105 Oxford Road Saxonwold Johannesburg South Africa 2196

MEDIA RELEASE

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: URGENT CALL TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC INJUSTICES IN SOUTH AFRICA

19 March 2025 – South Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, South Africa – 19 March 2025: As South Africa observes Human Rights Day, Khulisa Social Solutions emphasises the serious human rights violations impacting vulnerable communities.
Insights from our extensive dialogue circles conducted over the past 18 months reveal concerning statistics related to civil disengagement, systemic discrimination, gender-based violence (GBV), and barriers to accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These challenges require immediate intervention to uphold the fundamental human rights enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.

Civic Disengagement Undermining Democracy

73% of youth surveyed expressed disinterest in voting or the electoral process, citing
government inadequacy, corruption, and poor service delivery as primary
concerns—undermining their constitutional right to participate in democracy.

  • 74% of youth reported never engaging in election discussions, highlighting a lack of access to civic education and voter awareness initiatives.
  • 90% of young participants lacked awareness of community organisations and groups,
    limiting their ability to engage in active citizenship and community-driven solutions.

Human Rights Violations Against People with Disabilities

  • 70% of respondents reported that school infrastructure does not accommodate their needs, depriving them of equal access to education.
  • 40% of individuals with disabilities reported being denied access to transport services such as taxis, restricting their mobility and independence.
  • 85% of individuals with disabilities stated they have encountered mistreatment and
    discrimination within the healthcare system, violating their right to dignity and equal
    treatment.

Gender-Based Violence: A Human Rights Crisis

  • 100% of participants in a Sophiatown dialogue circle acknowledged GBV as a universal issue, calling for ongoing, year-round intervention beyond the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
  • 88% of male participants in the GBV dialogue admitted to lacking comprehensive knowledge about GBV before the session, exposing a gap in awareness and prevention strategies.
  • 85% of participants in Fezeka’s GBV awareness event reported an improved understanding of GBV and its legal implications, demonstrating the need for continuous education and policy enforcement.
  • 70% of GBV survivors reported that stigma and fear of retribution prevented them from
    seeking help, highlighting the urgent need for survivor-centred legal protections and support services.
  • 100% of GBV awareness participants in Mitchell’s Plain identified significant gaps in
    legislation, calling for stronger legal protections to safeguard victims and rights.

LGBTQI+ Rights Under Threat

  • 81% of LGBTQI+ individuals in Khulisa’s OUT Programme reported a lack of safe spaces such as social centres, clubs, or community groups, limiting their right to freedom of association.
  • 64% of LGBTQI+ participants encountered challenges in finding LGBTQI+-friendly healthcare providers, with 36 % considering them completely inaccessible, which violates their right to health and well-being.
  • 55% of LGBTQI+ respondents reported feeling unsafe in their communities due to their gender identity or sexual orientation, highlighting the prevalence of discrimination and violence.
  • 72% of LGBTQI+ participants felt their rights were protected; however, fifty percent reported significant gaps in legal protections or a lack of enforcement, emphasising the need for more vigorous policy implementation.
  • 76% of LGBTQI+ individuals experience workplace discrimination and rejection from churches and families, leading some to resort to sex work for survival, which exposes them to further human rights violations and economic vulnerability.

A Human Rights Day Call to Action

As South Africa moves towards celebrating Human Rights Day, these findings serve as a sobering reminder that millions of people are still fighting for the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. Khulisa Social Solutions urges policymakers, corporate stakeholders, and civil society to take immediate action through:

  • Civic Education Campaigns – Strengthen youth engagement by launching voter education programs and leadership development initiatives to ensure democratic participation.
  • Disability Inclusion Reforms – Improve accessibility in education, employment, public transport, and government services to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
  • Year-Round GBV Prevention Programs – Establish permanent support structures for
    survivors, promote community-led mediation, and advocate for legal reforms to combat GBV.
  • LGBTQI+ Rights Protections – Introduce inclusive policies and workplace protections and expand mental health services to ensure the dignity and rights of LGBTQI+ individuals are upheld.

 

“On this Human Rights Day, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these injustices. The statisticsreflect not just challenges but urgent human rights violations. It is time for collective action to ensure that the rights of all South Africans are protected, respected, and fulfilled.”– Lesley Ann van Selm, Managing Director of Khulisa Social Solutions.

About us

Khulisa Social Solutions is a non-profit organization that fosters social cohesion, NGO capacity-building, and sustainable community development. By addressing systemic challenges through innovative, grassroots initiatives, Khulisa empowers individuals and organizations to drive meaningful social change across South Africa.