rights
rights
AU Has Neglected Human Rights
The 50th-anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union (AU), at the biannual heads-of-state summit this week is an important milestone. But, while they are celebrating, Africa's leaders should also do some serious reflection on why they haven't made sufficient progress on human rights.
The AU should use this gathering to call on its members to revisit their regional and international human rights obligations and adopt the mechanisms and reforms that those obligations require. That would give people across the continent a special reason to celebrate the anniversary.
Millions of Africans see few opportunities for democracy and cannot freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. New or ongoing crises in Mali, Central African Republic, Sudan and South Sudan; ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); as well as longstanding repression in countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe undermine progress towards respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Ten years ago, Africa's leaders made significant commitments to transparent and accountable governance and respect for human rights when they replaced the OAU with the AU and adopted the New Partnership for Africa's Development, a comprehensive economic and political reform programme. These new continental institutions and policy frameworks brought hope to the continent's citizens for human rights, democratic principles and good governance.
For the OAU, state sovereignty was paramount, with democracy and human rights on the backburner. The AU envisaged a more integrated approach that gave primacy to achieving peace and stability through democratic principles, good governance and human rights. Since then, the AU has often declared its support for human rights and democracy. At the 2011 heads-of-state summit, the AU declared ‘respect for human rights’, ‘democratic governance’ and ‘accountability’ among the values shared across Africa. Unfortunately, such rhetoric has not translated into greater respect for human rights.
To its credit, the OAU-AU developed a wide body of legally binding instruments and has a strong human rights foundation in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. It has also shown strong support for good governance initiatives and democratic principles. But the extent to which these regional instruments have translated into concrete actions and far-reaching change is questionable. In the past year, we have seen flawed elections in Angola, unwarranted crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators in Angola, Zimbabwe and Sudan, and impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the DRC and Sudan.
Displacement
Many African countries have growing and vibrant civil society organisations, but the hostile environment often faced by such groups shows up leaders' ambivalence about human rights. Civil society groups often have to work in highly limiting political spaces and face serious security risks. Monitoring of and reporting on human rights have been significantly constricted or entirely prevented in several countries, among them Angola, the DRC, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Rwanda.
When it comes to peace and security, Africa has seen both improvements and challenges. Fighting between Sudanese government forces and rebel movements in Darfur, as well as in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces over the past two years, has led to widespread abuses and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
In Somalia, the transitional authority has given way to a new government, but the human rights situation remains poor. State security forces have been implicated in serious violations.
Elsewhere on the continent there has been backsliding on some of the positive trends of previous years. Northern Mali erupted in conflict and the Rwandan-backed rebel group, M23, has wreaked havoc in the eastern Congo.
The upcoming deployment of the Intervention Brigade – an African-led force within the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, MONUSCO highlights the threat to peace and security and the need to end impunity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Impunity with regard to serious violations of international law has also brought into question African leaders' commitment to human rights. The AU has shown laudable commitment to justice in cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Yet the message has sometimes been mixed: some contend that the pursuit of justice would interfere with efforts to restore peace and security. The temptation to sacrifice accountability for peace is understandable but a culture of impunity has a high cost.
The AU has the potential to be a strong proponent of human rights. Its leaders need to find ways to build on the positive aspects of human-rights institutions and developments to cement a deeper human-rights culture. The anniversary should be more than an affirmation of how far the OAU-AU has come; it should also be a vision of how far the AU wants to go to achieve respect for universal human rights in Africa.
- Tiseke Kasambala is the Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch in Johannesburg. This article first appeared in the Mail & Guardian. It is republished here with the permission of the author.
Author(s):Tiseke KasambalaWestern Cape APD: Social Worker
Western Cape Association for Persons with DisabilitiesPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, May 8, 2013The Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is a nonprofit organisation, affiliated to the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa. The Western Cape APD serves as a pro-active forum for the advancement of persons with physical disabilities so as to enable them to attain their maximum level of independence and integration into the community, and is active in the prevention of physical disablement.Opportunity type:Employment
Western Cape APD seeks to appoint a Social Worker, based in Hermanus,Western Cape.
Requirements:
- Be registered as a Social Worker with the SACSSP;
- Computer literate;
- Fluency in English and Afrikaans;
- Experience in working with people with disabilities would be an advantage;
- Valid code eight driver's licence.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Should you not receive a feedback within 14 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
For more about the Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities, refer to www.wcapd.org.za.For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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United Nations Children's FundPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, February 20, 2013The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour and action towards children.Opportunity type:Employment
In South Africa, UNICEF supports national efforts to realise children’s rights by promoting evidence-based policy advocacy and strategic partnerships as a means to leverage policies and resources for children, giving special attention to vulnerable children and disparity reduction. It works in the areas of health and nutrition, early childhood development; basic education; child protection and social policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
UNICEF seeks the service of a Consultant to Assess the National South African Early Childhood Development (ECD) Awards, based in South Africa.
This is a three-month 60 days consultancy.
Starting date: 1 March 2013 and ends 30 April 2013.
Justification/background
The South African Early Childhood Development Awards (SAECD Awards) started in 2003 as the ABSA SOWETAN ECD Awards. The name change came about as a result of increased interest by other ECD donors and development partners to participate and support the Awards. The current Partners of the ECD Awards are, ABSA Bank, South African Congress for Early Childhood Development, Jim Joel Fund, and the Departments of Basic Education, Social Development UNICEF.
Representatives from each of these partners form the Awards Steering Committee. The Awards main objective is to recognise best practice in the ECD sector and encourage the provision of quality ECD services and programmes for the benefit of the young children of the country. There are five categories of the Awards:
1. Best ECD Centre of the YearPartners contribute prizes for each of the above categories as agreed upon by the Steering Committee Recognition of best practice and outstanding participation in ECD is conducted through participants entering themselves or being nominated to enter a particular Award category. Selection commences at provincial level and culminates to national level. Short listed candidates are interviewed and verification visits to the programme sites are conducted where applicable. Final short listed winners attend a national ceremony where finalists are awarded their prizes. Recipients of the Awards are Trainers, Practitioners, ECD Centres and Publishers of books for children birth to five. Prizes are used to enhance the work of the ECD programmes that the prize recipients are involved in.
2. Best ECD Practitioner of the Year
3. Best ECD Trainer of the Year
4. Best Publication of the Yea
5. Best ECD Intervention Programme
The Awards also provide a platform for:- Participants to strengthen their understanding of the importance of quality care, protection and early stimulation in ECD.
- Advocacy and information dissemination, the awards provide a communication strategy on the importance of the early years and how to intervene in a child’s life for better child development outcomes socially , cognitively, physically, and emotionally.
The objectives for the study are to:- Assess the contribution that the Awards are making in improving the quality of ECD provisioning;
- Provide a historical record of the Awards from 2003 to 2012;
- Through an analysis of evidence obtained from participants the assessment will provide evidence on the benefits of the Awards;
- Provide information on the effectiveness of the Awards partnership model;
- At this stage of the Awards history this assignment is important and is a critical exercise that will;
- Assist in creating a base line for the awards;
- Contribute to an understanding of the issues and challenges regarding sustainability of the Awards;
- Provide information about the Awards that can be shared with relevant role players and stakeholders;
- Contribute to the awareness about the Awards;
- Provide previous winners an opportunity to share their perspectives about the awards;
- Provide evidence about how the Award prizes have been used;
- Help to assess from a business perspective how the awards are an investment in the sector;
- Provide recommendations on how the Awards can be improved.
The work assignment will entail documenting the Awards history, procedures and provide an analytical assessment of the specific contributions that the Awards are making to the ECD sector since their inception in 2003.
The Awards procedures and the various categories will be examined and assessed to understand their relevance and contribution to ECD.
The assessment will also involve providing specific and general recommendations on the relevance of the Awards, procedures, awards components, partnership, sustainability and impact in the ECD sector.
The Awards data base has approximately 320 finalists and recipients of the Awards prizes the assessment will target 30 recipients and their sites as case studies to determine in particular the benefit of the Awards to recipients and their programmes.
Methodology
The study methodology will include document analysis and conducting interviews at national and provincial levels.
Interviews will be conducted with various role players in the Awards, including entrants, finalists and winners of the Awards, service providers involved in capacity and training programmes for the finalists, and all partners of the Awards. Using the available data base of provincial and national applicants for the different Award categories, sampling will have to be applied to conduct interviews, using a set criteria to ensure equitable representation of for example the provinces and the different Awards categories.
Expected deliverables
At the end of the assignment it is expected from the service provider to submit:
- Data base for the Awards recipients
- Information brochure for the Awards
- A completed report of the assessment with all the relevant sections
- A power point presentation of the assessment report.
- A final and consolidated report of the review consisting of the following sections: executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, analysis of findings, recommendations, conclusion, references, annexure
- Knowledge and experience in research of at least five years with proven experience in conducting evaluations and assessments;
- Advanced degree in education or social science;
- Knowledge and experience of the Early Childhood Development sector in South Africa is required;
- Excellent administrative skills;
- Good skills in Microsoft Word;
- Excellent analytical, conceptual and facilitation skills;
- Excellent and concise writing skills;
- Willingness to travel and valid driver’s licence;
- Ability and commitment to work to a tight time frame.
Proposals will be called from researchers who will be able to complete the assignment successfully.
The selection of the service provider will be done by the SAECD Awards Steering Committee.
The proposals called for to include the following:- Project Description indicating how the service provider analyses the work that will be done and how to go about in achieving the deliverables.
(b)Broad Plan of Action against timeframes and the terms of reference providedIn addition to the proposal the following is required from:
(c)Budget for the assignment based on the major activities. Provide as much details as possible
(e)The proposal shall be signed and initialled on every page
(a)Individual Service Providers:- Curriculum Vitae
- Application letter
- P11 form
Evaluation weighting:
___60__% technical
___40__% financial
100% total
(Usually, 60% technical / 40% financial is recommended
Conditions- Local travel and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs;
- Flight costs where applicable will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies;
- Please also see UNICEF’s Standard Terms and Conditions attached.
- 40% on submission of preliminary report
- 60% of the total fee after satisfactory completion of the assignment and submission of satisfactory final report.
To apply, submit an application letter, along with CV and P11 Form (which can also be accessed through the UNICEF website - www.unicef.org), to safpretoriavacancy@unicef.org.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only South African Nationals/candidates who have permanent residence/temporary residence and/or valid work permit for the duration of the contract will be considered.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted and regret emails will only be sent to interviewed candidates.
If you have not been contacted within one month of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
For more about UNICEF, refer to www.unicef.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.South African Human Rights Commission: Consultant
South African Human Rights CommissionPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, December 31, 2012The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.Opportunity type:Employment
The SAHRC seeks the service of a Consultant to conduct a study on the legal standing, independence and capacity of Southern Africa national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to discharge their mandate in accordance with the Paris Principles.
The consultancy will also focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each NHRI in the region in the prevention of torture.
Project:
A region free of torture: “Enhancing the leading role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the prevention of torture and ill‐treatment in Southern Africa”.
Background
National Human Rights Institutions (National Human Rights Commissions, Public Protectors or Ombudsmen, hereinafter referred as NHRIs), if established and functioning properly, can be a valuable asset in curbing, preventing and addressing human rights violations in the region, including recommending changes to policies, practices and attitudes. Through this project, the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) intends to formally engage
NHRIs in the region and the establishment of NHRIs where they do not exist in conformity with the Paris Principles by facilitating the coordination, strengthening and effectiveness of NHRIs in Africa and by encouraging cooperation among NHRIs with intergovernmental institutions.
This project is also in line with the Open Society Initiative of South Africa (OSISA) strategy to promote and protect human rights, and also bridge the existing gap between NHRIs and civil society organisations (CSOs) particularly considering that CSOs could be used as NHRIs’ ears and eyes, thus complementing each other activities for the benefit of citizens. Because Law enforcement agents are the primary and usual suspects when it comes to human rights violations, either by action or omission, the project also couples this initiative with a tangible activity which resonates with every country in the region, namely the prevention and combating of the scourge of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (hereinafter referred as “torture”) as a bait to bring both the NHRIs and CSOs
together for a capacity building activity, policy discussion and formulation of partnerships.
It is with this background that NANHRI in partnership with OSISA intends to engage the services of a consultant to conduct a study on the legal standing, independence and capacity of Southern Africa NHRIs to discharge their mandate in accordance with the Paris Principles. The study will also include a particular focus on strengths and weaknesses of each NHRI in Southern Africa related to the prevention of torture, as a prelude to the project.
Objectives and scope of assignment
The objective of the study is to assist NANHRI Secretariat to develop an action plan for providing a regional platform to initiate an holistic engagement with NHRIs in the Southern Africa sub‐region, to interrogate their role in the promotion and protection of human rights, ascertain about their capacity, but also the level of impartiality, independence and effectiveness to deliver, as well as on the prospect of partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as, CSOs, in discharging their mandate. In particular this should include:
- Carrying out a baseline study of current level of involvement and capacity of Southern Africa NHRIs to ascertain about the legal standing vis a vis the Paris Principles, their strengths, weaknesses and the capacity of NHRIs to effectively discharge their mandate;
- Analyse Southern Africa NHRIs legal standing, independence and capacity to discharge their mandate in as far as promotion and protection of human rights is concerned with specific focus to their engagement in torture prevention;
- Identifying gaps on powers and current work of Southern Africa NHRIs in relation to the prevention of torture.
Outputs and deliverables
The Report submitted will be a comprehensive substantive document, in English, not exceeding 30 pages (excluding possible annexes) containing, inter alia, an executive summary, conclusions and recommendations.
The document shall include:- An analysis of the current level of involvement and capacity of Southern Africa NHRIs to ascertain about the legal standing vis a vis the Paris Principles, their strengths, weaknesses and the capacity of NHRIs to effectively discharge their mandate;
- An overview of current engagement of NHRIs in Southern Africa in the prevention of torture and ill‐treatment at their national levels;
- A summary of the assessment of strengths and weaknesses of each NHRI in Southern Africa in relation to the above;
- An analysis of the current gaps in the capacity of the Southern Africa NHRIs in relation to the above;
- A summary review of other existing relevant international and regional capacity development programmes;
- Suggestions on strategies to strengthen the capacity of NHRIs in Southern Africa in relation with the above;
- A set of proposed clearly defined roles that NHRIs in Southern Africa can play in the prevention of torture and ill‐treatment in Southern Africa;
- Based on above, a detailed proposed 1 year action plan for providing a regional platform to initiate an holistic engagement with Southern Africa NHRIs, to interrogate their role in the promotion and protection of human rights, ascertain about their capacity, but also the level of impartiality, independence and effectiveness to deliver, as well as on the prospect of partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as, CSOs, in discharging their mandate.
The study should be carried out during the period of 7 January – 28 February 2013. The assignment will include the following:- Desk research and review of relevant documentation, including the documentation by the NHRIs in Southern Africa and the feedbacks on the APT‐NANHRI questionnaire on “powers and practice of NAHRI in the prevention of torture”;
- Telephone interviews with Southern Africa NHRIs and other selected organisations institutions, other beneficiaries and donors, as deemed relevant;
- Submission to NANHRI of a draft report for comments by 10th February 2013;
- Submission of the final report to NANHRI within 6 days after the consultant has received comments from NANHRI;
- Receive and analyse feedback from the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) on questionnaires sent to Southern Africa NHRIs on powers and current work of NHRIs in relation to the prevention of torture.
- Advanced University degree in human rights, law, political science or related field;
- Expert knowledge of mandates, powers and functions of NHRIs;
- Extensive experience of working with NHRIs in Africa (experience working with NHRIs in Southern Africa would be an advantage);
- Expertise in the work of NHRIs related to prevention of torture and ill‐treatment;
- Experience of implementing prevention of torture projects in the field would be an asset;
- Good understanding of African Union coordination systems and governance structures;
- Experience of programme development for NHRIs and of conducting studies;
- evaluations etc, related to NHRIs Comprehensive knowledge of the African Human Rights system;
- Excellent written and spoken English;
- Knowledge of French and or Portuguese will be an added asset.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the South African Human Rights Commission, refer to www.sahrc.org.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.------------------------------
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Gay and Lesbian NetworkPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, January 7, 2013The Gay and Lesbian Network is a young and dynamic NGO working towards creating positive change in the wellbeing of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex LGBTI community in Pietermaritzburg and the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.Opportunity type:Employment
The Gay and Lesbian Network seeks to appoint a Senior Outreach Coordinator, based in KwaZulu-Natal.
Responsibilities;- Development, coordination and implementation of the Network’s outreach programme;
- Raising awareness and extending the reach of the programme;
- Research and resource material development;
- Identify key strategic external stakeholders who could benefit from the programme;
- Coordinate, train and mentor volunteer trainers and facilitators;
- Manage staff, volunteers and budget.
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent in community development;
- Two years working experience at community level;
- Excellent communication, presentation, research and report writing skills;
- Knowledge of the NGO sector and experience working with diverse people and organisations;
- Commitment to the LGBTI sector;
- Ability to work well under pressure and within a small team environment;
- Ability to network with key external partners in mainstreaming the Network’s trainings;
- Computer literate;
- Proficiency in English and isiZulu preferred.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the Gay and Lesbian Network, refer to www.gaylesbiankzn.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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SANGONeT strengthens and supports the work of thousands of NGOs in South Africa through various ICT, capacity-building and networking activities. Please support our work with a donation and encourage others to do the same.Zim Authorities block Youth Voter Registration
Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change’s efforts to get first-time voters to register are being undermined by a concerted effort from the authorities, who are cracking down on individuals and groups seen mobilising youths to register.
On 5 May 2013, police arrested three volunteers from the Election Resource Centre (ERC) for carrying out activities under the group's popular 1st Time Voter Generation campaign, which encourages young people to register as voters.
ERC director, Tawanda Chimhini, handed himself in to the police in a bid to secure the release of the three volunteers and was immediately charged under section 40 of the Zimbabwe Electoral Act, which forbids individuals from conducting voter education without seeking permission from the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission.
To read the article titled, “Authorities blocking youth voter registration,” click here.Source:All AfricaZambian Politician Supports Homosexuals
Zambian Catholic priest-cum-politician, Frank Bwalya, has publicly supported gay marriages and says he would not arrest those practising homosexuality if he was elected president.
Bwalya, who addressed journalists in Johannesburg at the invitation of Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA), says he will respect homosexuals, claiming this is in line with the Catholic Church which prescribed respect for every individual.
He said if he gets elected to lead Zambia elected president in 2016, he will not arrest homosexuals but respect them if I was given an opportunity to run the country," he said.
To read the article titled, “Frank Bwalya backs gays,” click here.Source:All AfricaLesotho’s Succession Ruling Criticised
Lesotho's top court has upheld a law that bars princesses from succeeding their fathers as traditional chiefs, a decision activists say dealt a ‘serious blow’ to women's rights and gender equality.
Rights activists decried the court's decision as a step backward for the tiny mountainous kingdom.
Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) deputy director, Priti Patel, points out that, “This is a dark day for women in Lesotho,” adding that the ruling has re-affirmed the view that women are second-class citizens in Lesotho.
To read the article titled, “Lesotho princesses’ succession barred,” click here.Source:Independent OnlineNGO Calls for the Release of Homosexuals
Amnesty International has urged the Zambian authorities must immediately release two young men who have been denied bail after being arrested on charges of having sex ‘against the order of nature’.
The organisation states that one of the men's neighbours reported them to the police, resulting in the arrest - their second for alleged same-sex sexual conduct, considered a crime under Zambia's penal code.
Its Zambian researcher, Simeon Mawanza, explains that laws criminalising homosexuality and gender identity criminalise the legitimate exercise of these human rights, which are protected in treaties ratified by Zambia, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
To read the article titled, “Zambia urged to release two men charged with same-sex sexual conduct,” click here.Source:All AfricaEducation Not Affordable to All
According to a joint article by Lisa Draga and Doron Isaacs, the fees charged by certain public schools mean that most South Africans cannot afford to send their children to them, even though the fees are a great boost to the schools.
Draga and Isaacs argues that top public schools have inherited better infrastructure and are able to tap into private wealth to attract the best teachers and keep class sizes small.
The note that while some schools in the provinces are flourishing, many meet in overcrowded, ramshackle buildings and produce appalling results. They further add that efforts to build schools are slow, but children grow quickly, and their right to receive a decent basic education is immediate.
To read the article titled, “Equal education is a basic right,” click here.Source:Independent Online
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