ArticlesMediaTorture and State Violence, Transitional Justice, Violence PreventionPress Release: SACTJ Calls for Reform of National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in South AfricaThe South African Coalition for Transitional Justice (SACTJ) calls for changes to the architecture and working methodology of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in South Africa. Torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment and punishment were routinely and widely practised during the Apartheid era in South Africa. These human rights abuses are still rife in the country and… Read More CSVRNovember 16, 2021
ArticlesMediaChildren and Youth, Youth ViolenceKenya Youth Empowerment and Opportunities Project Good Idea but Not All InclusiveSocial scientists and policymakers alike have shown that youth empowerment programmes can act as a catalyst for social inclusion and consequently help reduce youth violence. However, data from research done by the Centre for Human Rights Policy Studies and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation show that the top-down conceptualisation and implementation of the Kenya Youth Empowerment… Read More Mwangi MwauraNovember 5, 2021
ArticlesMediaCulture of Violence, Taxi Violence, Violence in IndustryTaxi Violence – Roots vs Routes? What Is the Solution?Taxi violence is a perennial problem that reflects the complexities and challenges of the South African society at large. The outbreak of violence in Gqeberha, during which several taxis and shops were set alight is sadly, a familiar occurrence. According to the Murder By Contract: Targeted killings in eastern and southern Africa report, "taxi-related targeted killings made up over half of the… Read More Boikanyo MolotoOctober 18, 2021
ArticlesMediaInequalities, Mental HealthSuicide Crisis Soars in South AfricaSouth Africa is facing a suicide crisis that aptly rose last month — September is dedicated to suicide awareness. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group reports that there are 23 known cases of suicide in South Africa every day, and for every person that commits suicide, 10 have attempted it. Before Covid-19, the organisation fielded 600 calls a day… Read More Charlotte MotsoariOctober 6, 2021
ArticlesMediaOur News and EventsClimate Change, Peacebuilding, Transitional JusticeInternational Day of Peace 2021On this #InternationalDayOfPeace 2021, a day set for strengthening the ideal of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire, we as the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) take stock of the threats to peace, security and stability on the continent. Between 2020 and 2021, a total of four military coups d'etat and two attempted… Read More CSVRSeptember 21, 2021
ArticlesMediaChildren and Youth, Urban Safety, Violence PreventionEarly Childhood Development Policies Can Strike at the Heart of Our Culture of ViolenceThe biggest issue to confront in dealing with violent crime is not organised groups of criminals or insurgents, but a normalisation of violence that infects interpersonal relationships in South Africa. Increasing police resources or deploying the military does not resolve this issue. We need policy measures that address this distortion of our culture, and early childhood development is key to… Read More Jesse CopelynSeptember 17, 2021
