Ramaphosa must use SONA to cement protection of human rights defenders - Amnesty International SA
The organisation says Ramaphosa must take a moment to acknowledge the important work of human rights defenders in the country and abroad and condemn the threats, attacks and killings of human rights defenders in South Africa.
FILE: President Cyril Ramaphosa. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - Rights group organisation Amnesty International is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to use Thursday’s State Of the Nation Address (SONA) to call for the protection of human rights defenders.
The organisation says Ramaphosa must take a moment to acknowledge the important work of human rights defenders in the country and abroad and condemn the threats, attacks and killings of human rights defenders in South Africa.
“Throughout the world, we are seeing a rise in authoritarian practices and ideas, demonstrated by the demonisation of marginalised groups, the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights, and the targeting of climate activists, to name a few examples.
“In this context, it is imperative that states ensure the protection of those who stand up to protect human rights," said Amnesty International South Africa's executive director - Shenilla Mohamed.