The SAHRC says rights violations in South Africa from xenophobia to gender-based violence as well as dodgy prison conditions should all be prioritised in an investigation by the worldwide body.
In a statement that is being interpreted as being critical of the South African government’s track record on human rights, the SAHCR said the UN should also investigate “the disproportionate use of force exercised by law enforcement officials during protests” in the country.
A country report submitted to the UN office by the South African government was inadequate and some 14 years overdue, said the SAHRC.
Africa News Agency quotes a statement by the SAHRC saying despite the government’s late report, “much of the information contained in the report was outdated. The delay in submitting reports under UN treaty bodies comes at a time when South Africa’s commitment to upholding its obligations under international law is dubious”.
There is also mention of government’s failure last year to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity stemming from the conflict in Darfur.
The SAHRC asked the UN office to take a number of steps, including that it urge the Pretoria government to develop a strategy to address all gender based violence and to ring-fence funding to ensure plans to protect Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) from discrimination is implemented.
