Top 10 Things You Should Know About The SAHRC

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy and equality amongst citizens.

Here’s a list of Top 10 Things You Should Know About The SAHRC:

1.The SAHRC is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

2. The Commission was inaugurated on 02 October 1995 under the Human Rights Commission Act 54 of 1994 and as provided for by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993.

3.  The South African Human Rights Commission must –

a) promote respect for human rights and a culture of human rights
b) promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights
c) to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in the Republic.

4. The Commission has the powers, as regulated by the national legislation, necessary to perform its functions, including the power –

a) investigate and report on the observance of human rights
b) take steps and secure appropriate redress where human rights have been
violated
c) carry out research
d) to educate.

5. Each year, the Commission must require relevant organs of
state to provide the Commission with information on the measures that they have taken
towards the realisation of the rights in the Bill of Rights concerning housing, health
care, food, water, social security,education and the environment.

6. The Commission investigates alleged violations of or threats to a fundamental rights. It can do this on its own accord, or in response to a complaint laid by the public or any member of the public who is concerned about an individuals rights.