This follows the recent killings of three activists – Imam Muhsin Hendricks, an LGBTI advocate; Pamela Mabini, a gender activist; and Dr Gomolemo Mokae, a medical doctor and activist. Their deaths remain under investigation, sparking renewed urgency for action.
Amnesty International has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a more active stance in safeguarding those who champion human rights. Speaking to Thami Ngubeni, Cassandra Dorasamy, a research consultant at Amnesty International South Africa, emphasised the need for specific legislation to protect human rights defenders, arguing that the right to protect and promote human rights is a fundamental right that requires dedicated legal backing.
Dorasamy highlighted the insufficiency of existing protections such as whistleblower legislation, explaining that these measures do not comprehensively address the unique challenges faced by human rights defenders. She defined human rights defenders as anyone standing up for human rights in a peaceful manner – including journalists, whistleblowers, community activists, and healthcare professionals.
According to Dorasamy, the recent killings of Hendricks, Mabini, and Mokae reflect a disturbing trend of targeted violence against activists in South Africa. She cited broader patterns where activists advocating for justice and equality are perceived as threats to powerful interests, particularly in contexts like mining-affected communities or movements challenging local government practices.
Amnesty International’s propositions to the government include not only enacting legislation but also fostering a broader cultural shift. Dorasamy called on the government, particularly President Cyril Ramaphosa, to publicly recognise the importance of human rights defenders and to condemn threats and attacks against them. Additionally, she stressed that any proposed legislation must be informed by the experiences of activists on the ground to ensure it effectively addresses their realities.
Beyond government action, Dorasamy urged South Africans to take an active role in supporting human rights defenders. She encouraged citizens to educate themselves on these issues, join movements advocating for justice, and directly engage with government processes, such as signing petitions calling for stronger protections.
As the country reflects on its human rights record, Amnesty International’s call serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality requires both legislative action and a collective effort from society at large to protect those who dedicate their lives to defending human rights.
--ChannelAfrica--
