ArticlesMediaAmnesty, Prosecutions and Pardons, Transitional JusticeVictims Denied a Say in Political Pardons ProcessPolitical parties are helping review applications for pardon from individuals who committed politically motivated crimes. In this de facto re-enactment of the TRC’s amnesty process, the President has created a “Reference Group” to assess applications for pardon, a group that includes representatives of our 15 national political parties. This group has already started making recommendations to the President as to… Read More CSVRAugust 17, 2008
ArticlesMediaPolicingPolicing After the Scorpions: Negotiating Alternative OptionsAt a press conference last week, the chairs of the portfolio committees on safety and security and justice indicated that the Scorpions would be shut down regardless of public petitions or inputs made at their public hearings. The hearings are being held over the coming weeks on two Bills that provide for the unit to be dissolved. Justice committee chair… Read More CSVRAugust 8, 2008
ArticlesMediaGender-based Violence, Migrants and XenophobiaDouble Jeopardy: Being Foreign and Female Increased Their Vulnerability During Xenophobic ViolenceBeing both foreign and female increased the vulnerability of women during the xenophobic violence in South Africa. Xenophobia targets women and children because they are central to making settlement happen. They denote a more permanent move, the laying down of roots. In the wave of xenophobic violence that swept across South Africa in the past weeks, more than 50 people… Read More CSVRJuly 20, 2008
ArticlesMediaTorture and State ViolenceSouth African No Torture Consortium LaunchedThe South African No Torture Consortium (SANTOC) was launched on 26 June 2008, International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture. The Consortium aims improve the impact and effectiveness of the torture rehabilitation sector. SANTOC is working to build a strong advocacy movement to pressure the South African government to criminalise torture and to adopt and ratify OPCAT, the Optional… Read More CSVRJuly 2, 2008
ArticlesMediaPeacebuilding, Transitional JusticeZimbabwe: Negotiations Must Not Lead to Further ImpunityMDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s announcement that he will not contest Zimbabwe’s presidential election this week has been greeted in some quarters by renewed calls for talks towards a negotiated settlement and a possible Government of National Unity as an interim measure until proper elections can take place. The MDC has stated that it will make known its own proposed way… Read More CSVRJune 25, 2008
PublicationsResearchMigrants and XenophobiaUnderstanding Current Xenophobic Attacks and How South Africa Can Move ForwardOn the 19th of May 2008 the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) convened a meeting of all Chapter 9 Institutions as well as NGO’s to discuss Civil Societies response to the xenophobic violence. During this meeting the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) was mandated by the SAHRC to coordinate the humanitarian response by CSO to… Read More CSVRJune 20, 2008
