SAHRC hits back at claims it's a 'toothless' institution
The Chapter 9 institution says 'it's not just about the teeth' but also about having their decisions be binding, and this is why they are fighting this in court,
South African Human Rights Commission. Picture: sahrc.org.za
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has hit back at claims that it’s a toothless institution.
This as the country commemorates Human Rights Day on Thursday.
This year’s instalment comes as some communities continue to battle poor service delivery, especially in municipalities where some citizens are without water and electricity.
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The effectiveness of the human rights watchdog is also under scrutiny as it finds itself in a legal dispute about whether its recommendations are binding.
Commissioner Chris Nissen said the Chapter Nine body remains a key part of upholding the country's Constitution.
"We do have teeth but it’s not just about the teeth – it’s about the convincing power to tell them to please do the execution of your mandate. Yes, we do have to fight with institutions because the Constitution says that government institutions are obliged to corroborate with the Human Rights Commission."
Nissen said he believed the institution has only become unpopular for taking a hard stance on human rights abuses.
"But the problem is that sometimes the commission is ignored but we’re fighting. We’ve become unpopular and we’re hated by people because we are saying this is the right thing to do and that’s why we are in the Supreme Court of Appeal to say our decisions are binding."