Centre for Human Rights

26/06/2026

Professor of International Human Rights Law at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, Frans Viljoen, spoke to Channel Africa about the purpose and significance of the Landmark Judgments by African Union Human Rights Bodies Conference, held to commemorate the African Court's 20th anniversary.

The conference is currently in its second day at the Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria.

Watch the conversation below:

:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg_K76OPMPE

25/06/2026

Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health education in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, recently hosted a validation workshop on draft Anglophone and Francophone curricula on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), bringing together experts from across the continent to strengthen teaching, learning, and advocacy.

Thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions to this important initiative.
Read more: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4429-advancing-srhr-education-in-africa-validation-of-draft-anglophone-and-francophone-srhr-curricula

25/06/2026

[Call for Consultants]

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Pan African Parliament and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), invites applications from qualified consultants to develop a comprehensive Parliamentary Training and Induction Framework for Members of the Pan-African Parliament.

This initiative strengthens PAP Members of Parliament by developing an induction curriculum, modular training programmes, and an online learning platform to support effective parliamentary oversight, legislative harmonisation, democratic governance, and the advancement of Agenda 2063.

The consultancy is ideal for individuals or teams with expertise in African Union institutions, curriculum development, parliamentary capacity building, and digital learning platforms.

Application deadline: 24 July 2026

Interested applicants should submit their applications to [email protected] and copy [email protected].

For full details, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, download the Terms of Reference here: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4426-call-for-consultants-development-of-a-parliamentary-training-and-induction-framework-for-pan-african-parliament-members

24/06/2026

The week began with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, welcoming participants to the Advanced Human Rights Course on Children's Rights in Africa. Day 1 set the stage for the course, taking participants on a journey through the evolution of children's rights and the legal frameworks that underpin their protection, from international standards to regional and national instruments across Africa.

See how the day unfolded in the video below.

24/06/2026

[Call for Applications]

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, is accepting applications for the Training on Litigation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Before National and Regional Mechanisms in Africa.

The training will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3–4 September 2026. This intensive residential training will equip legal practitioners, litigators, human rights defenders, civil society actors, researchers, and adjudicators with practical skills to advance SRHR litigation and accountability across Africa.

Successful applicants will have their travel, accommodation, meals, and related participation costs covered.

Application deadline: 1 July 2026

Apply today and strengthen your capacity to use the law as a tool for justice and social change.

For more:https:https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4427-call-for-applications-training-on-litigation-of-sexual-and-reproductive-health-rights-before-national-and-regional-mechanisms-in-africa

23/06/2026

The normalisation of hate speech can contribute to real-world violence, loss, and irreversible consequences.

On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we are reminded that hate speech is never “just words.”

22/06/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, in partnership with The Other Foundation, convened the: Living on the Frontline: Regional Convening on Safety and Security for LGBTI Human Rights Defenders on 8–9 June 2026.

This convening brought together activists, community leaders, and human rights defenders from across Southern Africa. It provided a platform to share experiences, identify emerging threats, and contribute to the development of a regional safety and security protocol aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms and coordinated responses for LGBTI human rights defenders in the region.

Read more:https://www.chr.up.ac.za/sogiesc-news/4425-centre-for-human-rights-and-other-foundation-convene-regional-gathering-on-safety-and-security-for-lgbti-human-rights-defenders

20/06/2026

Press Statement | World Refugee Day 2026: 75 years of protection and a renewed call to defend asylum in Africa

On World Refugee Day 2026, the Centre for Human Rights (the Centre) joins refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, host communities, civil society organisations, states and regional institutions across Africa and the world in honouring the courage, resilience and ri...

19/06/2026

New on the Africlaw.com blog: Nqobani Nyathi explains what the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 3 Bill means for democracy

Author: Nqobani NyathiLawyer Introduction In 2013, Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly for a new Constitution. Drafted during the Government of National Unity after the violence and massive human rig…

18/06/2026

The 2026 Advanced Human Rights Course offered by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, on Accountable Policing: Oversight and the Criminal Justice System was held virtually via Zoom from 8–12 June 2026, in partnership with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF).

Throughout the week, participants engaged with key issues relating to policing, human rights, oversight, and criminal justice. Sessions covered the use of force, regulation and monitoring of public gatherings, challenges in complying with notification requirements, and the impact of digital surveillance on civic space. The programme also examined access to justice, including the criminalisation of poverty and status offences, safeguards around arrest and detention, and police accountability, public interest litigation, and trauma-informed care, drawing on Kenya as a case study.

The Centre for Human Rights expresses its appreciation to APCOF for its partnership and ongoing commitment to promoting accountable policing and effective civilian oversight.