Lawyers For Human Rights

📢 JOINT PRESS STATEMENT📢

Africa's call for binding corporate accountability grows louder!

From 24 to 25 June 2026, civil society organisations, affected communities, policymakers and government representatives from across the continent will gather in Johannesburg for the 8th African Regional Indaba on the UN Binding Treaty.

Under the theme, "Crises, Capital, and Accountability: Advancing an African Agenda for a Binding Treaty in an Era of Global Conflict,"

The Indaba will strengthen Africa's collective voice in shaping a legally binding international framework that holds transnational corporations accountable for human rights violations and environmental harm.

As the world confronts escalating human rights abuses, climate crises and the race for critical minerals, the need for justice, accountability and effective remedies for affected communities has never been greater.

Together, we reaffirm a simple principle:Human rights are not negotiable. Corporate accountability must be binding. The time for the UN Binding Treaty is now.

Read the full Statement here:

https://www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/joint-press-statement-8th-session-of-africas-regional-indaba-on-the-un-binding-treaty-kicks-off-this-week/

Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Lawyers for Human Rights, Alternative Information and Development Centre.

Press statement | World Refugee Day 2026

For 75 years, the Refugee Convention has affirmed a simple but powerful promise: people fleeing persecution and violence deserve protection, dignity and equal treatment.

As xenophobic threats and violence continue to place refugees, asylum seekers and migrants at risk in South Africa, we call on the State to uphold its constitutional and international obligations, protect vulnerable communities and take decisive action against hate and intimidation.

Read our full World Refugee Day statement here: https://www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/press-statement-world-refugee-day-2026-promise-made-to-grant-protection/

LHR says a ruling against Ngizwe Mchunu reinforces constitutional protections for LGBTQIA+ people.

Read more here:
https://www.conviction.co.za/lhr-mchunu-ruling/

Lawyers For Human Rights

World Refugee Day 2026: South Africa Must Not Abandon Its Human Rights Legacy - Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia On 20 June, the world marks World Refugee Day, a day dedicated to recognising the courage, resilience and humanity of millions of people forced to flee […]

📢 Press statement | Victory for LGBTQIA+ Rights in the Equality Court Matter Against Ngizwe Mchunu Relating to Hate Speech Against LGBTQIA+ Persons📢

Lawyers for Human Rights welcomes the Equality Court's landmark judgment affirming that hate speech, harassment and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ persons have no place in South Africa's constitutional democracy.

This judgment is a significant victory for equality, dignity and human rights, sending a clear message that those who incite hatred against LGBTQIA+ communities will be held accountable under the law.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone involved for their exceptional legal work and unwavering commitment to justice.

We also thank Transhope, the Hate Crimes Working Group and the SAHRC South African Human Rights Commission for their courage, partnership and steadfast commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons.

Read the full statement here: https://www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/press-statement-victory-for-lgbtqia-rights-in-the-equality-court-matter-against-ngizwe-mchunu-relating-to-hate-speech-against-lgbtqia-persons/

Read the full judgment here: https://www.lhr.org.za/lhr-resources/transhope-v-mchunu-judgement/

📢 Commemorating International Day for Countering Hate Speech 📢

With South Africa deep in a pre-election media landscape where xenophobic rhetoric, anti-migrant disinformation, and online hate speech are rising , the way we report matters more than ever.

This International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Moxii Africa, along with partners, is bringing together journalists, editors, newsroom managers, fact-checkers, and media practitioners for a timely and necessary conversation.

LHR is proud to share that Sharon Ekambaram will be participating in a panel discussion, bringing valuable insights on migration, human rights, and the impact of harmful narratives on vulnerable communities!

DATE : 18 JUNE 2026
TIME : 9:00 -14:00 PM
VENUE : The Goethe Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood (in-person in Johannesburg, South Africa)

For more information contact [email protected]

RSVP here 👇:

https://ow.ly/mKbW50ZaZ70

[JOB OPPORTUNITIES] SERI is looking for two candidate attorneys to join our team in 2027. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

Please see link for details | https://shorturl.at/9SUwi

📢 WEBINAR INVITATION 📢

📢 Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: Re-centering Protection for Women Survivors in Asylum Systems

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) invites you to join an important webinar commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Conflict related sexual violence continues to devastate the lives of women and girls across the world, often forcing survivors to flee their homes in search of safety and protection. Yet many continue to face significant barriers when seeking refuge, justice, and support within asylum systems.

This webinar will explore the findings of a recent paper examining the intersections between conflict related sexual violence, forced displacement, and refugee protection. The discussion will also unpack the protection challenges faced by women survivors within asylum systems and consider how states, institutions, and protection actors can strengthen gender sensitive, trauma informed, and survivor centred responses.

Webinar Details:

Date: 19 June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 (SAST)
Platform: Microsoft Teams

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx_JUQQrcWKjrmeaMSTSyl8KhgitZaZ2ZrexuOIf4K9-SMeQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

We encourage civil society organisations, legal practitioners, academics, policymakers, humanitarian actors, students, and members of the public to join this important conversation as we reflect on the realities faced by women survivors and explore pathways towards more effective and dignified protection systems.

For enquiries: contact [email protected]