Centre for Human Rights

04/06/2026

[Announcement]

The University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria, is pleased to announce that the Advanced Human Rights Course on Civil Society Law in Africa will now be offered in a hybrid format, with participants able to attend either online or in person at the University of Johannesburg from 10–14 August 2026.

Apply here: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/courses/ahrc/ahrc-civil-society-law-africa

03/06/2026

On this World Environment Day, Olayinka Adeniyi, LLD, Post-doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, argues that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a human rights and socio-economic justice issue, particularly in Africa.

"To protect the environment is to protect people. To defend climate justice is to defend human rights."- Dr. Olayinka Adeniyi.

Read more below:https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4414-climate-justice-as-socio-economic-rights-in-africa-beyond-policy-promises

01/06/2026

[Publication Announcement]

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria's publication, the African Human Rights Law Journal, is pleased to announce that, effective from March 2026, articles will be published on a rolling basis rather than biannually.

Here are the links to recently published articles:
https://www.ahrlj.up.ac.za/muhumuza-n
https://www.ahrlj.up.ac.za/moshoeshoe-b-ntaotev-m
https://www.ahrlj.up.ac.za/brauch-j-a

For more information:https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4415-african-human-rights-law-journal-now-publishes-articles-on-a-rolling-basis

31/05/2026

New on the Africlaw blog: Mai Aman raises a vital alarm on the current trajectory of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Does the ACHPR Really Get It?! Human Rights Defenders, African Values, and the Dangerous Drift Toward Normative Regression.

Where do you see the line between preserving cultural values and protecting fundamental rights? 💬 Read the article and join the debate:

https://africlaw.com/2026/05/31/does-the-achpr-really-get-it-human-rights-defenders-african-values-and-the-dangerous-drift-toward-normative-regression/ -4125

28/05/2026

Applications are now open for the Advanced Human Rights Course on Data Protection in Africa, hosted by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.

The five-day intensive course will explore key issues shaping data protection across Africa, from digital rights and AI to cross-border data flows and regulatory frameworks.

Date: 7–11 September 2026
Platform: Online
Apply by 24 August 2026

Learn More Below: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/courses/ahrc/data-protection-in-africa

28/05/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, Women's Rights Short Course Week:

Panel Discussion on 'Enhancing Accountability for Gender Persecution: A Reflection on Africa's conceptualisation of Gender Persecution during conflict and the work of the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal for women in Afghanistan'.

"Justice cannot just be about prosecution, it has to be about people, dignity and healing, because for many survivors the conflict doesn't end when war ends." -Ruembie Msonza, LLM (Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa), Participant in the Short-Course.

28/05/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to the Helen Kanzira Memorial Lecture taking place on 4 June 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.

Held under the theme: “Reflections on women’s reproductive health rights in Africa in light of the Maputo Protocol,” the lecture will feature Senegalese human rights expert and gender advocate, Mrs Ramata Oumar Sall, as keynote speaker.

The annual lecture honours the legacy of Helen Kanzira, a pioneer graduate of the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) programme and a champion for women’s rights in Africa.

Date: 4 June 2026
Venue: Les Résidences Mamoune, Dakar, Senegal
Time: 08:00 GMT

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to attend the 2026 Helen Kanzira Memorial Lecture, to be held on 4 June 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, under the theme: “Reflections on women’s reproductive health rights in Africa in light of the Maputo Protoco...

28/05/2026

To our partners, alumni, colleagues and friends observing Eid al-Adha , we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.

May this sacred occasion bring peace, joy, reflection and renewed hope. Thank you for the solidarity, collaboration and community you continue to build across borders and causes.

Eid Mubarak. 🌙✨

28/05/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria recently hosted Youth Ambassador for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equality and Bodily Autonomy (YASRHR), Lune de Rijck, for a consultation with students in the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa programme.

The engagement formed part of the Youth Ambassador’s visit to South Africa from 15–21 May 2026, aimed at engaging young people on their experiences, perspectives and priorities regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.

Students reflected on inclusion within academic spaces, access to education, healthcare, information and support services, as well as the barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ young people in South Africa. The consultation provided an important platform for meaningful dialogue between young people and international policymakers on issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Insights gathered during the visit will contribute to recommendations to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and inform engagements at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

On 15 May 2026, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria hosted Youth Ambassador for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equality and Bodily Autonomy (YASRHR), Lune de Rijck, for a consultation with students in the Human Rights and Democratisation programme.....

27/05/2026

The latest edition of the Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA) Digest is here. Volume 4 (2026) brings together powerful reflections, critical legal analysis, research insights, and conversations shaping the future of sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa. From women’s reproductive autonomy and LGBTQ+ inclusion to landmark court decisions and youth-led advocacy, this edition highlights the urgent realities and transformative work happening across the continent.

Featured contributions explore:
• Women’s SRHR across Africa
• LGBTQ+ rights and cultural discourse in Ghana
• Reproductive rights in the Lesotho Defence Force
• Inclusive SRHR policy frameworks in Africa
• Recent African Union developments
• An inspiring interview with Dr Ibrahim Banaru Abubakar

This volume is a reminder that the pursuit of dignity, equality, and justice in Africa’s SRHR landscape continues and every voice matters.

Download from here: www.chr.up.ac.za/publications/sexual-reproductive-rights-in-africa-digest