Three decades after South Africa adopted its Constitution, human rights defenders are still being silenced with threats, violence, and death, Amnesty International South Africa said ahead of Human Rights Day.
“In a society that values justice and equality, as set out in the Constitution, the protection of those who advocate for human rights should be paramount,” Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said.
“Human rights defenders play a crucial role in holding authorities accountable and advancing human rights and social justice. Yet, tragically, many of these brave individuals face intimidation, harassment, and even violence and death for their noble efforts.
“As human rights face renewed pressure globally, South Africa has a responsibility to lead, not just in rhetoric, but in action, by safeguarding human rights defenders. Authoritarianism is resurging worldwide, and with this comes the shutting down of critical voices. In this climate, states must ensure robust protection for those who risk everything to defend human rights.
“While Amnesty International commends the South African government for its advocacy on behalf of the people of Gaza, it must also uphold and safeguard the human rights of all people living in South Africa with equal determination. This requires concrete actions, accountability, and policies addressing the dire conditions faced by many within the country,” she said.
Despite a continuing pattern of violence against human rights defenders in South Africa, there remains very little protection for them or accountability for the perpetrators.”
Last month, on 12 February 2026, just before President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his state of the nation address, Abahlali baseMjondolo activist and human rights defender Zweli Mkhize was shot and killed. This was after receiving threats.
When Zweli Mkhize was killed there were many messages of solidarity and calls for justice, but the voice missing was that of the South Africa government.
“For more than a year Amnesty International South Africa has been calling on President Ramaphosa and the government he leads to acknowledge human rights defenders and their need for protection, and yet there has been silence,” Shenilla Mohamed said.
“The attacks on those fighting for basic rights are a grave violation of human dignity. It is imperative that our government takes decisive action to ensure the protection of these individuals and enacts strong legislation to safeguard their rights.”
There is an urgent need for legislative measures to safeguard the lives of human rights defenders. Amnesty International South Africa is calling on the government to uphold its obligations under international law to protect human rights defenders and ensure their safety, and urge all living in South Africa to stand in solidarity with human rights defenders and demand an end to violence and impunity.
“We cannot allow a culture of impunity to prevail. We need legislation which will protect these brave people, but also a criminal justice system that works,” Shenilla Mohamed said.
“South Africa has a long and painful history of violence, where life is often regarded as cheap. However, the right to life is a fundamental human right that must be respected and protected by all. Every person, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, deserves to live without fear of persecution or harm.”
Background
Human Rights Day in South Africa commemorates 21 March 1960, known as the Sharpeville Massacre. On that day, 69 people were killed and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the pass laws, which required that black people had to carry documents which would allow them access to otherwise restricted areas.
Amnesty International South Africa has been campaigning for the protection of human rights defenders and calling for the development of human rights defender legislation.
Stand with the brave and call for the development of human rights defender legislation here.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Genevieve Quintal, Media and Communications Officer, Amnesty International South Africa: +27 (0)64 890 9224; genevieve.quintal@amnesty.org.za
