Universal Periodic Review on South Africa

Mr. President,

International-Lawyers.Org and the Geneva International Centre for Justice note the UPR report on South Africa.

We welcome the Cabinet of the South African government’s approval of the publication of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill for public comment. This law will go a long way in combating insidious forms of discrimination in South Africa.

Indeed, South Africa’s most prominent legacy is its struggle against racism and other forms of discrimination based on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. South Africa’s respected stateman, Nelson Mandela- a former president of his country and a honorary president of the NGO from which International-Lawyers.Org emerged- based his legacy on the struggle against racism. Today South Africa’s unyielding support for the struggle against racism and other forms of discrimination based on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is not only needed, but essential. We therefore welcome South Africa’s commitment to the DDPA and urge it to continue to pursue this role as a global leader.

Thank you,