South Africa: Human rights concerns in South Africa: Memorandum sent to the South African government - August 2009

The organization also wishes to draw the government’s attention to the human rights situation in a number of countries elsewhere in Africa and appeals for the respect, protection and promotion of human rights to be placed at the centre of South Africa’s multilateral and bilateral foreign policy. [...] In addition with respect to strengthening the mechanisms for the protection of human rights in South Africa, Amnesty International is aware that there are a number of important judicial appointments to be made this year, as well as appointments to other, ‘Chapter Nine’, bodies such as the South African Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Public Protector. [...] As a further indication of the government’s commitment to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and the right to have access to legal and other remedies, Amnesty International urges the government to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect and promote the transparency, independence and effectiveness of the appointment processes, as well as the independent and effective functioning [...] Amnesty International September 2009 Current human rights concerns and recommendations to the South African government, August 2009 1. OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S RIGHT TO HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DUAL EPIDEMICS OF HIV INFECTION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Amnesty International notes and welcomes the decision by the new government under President Zuma to recognize the particular needs of wom [...] These measures are needed because of the evidence of continuing risks to the rights to life and physical integrity of refugees and others in need of international protection, rights which South Africa is obliged to uphold under both international and regional human rights and refugee law.