South Africa - Universal Periodic Review

Session reviewed: 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review
Date reviewed: November 16, 2022

Recommendation

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Canada welcomes the positive steps taken by South Africa to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, as well as initiatives to address discrimination and hate crimes.

Canada recommends that South Africa:

1. Strengthen enforcement of laws and access to justice around sexual and gender-based violence through enhanced action within law enforcement and the judiciary.
2. Ensure the protection of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from discrimination, xenophobia and violence by combatting the incitement of hatred and hate speech against vulnerable groups, in addition to properly investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
3. Address corruption and other impediments to the realization of critical socio-economic rights.
4. Uphold the rights affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including to consult and cooperate in good faith with Indigenous Peoples on legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.

Canada continues to be concerned about reports of high levels of violence against women and children and urges South Africa to urgently implement measures for enhanced protection, as well as recourse for victims of such violence.