South Africa: ICJ concerned by the tragic events at the Lonmin mines
The ICJ has observed with deep concern the tragic and violent events that took place at the Lonmin mines since 10 august 2012, when miners embarked on a collective action for an increase in wages.The lives that have been lost during this short period bring to the fore various issues concerning the realization of economic and social rights, including the sensitive issue of business and human rights. Poverty, lack of employment and many other socio-economic issues sometimes lead to frustrations, which in turn manifest themselves in violence.
Sexual orientation and gender identity: joint oral statement by the ICJ, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International
During the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, a plenary Panel discussion was convened on discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity – the first of its kind.
In a joint oral statement with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, the ICJ welcomed the study by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and addressed concerns about the serious mischaracterization of international human rights law by some delegations at the Human Rights Council.
oral statement-analysis brief-2012 (full text in English, PDF)
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, A/HRC/19/55/Add.2, 23 February 2012: South Africa
South Africa 328. JAL 14/01/11 Case no.: ZAF 1/2011 State Reply: None to date Alleged “corrective” rape of a lesbian woman. Observations 329. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express her regret that, at the time of the finalization of this report, the Government had...
ICJ submission to the Universal Periodic Review of South Africa
Under the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on the UPR will be undertaking a review of South Africa during its 13th session in June 2012.
In a submission to the Working Group, the International Commission of Jurists has focused on the issues of: access to justice, especially in the context of business and human rights; sexual violence, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; the protection of migrant rights; police accountability and oversight; and international human rights instruments and South Africa’s cooperation with the UN treaty bodies and the Council’s Special Procedures.
South Africa-ICJ submission UPR-analysis brief-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
Recent News
PRESS RELEASE;African Civil Society Organisations Commend AU and SADC for Condemning Sham06 Nov 2025
Türkiye: Justice Reforms Central to Fair, Durable Peace Parliamentary Commission Should Make Bold Recommendations for Change06 Nov 2025
Greece: ICJ and ECRE call the European Committee of Social Rights to ensure Greece’s compliance with migrant and refugee children’s rights06 Nov 2025
ICJ submission highlights discrimination as key obstacle to women and girls with disabilities in enforcing their human rights04 Nov 2025