• South Africa: Broaden Inquiry Into Miner Killings
    Aug 22, 2012
    Press release
    The South African government should ensure that the Commission of Inquiry into the killings of the Lonmin miners in Marikana on August 16, 2012, is independent, impartial, and investigates the underlying circumstances that led to the killings. The inquiry should not be limited to whether the use of lethal force by police was lawful.
  • Africa: Clinton Should Urge Leaders to Address Abuse
    Aug 1, 2012
    Press release
    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her trip to Africa should promote freedom of expression and association and encourage countries to address police and security force abuses, Human Rights Watch said in a public letter today. Secretary Clinton is scheduled to visit Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa between July 31 and August 10, 2012.
  • South Africa: Chance to Cut Maternal Deaths
    May 4, 2012
    Press release
    South Africa’s new campaign to reduce maternal mortality is an important step to address a serious problem, but accountability will be the key to making it work. The campaign is aimed at reducing the number of women who die needlessly from preventable and treatable causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth.
  • South Africa: LGBT Rights in Name Only?
    Dec 5, 2011
    Press release
    Black lesbians and transgender men in South African townships and rural areas face an overwhelming climate of discrimination and violence despite protections promised them in the country’s constitution, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.
  • South Africa: Vote on Protection of Information Bill Damaging
    Nov 22, 2011
    Press release
    South Africa’s parliament vote to pass the controversial Protection of State Information Bill is a blow to freedom of expression and democratic accountability, Human Rights Watch said today.  Parliament should have heeded the calls of South African civil society,  representatives of the media, and political opposition and refrained from holding the vote. 
  • IBSA: Push Syria to End Bloodshed
    Oct 15, 2011
    Press release
    India, Brazil, and South Africa are not leveraging their rising global influence to help stop the bloodshed in Syria.
  • South Africa: Issue Visa to Dalai Lama
    Sep 29, 2011
    Press release
    The South African government’s reluctance to issue a visa to the Dalai Lama, Tibetans’ spiritual leader, has no objective basis and appears to be based on no more than fear of Chinese government displeasure, Human Rights Watch said today. South Africa rejected a similar visa request in 2009.
  • South Africa: Farmworkers’ Dismal, Dangerous Lives
    Aug 23, 2011
    Press release
    Workers in Western Cape province who help produce South Africa’s renowned wines and fruit are denied adequate housing, proper safety equipment, and basic labor rights. A Human Rights Watch report says that the government of South Africa, along with the industries that employ these laborers, should take immediate steps to improve their working and housing conditions.
  • South Africa: Failing Maternity Care
    Aug 8, 2011
    Press release
    A lack of oversight and accountability for recurrent problems in the health system and abuses committed by health personnel contributes to South Africa’s substandard maternity care and undermines one of its top health goals: to reduce its high maternal death rate, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. South Africa’s maternal mortality ratio has more than quadrupled over the past decade, making accountability structures to improve oversight and correct health system deficiencies all the more critical.
  • Historic Decision at the United Nations
    Jun 17, 2011
    Press release
    In a groundbreaking achievement for upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity (L.9/Rev.1).