South Africa: Stop gender-based violence and femicide this Youth Day

As South Africa marks Youth Day today, Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa said:

“Usually on Youth Day, South Africa remembers the sacrifices made for the right to education for all. But this Youth Day is different as it comes after a surge in horrific murders of women and girls across the country.

Enough is enough. South Africa’s war on women must be stopped, and crucial to making this happen is immediate and significant government action to protect women and girls. The government must tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) with the same zeal and coordinated effort as demonstrated with COVID-19.”

Amnesty International South Africa is demanding justice for victims and their families by calling on the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to:

• Ensure police are gathering evidence in a meticulous manner and are accountable in accordance with the law.
• Ensure police follow timely and due process during investigations. 
• Ensure there is no further impunity for cases of femicide or gender-based violence.
• Ensure that corruption of police, also in cases of femicide and gender-based violence, is no longer tolerated.
• Ensure that police are trained to sensitively and objectively investigate incidents of gender-based violence. 

Shenilla Mohamed added: “Further delays cannot be tolerated. If future generations, the youth of our country, are to have a chance at thriving, GBVF must stop. So, let’s make this Youth Day the day that the tide turned.”

Background

South Africa has seen an increased number of reported cases of femicide since the start of June 2020 resulting in renewed calls for justice for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country.

Tell the government of South Africa to increase its efforts to protect women and girls. Now and always.

Take action here.