and are actively targeted. The Key Principles show governments how to break this cycle,” said Melissa Cockroft, Global Lead on Abortion, IPPF.

“Democracy, human rights, and abortion rights are under attack, and so too are the frontline defenders of these rights. They risk physical and verbal attacks, threats, smears and intimidation to ensure people have access to abortion – a critical and essential health care service. We stand with them today and every day in the fight for human rights, and call on the global community to do the same,” said Dr. Anu Kumar, President and CEO of Ipas.

Read more about it here.

 

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