Centre for Human Rights

Centre for Human Rights The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, is an internationally recognised university-base

Recognised internationally for excellence in human rights law in Africa, the Centre for Human Rights is uniquely positioned as both an academic department and a non-governmental organisation. A leader in human rights education in Africa, the Centre works towards a greater awareness of human rights, the wide dissemination of publications on human rights in Africa, and the improvement of the rights

of women, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV, indigenous peoples, sexual minorities, children, migrants and other disadvantaged or marginalised persons or groups across the continent

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, on day two of the Training on Litigation of Sexual and Reproductive...
04/09/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, on day two of
the Training on Litigation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Claims Before National and Regional Mechanisms in Africa moved participants from understanding the law to thinking about how those rights can be defended when they are challenged.

The day started with a recap from the previous day by Deborah Raduba to effectively cement the previous day's knowledge before another day of information sharing. Followed by the panel discussion on the lived realities behind the law, on the topic of Obstetric Violence and Maternal Health, with Kerigo Odada of the University of Pretoria, Nyokabi Njogu of the Centre for Reproductive Rights, and Ruth Wamalwa of the Reproductive Health Network, Kenya, bringing together different perspectives on the violations women experience in healthcare settings.

Dr Olanike Adelakun of the University of South Africa, then explored the SRHR of vulnerable and marginalised women, including documented and undocumented migrants, highlighting the importance of access to justice for those who are often left furthest behind.

From there, participants moved into the courtroom. Achieng Orero of ISLA facilitated an interactive discussion on recent decisions of courts, commissions and committees, including CLC v Nigeria and J v Namibia.

The programme continued with Sofia Rajab-Leteipan of the University of Pretoria and Leteipan & Associates Advocates, who led a session on Female Ge***al Mutilation(FGM) in Africa.

But the real test came next.

Participants were divided into groups for an SRHR litigation exercise, where they developed and prepared draft cases before presenting them.

The training concluded with evaluations, the presentation of certificates by Ruth Versfeld and Dr Sabelo Gumedze, and closing remarks from Prof Nkatha Murungi.

From understanding SRHR standards to examining cases, building arguments and presenting before a panel of judges, the two-day training was ultimately about one thing: moving beyond awareness towards practical litigation skills that can advance accountability and access to justice across Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, hosted its first day of training on Litigation of Sexual and Reprod...
03/09/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, hosted its first day of training on Litigation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Claims Before National and Regional Mechanisms in Africa, bringing together human rights practitioners, advocates and legal experts in Nairobi to explore how strategic litigation can advance sexual and reproductive health and rights across the continent.

The day opened with the opening remarks from Dr Sabelo Gumedze, Assistant Director at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, followed by an overview of the training by Ruth Versfeld.

Prof Nkatha Murungi, Director of the Centre for Human Rights, introduced the international and regional normative systems. Dr Sindiso N. Nkomo (LLD) explored the normative standards on sexual and reproductive health rights.

The conversation moved from standards to practice, with Dorcas Gitonga from Physicians for Human Rights leading a session on forensic and evidence gathering for strategic litigation. Deborah Raduba and Yvonne Kiprop then explored using evidence to build a strategic litigation case at the domestic level, followed by Leticia Mwavishi sharing practical experiences of SRHR litigation at the national level from Kenya.

The afternoon turned to litigation before regional mechanisms, led by Timothy Thondu of the Centre for Reproductive Rights, before Malemba Mkongo, Michael Aboneka and Nosipho M. joined the conversation on digital technology, advocacy and online safety.

Across the sessions, one thing was clear: effective SRHR advocacy requires more than knowing the law. It requires understanding the applicable standards, gathering strong evidence, building strategic cases, and knowing how to use national, regional, and digital spaces to advance rights.

This day laid the groundwork. Tomorrow, the conversation continues.

[Opinion Piece]As the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mark 15 years, Dorcas Basimanyane and Lassané O...
03/09/2026

[Opinion Piece]

As the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mark 15 years, Dorcas Basimanyane and Lassané Ouedraogo from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, reflect on what the framework means for Africa and the communities most affected by corporate activities.

Their op-ed highlights the need to move beyond voluntary commitments and ensure meaningful participation, corporate accountability and access to remedy. A call for Africa to move from being consulted to holding the pen in defining the future of business and human rights on the continent.

Read more: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/opinion-pieces/4459-op-ed-the-un-guiding-principles-turn-15-it-is-time-africa-held-the-pen

Beyond Women’s Month, we look back at one of the remarkable women who has contributed to the Centre for Human Rights, Un...
03/09/2026

Beyond Women’s Month, we look back at one of the remarkable women who has contributed to the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria Rights over its 40-year history.

In 2004, Dr Mary Robinson was appointed and recognised as an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Her contribution to the Centre extended far beyond this appointment. Through her work at the intersection of human rights advocacy, health and development, she brought valuable perspectives to the Centre’s community of scholars, practitioners and students.

She contributed to the Centre’s intellectual life through lectures, including the Helen Kanzira Memorial Lecture, mentored young African activists, and supported research collaborations that strengthened the connection between human rights and health advocacy.

Most importantly, she shared messages of courage, leadership and service with our students; messages that have endured long beyond the moments in which they were delivered. They remain relevant to the students of today and will continue to inspire generations of human rights defenders to come.

As we celebrate 40 years of the Centre for Human Rights, we honour the women whose knowledge, leadership and commitment have helped shape our journey.

On 23–24 August 2026, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, P...
03/09/2026

On 23–24 August 2026, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Women’s Rights of São Tomé and Príncipe, supported the validation of the country’s first combined State Report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights under the African Charter and the Maputo Protocol.

The process highlights the important role of women’s leadership in shaping laws and policies that advance gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls.

The country’s progress, including the adoption of a Political Parity Law in 2022, which provides for a minimum of 40% representation of women in elected bodies and Cabinet positions, demonstrates the impact of women’s participation in decision-making.

Read the full article and learn more about the Centre’s work in São Tomé and Príncipe: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4460-sao-tome-and-principe-the-mirror-effect-of-women-s-leadership-is-evident

[Vacancy: Lecturer] Applications close today. The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, invit...
02/09/2026

[Vacancy: Lecturer]

Applications close today. The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Lecturer. If you have the qualifications and experience to contribute to teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision in human rights law, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing time.

Deadline: Today, 2 September 2026 at 23:59 SAST

Apply now: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/latest-news/4446-vacancy-lecturer-centre-for-human-rights-faculty-of-law

[Webinar Invitation] The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with MISA Mo...
02/09/2026

[Webinar Invitation]

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with MISA Mozambique, cordially invites you to the virtual launch of the Mozambique Elections Report, titled “Proactive Disclosure of Information During Elections: An Assessment of Mozambique's Compliance with the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa during the 2024 General Elections.”

This webinar will bring together voices from academia, civil society, media, youth formations, election officials and public institutions to examine Mozambique’s compliance with the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa. The discussion will also explore electoral transparency, media access, digital platforms, misinformation and disinformation, internet shutdowns, and the protection of democratic participation.

Webinar details
Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Time: 10:30–11:30 SAST

Register on Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/337337777527485?p=IpWwSBsg6LmHx7ShRN

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is inviting applications for the position of Lectur...
01/09/2026

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is inviting applications for the position of Lecturer. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and community engagement in the field of human rights law.

Applications close: 2 September 2026.
For full requirements and application details, visit Careers@UP.

[Call for Abstracts]Global South Rising III: Crisis, Mobility, Governance and RightsHow are crises of mobility, governan...
31/08/2026

[Call for Abstracts]

Global South Rising III: Crisis, Mobility, Governance and Rights

How are crises of mobility, governance and belonging reshaping legal and political orders across the Global South?

The Global South Rising Research Network, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, and the National Research Chair in International Constitutional Law, is accepting abstracts for its third annual symposium, taking place from 8–9 December 2026 in a hybrid format through Zoom and at the University of Pretoria.

Abstract deadline: 30 September 2026
Abstract: Maximum 300 words
Biography: Maximum 150 words

Submit your abstract to [email protected] and join critical conversations on borders, migration, climate displacement, citizenship, governance and reimagining belonging beyond borders.

Webinar: Launch of the Report on the Mozambique ElectionsJoin the launch webinar for the report "Proactive Disclosure of...
28/08/2026

Webinar: Launch of the Report on the Mozambique Elections

Join the launch webinar for the report "Proactive Disclosure of Information during Elections: An Assessment of Compliance with Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa during the 2024 General Elections in Mozambique" and learn about the study's key findings and recommendations.

This initiative is organized by MISA Mozambique in partnership with the University of Pretoria. It will address topics such as proactive information disclosure, electoral transparency, equitable media access, the digital environment, and the protection of civic space.

Date : September 3, 2026
Time : 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Link : https://lnkd.in/daujVYbt
Meeting ID : 337 337 777 527 485
Passcode : H8g2CE7a
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Webinário: Lançamento do Relatório sobre as Eleições em Moçambique

Participe no Webinário de Lançamento do Relatório “Divulgação Proactiva de Informação durante as Eleições: Uma Avaliação do Cumprimento das Directrizes sobre o Acesso à Informação e as Eleições em África durante as Eleições Gerais de 2024 em Moçambique” e conheça as principais conclusões e recomendações do estudo.

A iniciativa é promovida pelo MISA Moçambique, em parceria com a Universidade de Pretória, e irá abordar temas como a divulgação proactiva de informação, transparência eleitoral, acesso equitativo aos meios de comunicação social, ambiente digital e protecção do espaço cívico.

Data : 03 de Setembro de 2026
Hora : 10h30–11h30
Formato virtual
Link : https://lnkd.in/daujVYbt
ID da Reunião : 337 337 777 527 485
Senha : H8g2CE7a

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