Open Society Foundations’ Post

Exciting Announcement 📢 Launch of the Certa Foundation Journal: Human Rights and Gender-based Violence! It is with immense pleasure that we unveil the first publication of the Certa Foundation Journal dedicated to sharing African perspectives on critical legal discourse in line with the Center for Law and Innovation's five research labs: Climate Justice, Tech and Innovation, Trade and Investment, ADR and Human Rights & Gender. Our inaugural journal tackles human rights and gender-based violence in Africa, providing historical analyses, challenges and current perspectives. Our launch today is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration, which was first proclaimed in 1948 at the United Nations General Assembly in Paris, France as well as the end of the 2023 commemoration of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. We hope this humble contribution will spark meaningful conversations in Rwanda and across the continent on how to advance human rights and mitigate the occurrence of gender-based violence in our communities. Thank you to A4ID - Advocates for International Development for your partnership that made the publication of this first quarterly journal possible. Stay tuned for updates on our next journal and opportunities to get involved as a contributor or partner. Follow us on twitter @centerforlawandinnovation and join the conversation using #HumanRights https://lnkd.in/dT4guFPq #CertaFoundationJournal #CenterforLawandInnovation #HumanRights #HumanRightsAdvocacy #EndGBV #EndSGBV #ChangeMakers #HumanRightsDeclaration #75anniversary #OHCHR 

https://lnkd.in/dYRbpNqH Uganda, still grappling with the effects of the Anti Homosexuality Act, 2023 that was passed over 250 days ago. We have witnessed first hand what anti rights legislation can do to marginalized communities from physical attacks to homelessness to unemployment and so on. The passing of a similar law in Ghana could serve as a catalyst for regressive forces within the rest of Africa, igniting debates on the criminalisation of consensual adult same-sex relationships in other countries. #lgbthistorymonth

"On the streets of human rights, are children of every nation.  On the streets of human rights, we make this declaration:  Born equal, born free - but children are still very hungry!" One of my pet hates is when people say "I do not even see colour" or "I do not even see we are different." That's a lie. We are different and wonderfully so. We are equal in our humanity but true beauty lies in our diversity. We may look, act, pray, eat and dance (!) differently but those differences are an invitation to learn, build knowledge and widen our respective perspectives. As a child, my school was located on Nr .1 Strasse der Menschenrechte - Human Rights Street. Walking through the gates was a daily affirmation of our commitment to the notion of equality of all people. We grew up learning to stand in the shoes of others different from ourselves and build friendships across a rich tapestry of cultures (which happily included consumption of all kinds of delicious foods!). We used to commemorate international human rights day with songs and art work that promoted tolerance, understanding and unity because when you are interconnected with others, you do not argue in terms of "us" versus "them". Despite the remarkable progress we have in so many sectors - artificial intelligence, space, construction, medicine - we are failing so fundamentally on foundational issues like love, the environment and human rights. As we celebrate 75 years since the human rights declaration in Paris in 1948, we must applaud the significant progress that has been made. But as we watch the daily vitriol on news cycles and social media platforms that expose the structural hate and inequalities we have allowed, it is clear there is still tremendous work to do. Did the drafters of the declaration know that 75 years on we would still be fighting, hurting and looking for ways to promote division on the basis of our differences? There are so many angles to unravel when it comes to human rights and gender rights. Center for Law and Innovation Team launched the first of our thematic quarterly journals today - the Certa Foundation Journal! Our focus, in commemoration of #UDH75, is on Human Rights and Gender Based-Violence in Africa - articles, commentaries that I hope will educate and inspire as well as two personal insights from brave survivors who shared their traumatic experiences. This is our humble contribution to this important discourse. It takes all of us to do what we can in our respective areas of influence. #humanrights #equality #diversity #endsgbv #UDH75

What Does Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill Mean for Humanitarians, Development Partners and the Private Sector? Read about the worst anti-LGBTIQ law to date: Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) and its threat to reshape the fabric of Ugandan society by challenging the very essence of human rights and dignity. Learn about the AHA’s implications on a global scale for humanitarians, development, and private sector partners. https://lnkd.in/gyDsyMd7

🔴 Court Update🔴 Our team leaders, Namatai K., Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi, have been denied bail today. The reasons for this decision are outlined in the image below. This situation is deeply concerning, as our colleagues are not criminals; they are committed human rights defenders who are advocating for a just Zimbabwe—one where justice is served and all freedoms are respected. Their only "crime" is standing up for the rights of their fellow citizens and working tirelessly towards a society where every individual's rights are upheld. We firmly believe that the Zimbabwean justice system should adhere to the constitution, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their activism or beliefs. The denial of bail not only undermines their rights but also sets a troubling precedent for all who dare to stand up against injustices. We continue to demand justice for Namatai K., Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi. They deserve our support and solidarity in these challenging times. Let’s raise our voices for their freedom and the freedom of all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. #FreeNamatai #FreeRobson #FreeSamuel #FreeThemAll African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network)Democracy International The Democracy & Culture Foundation Democracy Frontlines Fund Democracy Frontlines Fund Jestina Mukoko Foundation Jestina M. Mukoko

Today #AFDB’s IRM Director David Simpson was part of a panel with the Deputy Attorney General of #Ghana 🇬🇭 Diana Asonaba Dapaah to discuss the issues of remedy at the 14th Biennial Conference of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) We explored areas of complementarity with #NHRIs and potential for future collaboration to help ensure that stakeholders in Africa receive appropriate remedy and recourse when adversely affected by development projects. #bizhumanrights #accesstojustice #sustainabledevelopment

In the first chapter of the constitution of South Africa, it is stated that the "Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state founded on the following values: (a) Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms. (b) Non-racialism and non-sexism. (c) Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. (d) Universal adult suffrage, a national common voter’s roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government, to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness." Despite the assurances set out by the constitution of South Africa, women & children of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life are affected by violence. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation #16daysofactivism #Constitution #genderequality #SDGs #Goal5

🔴OUTRAGEOUS INJUSTICE CONTINUES🔴: Despite three rescheduled bail hearings, the Zimbabwean court has once again remanded our team leader, Namatai K., and two comrades, Samuel Gwenzi and Robson Chere, until August 16th. These courageous pro-democracy campaigners remain behind bars for a crime they did not commit, their freedom has been denied simply because they stand for the truth. This prolonged detention is a blatant disregard for the constitution and a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices. The targeting of activists, human rights defenders, and political figures is a chilling reminder of the government's disregard for human rights and the rule of law. We condemn this travesty of justice and demand the immediate release of Namatai, Samuel, Robson, and all political prisoners. We will continue to amplify their voices and stand in solidarity with those who dare to challenge the status quo. Join us in demanding an end to these unjust arrests and calling for a democratic Zimbabwe where human rights are respected and protected. The world is watching, and we will not be silenced! #FreeNamatai #FreeSamuel #FreeRobson #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #HumanRights #Democracy #Solidarity Athens Democracy ForumDemocracy InternationalThe Democracy & Culture FoundationDemocracy Works Foundation Democracy Frontlines FundCentre for Human Rights, University of PretoriaSoulidarity & HumanRights NGO HumanRights360 African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network)

🚨 Important Update: Proposed Bill to Repeal FGM Criminalization in The Gambia🚨 The progression of the proposed bill to repeal the criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia is deeply concerning and poses significant risks to the future of human and peoples’ rights for vulnerable groups across the continent. With Parliament set to vote on the bill this month, urgent action is necessary. 📄 Read PALU's joint advocacy statement below👇 https://lnkd.in/d5-437sx IAWL ~ Institute for African Women in Law Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) Donald Deya Salieu Taal #HumanRights #FGM #Gambia #Advocacy #ProtectVulnerableGroups

Today marks a milestone for South Africans as we celebrate 30 years of democracy. It's a day to acknowledge the immense shift from apartheid to a nation where we all have the right to live, vote and dream freely. These rights enshrined in our Constitution, are the foundation of our freedom. At LexisNexis South Africa we are committed to advancing the rule of law and upholding these Constitutional rights. We do this by providing an array of legal resources and tools. This is to ensure that we can empower legal professionals, public institutions and businesses to understand the law efficiently. On this Freedom Day, let us continue to build a future where justice and equality are accessible to all. #LexisNexisZA #AdvancingAfricasRuleofLaw #FreedomDay