Africa Rights Talk

In conversation with Thuli Mjwara In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, we pay tribute to the life and work of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering queer Muslim leader who dedicated his life to fostering inclusivity within faith communities. Our guest, Thuli Mjwara, reflects on his profound impact, highlighting his commitment to radical love, interfaith dialogue, and creating safe spaces for marginalized people. She explores his unique approach to activism—one rooted in softness, connection, and unwavering faith. Thuli also discusses the ongoing work needed to honour Imam Hendricks' legacy, from advocating for inclusivity in religious spaces to ensuring activism also cultivates healing and joy. As we grapple with his tragic loss, the Queer Interfaith Collective has issued a call to action, urging those inspired by Imam Hendricks' work to advocate for the inclusion of marginalized individuals in faith communities, foster interfaith dialogue that bridges differences rather than deepens divides and stand against hatred and violence, refusing to be silenced. Please use the hashtags #JusticeForImamHendricks and #CompassionCentredIslam to amplify his message.   Miss Nokuthula (Thuli) Mjwara is the strategic advocacy coordinator at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) Western Cape. With the vision of addressing religious-based homophobia, she works at the intersections of gender, religion, and human rights by facilitating processes that are community-based. Collaborating with civil society partners, she coordinates interventions that promote awareness on diversity, embodied leadership, advocacy, and eradicating conversion practices across Africa. Also, Thuli is a 2022 Outright International United Nations Religion fellow and a seasoned facilitator- accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). She has served on Provincial, National and Regional forums advocating for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI+) communities. With over 13 years' work experience, she has worked with youth-at risk, sentenced offenders, LGBTI+ youth and their families. In relation to HIV prevention and vaccine research, she has been a member of the Groote Schuur clinical research site community advisory board (CAB) from 2018, serving as its chairperson from 2020-2022. Thuli is currently pursuing her master's degree (MPhil) in Multidisciplinary human rights with the Centre for Human rights (University of Pretoria). She is a queer, Afro- feminist, with a passion for the realization of an equal society, where human dignity and rights are respected and affirmed across all communities.     This conversation was recorded on 27 February 2025.   Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Isabella Tabares In this inspiring episode, Africa Rights Talk speaks with Isabella Tabares, founder of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities. Isabella shares her journey from volunteering at a young age to founding the organisation, which focuses on access to clean water, education, and sustainable community development. She recounts transformative experiences, such as organising a holiday event for 150 children and witnessing the daily struggles of families to access clean water. Isabella also discusses her mission to break cycles of poverty by providing educational opportunities, particularly for girls, and fostering long-term community empowerment. The conversation explores the organisation's current initiatives, including their 'Building a Well' project, sponsorship programs for children, and plans for English language classes to improve educational outcomes. Isabella outlines ambitious future goals, like building a school and expanding support networks. She calls for collaboration through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness, emphasising that small acts of support can create significant change. Tune in for an uplifting discussion about resilience, impact, and the collective power to transform lives in Uganda.   Isabella Tabares is the founder and director of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities through access to clean water, education, and sustainable development programs. With a background in human resources and years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Isabella has cultivated a deep passion for community service and advocacy. Her time volunteering and teaching in Uganda, where she spent four months immersed in the culture and witnessing the challenges firsthand, inspired her to establish Footprints of Uganda. Isabella holds a bachelor's degree in Global Business and Asian Studies and a master's degree in International Business. At 30 years old, she has traveled extensively, immersing herself in diverse cultures and fostering a lifelong love of learning about people and traditions from around the world. Isabella's leadership focuses on creating long-term, community-driven solutions that address systemic challenges like poverty, health disparities, and lack of education—especially for women and children. Through initiatives such as the ‘Building a Well' project and the sponsorship program, Isabella and her team aim to break cycles of poverty and improve quality of life in underserved regions. For more about her work and to support Footprints of Uganda, visit www.footprintsofuganda.org.   This conversation was recorded on 03 December 2024.   Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Rosevitha Ndumbu, Jessica Uiras and Ompha Tshamano In anticipation of the upcoming Namibian elections set for 27th November 2024, this episode focuses on youth participation in Namibia's political and public participation including electoral processes. The speakers, Rosevitha Ndumbu and Jessica Uiras, hosted by Ompha Tshamano discussed the topic. They identified significant barriers hindering youth engagement, notably the lack of civic education and awareness of the electoral process. The conversation challenges the idea of 'youth apathy' in Namibia and advocates for improved civic education initiatives to empower young people to actively engage in the political landscape. The conversation also highlights the structural challenges that young people face, such as high unemployment, which often hinders their political participation. There is a pressing need for political leaders and parties to strengthen their connections with young constituents to ensure that their interests are adequately represented in the decision-making process. Similarly, the speakers emphasise the role of technology and social media as crucial tools for mobilising and engaging young voters. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the need for the electoral landscape to be more adept and diverse to foster democratic participation.   Rosevitha Ndumbu is a Namibian researcher, digital rights advocate, and lawyer at the Institute of Public Policy Research. Her work involves fact-checking, research on corruption, human rights, and democracy, with a focus on law and technology, socio-economic issues, data protection, and cybersecurity. Rosevitha is affiliated with the Namibia Media Trust and is a member of the Global Shapers Windhoek Hub. She has served as Vice-President of the Internet Society Namibia Chapter and is an alumna of the African School on Internet Governance. Through her research and advocacy, Rosevitha aims to contribute to a well-informed Namibian populace and a secure digital landscape.   Jessica Uiras is a Human Rights Analyst, In-Country Researcher, and UNLEASH SDG Global Talent with a strong focus on Public Diplomacy and Rural Development. She is deeply committed to initiatives that promote democratic engagement, freedom of expression, and social justice in Namibia. Jessica currently serves as the Director of Communications at Rural Rise Namibia and is a co-founder of JAS Media cc. Additionally, she founded the Eagles Foundation, which advocates for marginalised communities, including young people with disabilities. She is also an alumna of the African School on Internet Governance. Ompha Tshamano currently serves as a Project Officer at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights (EIDR) Unit at the Centre for Human Rights. In addition to this role, he is pursuing a Master of Laws in socio-economic rights at the University of Pretoria and holds a keen interest in fostering the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised communities within the digital era. This conversation was recorded on 26 August 2024. Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Chitra Nagarajan In this episode, Africa Rights Talk podcast sits down with Chitra Nagarajan to delve into her compelling book, The World Was in Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict. Chitra discusses the personal and professional journey behind the book. She shares insights into her approach to compiling the anthology, focusing on the voices of diverse individuals profoundly impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency. The conversation explores how she navigated the challenges of capturing their stories, and the themes of patriarchy, economic hardship, and climate change intertwined with the conflict. Chitra also reflects on how the book presents a different perspective from mainstream media narratives, shedding light on the ongoing repercussions of the Chibok girls' abduction and aiming to influence global understanding and response. This episode highlights the importance of  human stories that underpin the broader issues of violence and advocacy in the region.   Chitra Nagarajan is an award-wining author, journalist, researcher and activist with a rich background in conflict analysis, climate change, feminism, foreign policy, migration, Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region, race and sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. She has written for The Guardian, New Humanist, New Internationalist, This is Africa and Ventures Africa. With a LLM degree in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice and extensive experience working with various international and grassroots organisations, she has dedicated her career to addressing issues of conflict and displacement. Her work focuses on the impact of violence on marginalised communities, particularly women and children.  She is also known for her ground breaking collection She Called Me Woman: Nigeria's Queer Women Speak, co-edited with Azeenarh Mohammed and Rafeeat Aliyu.   This conversation was recorded on 19 August 2024.     Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386        

In conversation with Dr Richard Quinlan This podcast episode aimed to bring attention to the often neglected genocide that took place in Burundi, which is similar to the genocides in Rwanda and the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The genocide in Burundi, which mainly occurred in 1972 and 1993, was based on ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities, leading to widespread violence and large-scale killings. This historical background emphasises the significance of global awareness and systems of accountability, such as those observed in Rwanda but less emphasised in the case of Burundi.   Comparing with Rwanda, Dr Quinlan noted that Burundi's approach to transitional justice differs notably, influenced by varying political dynamics and international support. He acknowledged that justice shouldn't be a political debate but one that incite empathy at a global level. He iterated that addressing impunity in Burundi requires robust legal and institutional frameworks, ensuring justice through prosecutions and human rights protections.  Also, the discussion highlighted the role of international justice systems in ensuring accountability and supporting victims, although challenges such as jurisdictional complexities and political resistance persist. At the end,  he highlighted the importance of education, and that educators and researchers play a crucial role in advocacy and raising awareness to prevent future atrocities, addressing human rights abuses across the continent.   Dr. Richard Quinlan is a Professor and Director at the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education at St Elizabeth University, New Jersey. Dr. Quinlan is an academic and researcher in the field of international relations and conflict studies. His area of expertise lies in transitional justice, genocide, and human rights, with a specific focus on Africa. His contributions have greatly advanced the understanding of post-conflict societies and the significance of international law in promoting accountability and reconciliation. Additionally, he is a human rights advocate and has been actively involved in various educational and advocacy initiatives, although his involvement in Rwanda is more pronounced than in Burundi. His doctoral thesis is titled: Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction: International Law Perspectives.   This conversation was recorded on 23 June 2024.   Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Tendai Mbanje In this episode, we delve into the pivotal 2024 South African elections, exploring significant shifts in political representation and the ANC's historic loss of its majority.  Mr Mbanje explores the seismic changes witnessed during the 2024 elections, including shifts in party dynamics, emerging voices, and the impact on parliamentary composition. He notes ANC's unprecedented loss as the highlight of this election. The ANC, a dominant force for three decades, faced a surprising defeat in which he analyses the factors contributing to this shift and reflects on the party's trajectory.   Furthermore, he commends the Electoral Commission for its effectiveness in carrying out its duties and notes that it only faced logistical challenges during this election which differed from the numerous logistical hurdles, technology adoption, and ensuring voter participation issues usually encountered in previous elections. He finally weighed in on the implications of the election results for democratic institutions, accountability, and citizen trust, nationally, regionally and globally.   Mr. Tendai Shepherd Mbanje is an accomplished scholar and advocate, and currently a Project Officer, at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. He has made significant contributions to African governance and electoral processes. His research focuses on the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) within the African Union. Mr. Mbanje's work sheds light on credible and legitimate electoral practices, emphasising transparency, accountability, and youth engagement. His insights resonate beyond South Africa, influencing democratic norms and practices in neighbouring African nations, and exploring strategies to combat disinformation and ensure credible electoral outcomes.   This conversation was recorded  on 07 June 2024.   Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Zanele Fengu, Mosupatsila Nare and Samrawit Getaneh The episode was hosted by Samrawit Getaneh (HRDA class of 2016, Ethiopia), who welcomed and engaged in a conversation with Zanele Fengu and Mosupatsila Nare (HRDA class of 2022, South Africa and Zimbabwe, respectively). The speakers highlighted that millions of Africans are displaced each year due to climate change related factors and the figures are growing by the millions each year, making the situation grave. Displacements are occurring owing to disasters including floods, droughts, windstorms and wildfires raging across the continent. Additionally, displacements are also occurring due to climate action that aims to conserve carbon sinks without using a rights based approach, thereby displacing indigenous communities from their lands. Various regional legal instruments and policy documents are key in tackling climate displacement and the various challenges that arise with it, one instrument among many is the the Kampala Convention, the first ever legally binding instrument in the protection and assistance of IDPs in Africa. On the other hand, a particularly worrying reality is the potentially devastating effects of a deficient legal system which fails to adequately address the impact of climate change; particularly the lack of consensus on the legal position of climate refugees which leaves this demographic at risk of an array of human rights violations. Hence the need to effectively implement existing laws such as the Kampala convention, but also the imperative to extend protection to climate refugees, was highlighted in the discussion. The speakers concluded by noting the interrelatedness of various challenges posed by the climate crisis and the need for an “all hands on deck” approach in using human rights law to tackle the problems of climate displaced persons.   Zanele Fengu has a keen interest in all things human rights, but particularly refugee law and climate justice. Zanele currently works as a legal researcher at Corruption Watch, the South African chapter of Transparency International. Her work focuses on land and mining rights, as well as governance and leadership.   Mosupatsila Nare is a human rights lawyer. She has experience in the African Human Rights system having served at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in 2023. Currently she works as a Programs Manager at Women's Institute for Leadership Development, a Zimbabwean Civil Society Organisation focusing on women's empowerment and active participation in leadership and governance processes including climate justice.   Samrawit Getaneh is a Senior Child Rights Protection Officer at the African Committee. She is particularly interested in mechanisms of human rights protection, the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and minority groups, the nexus between human rights and development as well as climate change and human rights. She is also a current PhD researcher at the University of the Western Cape.   This conversation was recorded on 16 May 2024.

In conversation with Elsabe Boshoff, Samrawit Getaneh and Nastasia Thebaud-Bouillon-Njenga This is a podcast series brought to you by the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa, hosted under the Africa Rights Talk – Centre for Human Rights podcast. The initial aim is to produce a limited series of six podcasts that form a coherent whole, introducing some of the main challenges related to climate change and human rights in Africa. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the financial support of the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights. In this podcast episode, the two speakers, Elsabe Boshoff and Samrawit Getaneh, discuss on how climate change disproportionately affects children in Africa, and the interlinkages between multiple systematic inequalities affecting girls and boys in their diversity. They also touch on the responsibilities of African states as duty bearers with regard to ensuring the whole range of children's human rights in the context of a changing climate. Samrawit elaborates on the negative impacts of climate change due to their physical and cognitive levels of development. She highlights how children bear the brunt of the impact of anthropogenic GHC emissions. Samrawit further stresses that girls are particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, given the gender norms that affect their roles, such as helping with household chores. Elsabe reflects on the urgency to tackle climate-related challenges in Africa based on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) that has projected that around 125 million children could be subjected to the consequences of climate change by 2030, through displacement, water scarcity and malnutrition, which all impact on the health of the child. In addition, Elsabe points out the impacts of heatwaves on pregnant women and their fetuses, which include delayed brain development in unborn children, resulting in educational attainment and work outcomes later in life. Finally, both speakers zoom in on some recommendations such as children empowerment and more engagement from state members. Children can be empowered to share their views on climate-related issues that directly affect them. These are through child parliaments where children get the opportunity to debate on important issues on the national agenda. It is also important that African state parties engage more with the Working Group on Children's Rights and Climate Change under the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Committee). In this podcast episode, the two speakers, Elsabe Boshoff and Samrawit Getaneh, discuss on how climate change disproportionately affects children in Africa, and the interlinkages between multiple systematic inequalities affecting girls and boys in their diversity. They also touch on the responsibilities of African states as duty bearers with regard to ensuring the whole range of children's human rights in the context of a changing climate. Samrawit elaborates on the negative impacts of climate change due to their physical and cognitive levels of development. She highlights how children bear the brunt of the impact of anthropogenic GHC emissions. Samrawit further stresses that girls are particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, given the gender norms that affect their roles, such as helping with household chores. Elsabe reflects on the urgency to tackle climate-related challenges in Africa based on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) that has projected that around 125 million children could be subjected to the consequences of climate change by 2030, through displacement, waterscarcity and malnutrition, which all impact on the health of the child. In addition, Elsabe points out the impacts of heatwaves on pregnant women and their fetuses, which include delayed brain development in unborn children, resulting in educational attainment and work outcomes later in life. Finally, both speakers zoom in on some recommendations such as children empowerment and more engagement from state members. Children can be empowered to share their views on climate-related issues that directly affect them. These are through child parliaments where children get the opportunity to debate on important issues on the national agenda. It is also important that African state parties engage more with the Working Group on Children's Rights and Climate Change under the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Committee).   Elsabe Boshoff (HRDA Class of 2017, South Africa) is a Doctoral Fellow at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR). Her PhD research focuses on the right to development in the African human rights system, particularly in the context of the extractive industries. Prior to joining the NCHR, Elsabe has worked with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights between 2017 to 2020.   Samrawit Getaneh (HRDA Class of 2016, Ethiopia) is a Senior Child Rights Protection Officer at the African Committee. She is particularly interested in mechanisms of human rights protection, the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and minority groups, the nexus between human rights and development as well as climate change and human rights. She is also a current PhD researcher at the University of the Western Cape.   Nastasia Thebaud-Bouillon-Njenga (HRDA Class of 2015, France/Kenya) is a human rights attorney and a consultant in climate justice, gender equality, the right to food and children's rights. She is the founder of Ujasiri Human Rights consultancy, an NGO providing advocacy, training and research consultancy services to civil society actors.   This conversation was recorded on 22 March 2024.      

In conversation with Prof Ademola Jegede and Davina Murden This is a podcast series brought to you by the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa, hosted under the Africa Rights Talk – Centre for Human Rights podcast. The initial aim is to produce a limited series of six podcasts that form a coherent whole, introducing some of the main challenges related to climate change and human rights in Africa. In this first episode of the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa podcast, Davina Murden (HRDA Class of 2021, Mauritius) welcomed Prof Ademola Jegede (HRDA Class of 2008, Nigeria) who engaged on an exploratory discussion on the concept of climate justice in the African context. While we agree that there is no universal definition of climate justice, Prof Jegede reflected on how climate justice must be dealt with under a different light in the African context, especially among marginalised communities who are the most vulnerable ones. When asked by the host whether Africa is the continent where the term ‘climate justice' was first used, Prof Jegede replied in the negative. However, he affirmed that Africa is the continent that experiences considerable injustices with regards to climate change due to human actions and inactions. This also raises the question of fairness and equity according to Prof Jegede. In addition, Prof Jegede reflected on the changes that non-governmental organisations working on climate justice face. These are, for example, lack of resources and capacities to engage with climate-related challenges. He also added how African leaders are sometimes reluctant to take actions on ‘climate violence'. Another important point on which Prof Jegede engaged was the lack of education in Africa when it comes to climate justice. While he commended African universities for including climate justice in some academic programmes, Prof Jegede also noted that many Africans still do not know what climate justice is, which makes it difficult to raise awareness on the issue in Africa. In his concluding remarks, Prof Jegede stressed on the importance of educating everyone on climate justice by adopting a bottom-up approach at both an individual and community level. Ademola Jegede is a Professor of Law in the School of Law, University of Venda, South Africa. He is also the Interim Director at the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People' Rights at the University of Venda. He has widely published on the interface of climate change on rights of vulnerable populations. In 2023, the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) appointed Professor Jegede to serve as an external expert to its Working Group on Children and Climate Change. The Centre for Human Rights is the regional headquarters of the Global Campus Africa, which comprises 13 partner universities across Africa and forms part of the broader Global Campus of Human Rights, which is a network of over 100 universities in eight regions with the vision and mission ‘to foster new generations of human rights defenders contributing to a world in which human dignity, equality, freedom, security, sustainable development, democracy and the rule of law are realised.' We acknowledge the financial support from the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights. This conversation was recorded on 20 March 2024. 

In conversation with Tendai Shepherd Mbanje   In this  episode of the Africa Rights Talk podcast, Mr. Tendai Mbanje engaged in a thought-provoking conversation addressing critical issues related to South Africa's political landscape and democratic processes.  He noted that South Africa has witnessed declining voter registration and turnout due to disillusionment with politicians. Issues like corruption, poor service delivery, and unemployment have eroded public trust. He noted that to restore faith in the electoral process and governance, political parties must be transparent about their actions, decisions, and financial dealings, hold leaders accountable for their promises and actions, prioritise efficient service delivery to address citizens' needs, implement robust anti-corruption measures and engage with citizens.    Mr Mbanje emphasised the importance of attracting and mobilising  young voters. He iterated that the youth demographic plays a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's future and that political parties should Educate young voters about their rights, the electoral process, and the impact of their vote, and develop policies that resonate with youth concerns (e.g., education, employment, climate change) and most importantly,include young leaders in decision-making bodies. On the note of balancing ambitious promises and realism of political campaigns, parties should make specific commitments rather than vague promises, back promises with evidence and feasible plans and communicate limitations and challenges honestly. Mr Mbanje noted that the 2024 elections coincide with South Africa's 30th anniversary of democracy, therefore making it a unique election. And that the outcome will determine if it is a maturing democracy or a regressing democracy and may influence democratic norms in other African nations. Furthermore,  he commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other various governmental and non-governmental institutions in combating disinformation and ensuring credible elections and highlighted  that South Africa's elections serves as a model due to its implementation of robust fact-checking mechanisms, education of citizens about discerning reliable information, transparent communication about electoral processes and her willingness tp collaborate globally to combat disinformation. In summary, Mr. Tendai Mbanje's insights underscore the importance of transparent, accountable, and youth-inclusive political processes in shaping South Africa's future and influencing democratic practices across the African continent.   Mr. Tendai Shepherd Mbanje is an accomplished scholar and advocate, and currently a Project Officer, at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. He has made significant contributions to African governance and electoral processes. His research focuses on the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) within the African Union. Mr. Mbanje's work sheds light on credible and legitimate electoral practices, emphasising transparency, accountability, and youth engagement. His insights resonate beyond South Africa, influencing democratic norms and practices in neighbouring African nations, and exploring strategies to combat disinformation and ensure credible electoral outcomes.     This conversation was recorded on 19 March 2024.   Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

  In conversation with Dr David Nnanna Ikpo On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria hosted a film screening of a documentary commemorating two decades of legal recognition of same-sex marriages in Belgium, France, and South Africa. This documentary titled “Hold” directed by Dr. David Ikpo and produced by Tshepang Mamaregane, is a project developed in celebration of this milestone.  Africa Rights Talk sits with the director, Dr David Ikpo. He notes that this documentary elevates the stories and voices of same-sex couples and serves as a powerful tool to track the current realities of same-sex couples in the context of legal recognition in the three nations. The project successfully captured the lived experiences of same-sex couples. The documentary sheds light on the social, political, and economic factors influencing marriage and civil unions. By documenting these realities beyond legal recognition, it holds society and states accountable for protecting the rights of same-sex couples. The film contributes to increased visibility for LGBTI persons globally, regionally, and nationally. As we reflect of the past 20 years, let us continue advocating for love, equality, and human rights for all. This episode celebrates progress, amplifies voices, and inspires continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.    Dr. David Nnanna Ikpo, a Nigerian lawyer and storyteller. Dr Ikpo graduated from the LLM/MPHIL in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa program at the University of Pretoria in 2016. His debut novel, “Fimi Sile Forever”, garnered critical acclaim and was even shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Prize for Best Gay Fiction in 2018. He co-founded the Queer Space Collective, a platform that fosters dialogue, visibility, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, Dr. Ikpo obtained his honours degree in ‘motion pictures' from AFDA (South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) as well as a  doctoral degree qualification. His thesis, titled “Using indigenous storytelling and African Commission soft law in Nigerian law classrooms to advance queer rights,” explores the legal and pedagogical potential of African Commission Resolution 275. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow and communications officer at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded on 7 March 2024.     Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Mr Angus Thomas Human and sex trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2016, approximately 25 million people experienced forced labour and sexual exploitation worldwide. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable: for every ten detected victims, about five were adult women and two were girls. According to Walk Free, there are an estimated 50 million people in modern slavery today, with 54% being women and girls and 1 in 4 children. On this episode,  Africa Rights Talk talks with Mr Angus Thomas, founder of Send Them Home, a campaign group helping to repatriate African women trafficked to the UAE for forced sex work, and the Hope Education Project, a pilot education programme in Ghana tackling human trafficking at its source. Angus delves into the harrowing realities of sex trafficking, citing his encounter with a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sexual exploitation as his inspiration for working in anti-trafficking.  Realising the vulnerability of these victims, he embarked on a journey to repatriate African women that had been tricked into travelling to the UAE and had become victims of human trafficking. Angus then highlights the challenges of working in the UAE, where the Government is often unwilling to investigate human trafficking networks and support victims. He notes that ensuring survivors' safety during repatriation requires a delicate diplomacy and extensive network of good Samaritans on the ground to help. In conclusion, Angus highlights the importance of education as a pivotal tool in preventing and combating human trafficking. By raising awareness about the tactics and schemes of human trafficking rings, Angus believes that it is possible to empower potential victims to recognise the signs and keep themselves safe. Angus Thomas is a human rights advocate and photographer who fights against exploitation and injustice. His activism in human trafficking began in 2019 when he encountered a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the UAE for sexual exploitation. This encounter fuelled his determination to combat trafficking networks, and saw Angus establish Send Them Home. His efforts garnered international media attention and prompted an extensive investigation into sex trafficking in Dubai. In 2021, Angus established the Hope Education Project in Ghana. This program focuses on human trafficking education and awareness amongst at risk schools and communities. The education programme aims to disrupt the flow of vulnerable women trafficked for exploitation, both internationally and within Ghana. Angus Thomas' unwavering commitment continues to make a difference to communities affected by exploitation and trafficking. To hear firsthand accounts from survivors Angus has helped repatriate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg41TwbbYMc&t=2s You can find out more on Send Them Home by visiting its website here: https://sendthemhome.co.uk/, and the Hope Education Project here: https://hopeeducationproject.org/.    This conversation was recorded on 8 February 2024.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Chrispin Bosire and Mr Henok Ashagrey Kremte In this episode, Chrispin Bosire, an HRDA alumnus, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Henok Ashagrey Kremte, a Project Officer with the Expression, Information, and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of internet shutdowns and their profound impact on Ethiopia.   Henok provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of internet freedom in Ethiopia, shedding light on the frequency of shutdowns. Drawing on recent events, including a state of emergency and government-imposed shutdowns in the Amhara region, he unravels the alarming persistence of these disruptions. The discussion extends to the situation in Tigray, where Henok explores whether internet services have been restored or remain non-functional.   Venturing into the human impact of these shutdowns, Henok shares poignant case stories, illustrating how individuals in affected areas are directly affected. Beyond personal anecdotes, the episode delves into the legal framework in Ethiopia, examining the rights that could be invoked to contest the government's actions, and discussed the way forward.     Henok Ashagrey is a Project officer with the Centre's Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), serves as a tutor for the LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) program, and currently pursuing an LLD at the University of Pretoria. Henok has worked previously in various positions in Ethiopia including Lecturer, and Senior Human Rights Researcher.   Chrispin Bosire is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and holds the LL.M Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.  He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; a Certified Professional Mediator; and attended the Kenya School of Internet Governance (2021).  He holds a Law Degree (LL.B) from Moi University, a Post Graduate Law Diploma from the Kenya School of Law and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative. He is currently a Professional Assistant at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights attached to the Head of Legal Department.   This conversation was recorded on 15 December 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Dr Satang Nabaneh On 13 and 14 November 2023, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria  hosted over 50 scholars, researchers and activists from all over the world to commemorate Professor Ngwena's exceptional contributions to human rights and to highlight his pioneering work in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights in Africa. During this conference, Dr Satang Nabaneh launched her book titled: “Choice and Conscience: Lessons from South Africa for a Global Debate”. On this episode, Africa Rights Talk sits down with Dr Nabaneh about her book, the inspiration behind the book, the significance of the chosen title “Choice and Consequence”, the main arguments presented in the book, the  key takeaways from the research, how this book contributes to the ongoing debate on conscientious objection and her future plans for research.   The book “Choice and Conscience: Lessons from South Africa for a Global Debate” is a socio-legal analysis of the highly debated issue of conscientious objection in abortion care. The book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on how legal norms construct and maintain power relations. Using a socio-legal approach, Dr Nabaneh draws on both traditional legal scholarship and African feminist intellectual traditions, providing a nuanced understanding of how legal norms construct and maintain power relations. By focusing on the experiences of nurses in South Africa, Dr. Nabaneh explores the complexities of conscience, discretionary power, and socio-cultural and political factors that influence nurses' decisions about whether or not to conscientiously object. The book is published by Pretoria University Law Press (PULP)   Dr. Satang Nabaneh is a socio-legal scholar, researcher, consultant, and human rights advocate with expertise on human rights, comparative constitutional law, and democratisation. She is a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, where she manages and coordinates the academic program (doctoral and masters) in Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA). Dr. Nabaneh's research interests include a broad range of issues related to human rights, women's rights, democracy, and constitutionalism. She has substantial experience conducting research including systematic desk reviews and field research in multiple countries. Her work has been published in journals such as the Health and Human Rights Journal, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, African Disability Rights Yearbook, Constitutions of the World, and the yearly I·CONnect-Clough Center Global Review of Constitutional Law. Dr. Nabaneh is competent, passionate, and committed to scientific research and policy change, especially in advancing the understanding, analysis, and finding solutions to advance development, human rights protection, good governance, rule of law, and democracy.   This conversation was recorded on 17 November 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386    

In conversation with Mr Likho Bottoman The National Schools Moot Court Competition is an annual event organised by the Department of Basic Education in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under the guidance of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Between 5 October and 8 October 2023, the preliminary rounds were held at the University of Pretoria, Hatfield Campus and the Grand Final was held at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The competition aims to create greater awareness in schools and communities in South Africa about the Constitution and the values that it embodies through active participation.  In this episode, Africa Rights Talk speaks to Mr Likho Bottoman on the inspiration behind the National Schools Moot Court competition. He goes on to discuss the evolution of the competition since its inception, the key challenges faced organising this competition and highlights the most memorable moments and key achievements of the competition. Also, he discusses the key impacts this competition has had on the young orators and communities across South Africa and the future he imagines for the competition.   Likho Bottoman is an occupational therapist by profession and currently the Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education. He graduated from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa and later obtained a Master of Education in Inclusive Education (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He is currently a PhD candidate at UJ. Likho joined the then National Department of Education in 2008 as an Assistant Director: Health Promotion, responsible for School Health Services. His work involves promoting human rights, nation building, peace-building, equity and equality issues, gender equality, issues around decolonisation of basic education, and promoting active citizenry among young people as part of the whole agenda of child and youth agency.  He has been working on the National Schools Program for almost 12 years now, which was implemented with the South African Human Rights Commission and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.   This conversation was recorded on 05 October 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Hon Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo and Hlengiwe Dube On 29 September 2023, the Centre for Human Rights Africa Rights Talk Podcast featured the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Hon Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo. This podcast is part of the Centre's commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa (Model Law). In this episode, Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo delves into the significance of access to information, emphasising its role in upholding democracy and being an enabler of other  human rights.  The Special Rapporteur outlined the African Commission's normative standards on the right to access to information in Africa, emanating from article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which provides for the right to receive information. These are: the Guidelines on Access to information and Elections in Africa, the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and the Model Law. On the Model Law, she discussed its adoption and implementation, highlighting notable successes and challenges. The discussion also included the contribution of digital technologies to the information ecosystem and the obstacles that vulnerable and marginalised groups encounter in navigating the digital space and using digital technologies. The podcast concludes with a call for States to create a conducive environment for the exercise of the right to access information in Africa, taking into account the digital age.   Honourable Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, was elected as a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in October 2021. She is the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa; Vice-Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa; Member of the Working Group on the Death Penalty, Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Africa; and member of the Resolutions Committee. She is a lawyer with great expertise in International Maritime Law. She currently works as a Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General's Office in Mauritius.  Hlengiwe Dube is the Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded on 29 September 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Honourable Machesetsa Mofomobe and Hlengiwe Dube. In 2022, the Expression, Information and Digital Rights unit of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project on digital rights in Southern Africa. The initiative produced the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa. Subsequently, the Centre embarked on stakeholder training and capacity-building workshops to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights in Southern Africa. In June 2023, the Centre for Human Rights, in partnership with the Transformation Resource Centre, engaged members of the National Assembly and the Senate in Lesotho.   This episode features Honourable Machesetsa Mofomobe and Hlengiwe Dube who share insights on thematic areas covered during the training sessions. Hon Mofomobe explores Lesotho's progress towards the promotion and protection of digital rights, with due consideration to the challenges including those faced by vulnerable groups in Lesotho. He also provides commentary on the Lesotho Cybersecurity and Computer Crimes Bill and proposes recommendations for some of the best approaches towards legislating in the digital age.   Honourable Machesetsa Mofomobe is a member of the National Assembly, Lesotho.     Hlengiwe Dube is a Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded on 26 September 2023.   Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Advocate Pansy Tlakula and Hlengiwe Dube   On 11 September 2023, the Centre for Human Rights Africa Rights Talk Podcast hosted Advocate  Pansy Tlakula for a discussion on the 10th anniversary of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa. The session was moderated by Hlengiwe Dube from the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit.  The podcast is based on Advocate Pansy Tlakula's role as the former Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and her current role as the Chairperson of the South African Information Regulator. She outlines the significance of the right of access to information and the normative standards that the African Commission developed to enhance the protection and promotion of the right of access to information in Africa. Specifically on the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa, she discusses the African Commission's rationale for developing such a normative instrument, its impact, and major developments, including challenges in the access to information landscape in Africa. Regarding her current role,  Advocate Tlakula explains the establishment and role of the Information Regulator, including its advocacy strategies, challenges, successes and collaborations with like-minded institutions in Africa and beyond.    Advocate Pansy Tlakula is the Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa. She has held several other influential positions throughout her career. She was a member of the South African Human Rights Commission between 1995 until 2002. From 2002 until 2011, she was the Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa and later served as its Chairperson between 2011 and 2014. In 2005 she was appointed as a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), until November 2017. During her tenure at the ACHPR, she served as the Chairperson (2015 and 2017), Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, and Chairperson of the Working Group on Specific Issues related to the work of the African Commission. In January 2020 she started her four-year tenure as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. She holds a Bachelor of Law (B.Proc) from the University of the North (now University of Limpopo), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Masters in Law (LL.M) from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Legal Studies (Honoris Causa) from the Vaal University of Technology. She was the Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology from 2010 until 2014.   Hlengiwe Dube is the Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.    This conversation was recorded on 11 September 2023. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

A conversation with Commissioner Lawrence Mute and Adv Jared Gekombe On 22 September 2023, the Centre for Human Rights' Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR) hosted Lawrence Murugu Mute in its podcast series, the Africa Rights Talk. Mr Mute was the Research Consultant for the report: ​​Proactive Disclosure of Information During Elections in Kenya (2021 General Elections). This report is part of the Centre for Human Rights assessment of state compliance with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights 2017 Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa (the Guidelines). The Kenyan assessment was undertaken in partnership with ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa.  In this episode, Mr. Mute and Jared Gekombe discussed the rationale behind the development of the Guidelines by the African Commission and the main findings and recommendations of the report. Mr. Mute outlined the general legal framework on access to information in Kenya and provided an overview of Kenya's compliance with the Guidelines in the 2021 general elections, through the performance of various stakeholders such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the media and the civil society. He also elaborated on the recommendations of the report and lessons that other African countries can learn from Kenya's experience.  The discussion also took place during the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Commission's Model Law on Access to Information for Africa and Mute outlined some of the milestones and challenges in the access to information landscape in Africa since its adoption. Lawrence Mute is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Faculty of Law. He is a former Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and former Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa. He also served as a Commissioner of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws from the University of Warwick.  Jared Gekombe is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Moi University, a Postgraduate Diploma from Kenya School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria. He is a PhD Candidate and Project Officer at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. The conversation was recorded on 22 September 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Mokitimi Tšosane and Hlengiwe Dube.   In 2022, The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that assessed the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. Guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic areas covered during the training.     In this episode, Mokitimi Tšosane and Hlengiwe Dube discuss the work of the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in advancing digital rights and highlights some of the challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights in the digital age in Lesotho. Mr Ts'osane also provides insight into the Computer Crimes and Cybersecurity Bill, particularly the contentious provisions that are likely to infringe fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. He proposes the adoption of a human rights-based approach to cybersecurity and regulating responses to computer crimes.    Mokitimi Tšosane is an admitted advocate in the Courts of Lesotho currently serving as the Public Interest Litigation and Human Rights Officer at the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in the Human Rights and Access to Justice Department. He is also a Member of the Public Interest Litigation Committee of the Law Society of Lesotho. Since 2021, he has been leading the Transformation Resource Centre intervention in advocating for a cyber bill which strikes a balance between digital rights and freedoms vis-a-vis the state's security interests and law enforcement. Hlengiwe Dube is a Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded 21 July 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Mokitimi Tšosane and Hlengiwe Dube.   In 2022, The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that assessed the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. Guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic areas covered during the training.     In this episode, Mokitimi Tšosane and Hlengiwe Dube discuss the work of the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in advancing digital rights and highlights some of the challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights in the digital age in Lesotho. Mr Ts'osane also provides insight into the Computer Crimes and Cybersecurity Bill, particularly the contentious provisions that are likely to infringe fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. He proposes the adoption of a human rights-based approach to cybersecurity and regulating responses to computer crimes.    Mokitimi Tšosane is an admitted advocate in the Courts of Lesotho currently serving as the Public Interest Litigation and Human Rights Officer at the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in the Human Rights and Access to Justice Department. He is also a Member of the Public Interest Litigation Committee of the Law Society of Lesotho. Since 2021, he has been leading the Transformation Resource Centre intervention in advocating for a cyber bill which strikes a balance between digital rights and freedoms vis-a-vis the state's security interests and law enforcement. Hlengiwe Dube is a Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded 21 July 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Tlhaloso Mpopo and Hlengiwe Dube   The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that sought to assess the status of Digital rights in Southern Africa. As guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic stakeholders that were covered during the training.    In this episode, Tlhaloso Mpopo and Hlengiwe Dube, discuss privacy and data protection in Lesotho. Tlhaloso reflects on the significance of the right to privacy and data protection and she describes the current data protection framework in Lesotho and subsequently the gaps in the framework. This conversation also spotlights knowledge gaps among stakeholders, the absence of a data protection authority and the levels of awareness of the rights to privacy and data protection amongst Basotho.   Tlhaloso Mpopo is a duly admitted advocate of the courts of Lesotho and a tech policy fellow at the Lawyers Hub. She is a legal technology and technology law enthusiast based in Maseru, Lesotho. She currently works at the National University of Lesotho, Centre for Teaching and Learning in the EduTech Unit. Her responsibilities include capacity building and training as well as policy development on issues such as data privacy and protection, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.   Hlengiwe Dube is a Project Manager of the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded on 18 July 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Dr Serge Brammertz On 2 August 2023, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) co-hosted Dr Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The theme of Dr Brammertz's lecture was on the development and transformation of international criminal law as a branch of international law, and he also spoke about contemporary issues in the field. During Dr Brammertz's visit to the Centre, Africa Rights Talk had a conversation with Dr Brammertz on themes covered in his lecture and on various aspects of international criminal justice. Dr Brammertz highlighted the evolution of international tribunals, the importance of state cooperation, the contribution of the mechanism to accountability and rule of law, the engagement and support of victims, the capacity building of domestic judiciaries, and the challenges and solutions for cross-border cooperation in criminal investigations.  In conclusion, he provided examples, insights, and recommendations based on his role as the Chief Prosecutor of the most complex international criminal cases. Dr Serge Brammertz is a Belgian prosecutor and jurist, who leads the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) since 2016. He is also the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). In this role, Dr. Brammertz was responsible for the prosecution of all trials and appeals before the Tribunal. Prior to joining the ICTY, Dr. Brammertz was the Commissioner of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) in Beirut, Lebanon.  Dr. Brammertz headed the investigation into the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri from January 2006 until the end of 2007. He has a PhD in international law and has taught at several universities. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6HtFV83Wr8M    This conversation was recorded on 2 August 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Tshiamo Mpangeni,  Panji Chirambo,  Al-Amin Abdallah  and Jolene Kibor. On 2 August 2023, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, hosted a child-led conference on children's mental health in Schools in Africa. The conference was attended by children from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe. During this conference, Africa Rights Talk had a conversation with the participants children from Malawi and Kenya, namely, Tshiamo Mpangeni,  Panji Chirambo,  Al-Amin Abdallah and Jolene Kibor. They shared their understanding of mental health issues, the importance of child participation in mental health discussions, understanding the challenges that plague children concerning mental health, and what their individual countries can do to better approach mental health challenges amongst children and young adults in schools. The Children's Rights Unit  at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria was established in 2013 to advocate for matters the protection of children's rights. The Unit works through research, advocacy, and training, to contribute to the regional discourse on the rights of children in Africa and beyond. In line with the Centre's mission, the work of the Unit has a pan-African reach, while seeking to foster a contextually relevant understanding of global issues and concerns to children in Africa. The Unit provides an essential bridge between academic research and evidence-based advocacy in the African region. This conversation was recorded on 3 August 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Sibongile Mokapane and Ompha Tshamano. In 2022, The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that assessed the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. Guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic areas covered during the training.  In this episode, Sibongile Mokapane and Ompha Tshamano discuss women's rights in the digital age in Lesotho, including the gender-digital divide. Sibongile shares her observations on the patriarchal power dynamics in the digital spaces and acknowledges that the cyberspace mimics the patriarchal power dynamics that are found offline. This conversation also explores the various forms of abuse and challenges that women face while accessing digital spaces in Lesotho. Sibongile Mokapane is a passionate human rights lawyer specializing in women's and children's rights, digital rights, and gender issues. With an LLB and an LLM degree, she is an advocate admitted to practice and currently working as an advocacy specialist at Politics4Her, focusing on the Women's Leadership and Political Participation portfolio. Sibongile's dedication to justice extends beyond her professional life. She is deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children, using her expertise in human rights law to advocate for their rights. Through her legal skills, advocacy efforts, and unwavering commitment, Sibongile strives to create positive change in her community and contribute to a more equitable society., Ompha Tshamano is an LLM Candidate at the University of Pretoria and a Project Associate at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. This conversation was recorded 21 July 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Lekhetho Makhanya Ntsukunyane and Marystella Simiyu. In 2022, The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that assessed the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. Guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic areas covered during the training. In this episode, Lekhetho Ntsukunyane and Marystella Simiyu discuss how freedom of expression is protected under the legal framework in Lesotho. Lekhetho explores the challenges faced by the Basotho people in exercising their freedom of expression. Amidst these difficulties, information disorder is polluting the information ecosystem. Lekhetho expands on the prevalence of information disorder in Lesotho and recommends right-based approaches to curb information disorder in the country. Lekhetho is a print journalist based in Maseru, Lesotho. He is currently the director at the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho). He is a well-known investigative journalist, whose work has been published in South Africa with AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, Daily Maverick, among others. In Lesotho, he has worked as a senior reporter with weekly national newspapers including Lesotho Times, Public Eye and Sunday Express. In 2016, Lekhetho co-founded the MNN Center for Investigative Journalism, together with two other investigative journalists in Maseru. Marystella Simiyu is a lawyer and a doctoral candidate at the University of Pretoria. She is also a Project Officer at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. This conversation was recorded 20 July 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Dr Ndumiso Dladla Mandela Day is commemorated annually on 18 July to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela in the fight for the liberation of South Africa from apartheid laws and the fostering of peace on the African continent. In this episode of Africa Rights Talk we speak to Dr Ndumiso Dladla, who acknowledges the impact of Nelson Mandela, but warms about the deification of Nelson Mandela as opposed to reflections on many other unsung heroes who have also fought for freedom  of black South Africans from oppression.   Dr Dladla highlights the importance of historical accuracy of the histories of unfreedom and that we must seek the truth in order to address our oppression. He calls on Africans to unite across the continent, engage in conscientious conversations about liberation and seek the historical truth in contextualising colonial conquest of the African people and the ramifications of such conquest in today's world.   Dr Ndumiso Dladla is a philosopher, academic and writer who holds a BA (Philosophy and Private Law), BA [Hons] (Philosophy) as well as an MA (Philosophy) from the University of South Africa and an LLD (Jurisprudence) from the University of Pretoria.  He was appointed as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jurisprudence from February 2022. His research interests are African Philosophy, Social and Political Philosophy, Critical Race Theory, Black Radical Historiography. He has published many articles and books. Here are some selected published works: 2018) The liberation of history and the end of South Africa: some notes towards an Azanian historiography in Africa, South1, South African Journal on Human Rights, 34:3, 415-440, DOI: 10.1080/02587203.2018.1550940 (2020) Here is a Table: A Philosophical Essay on History and Race in South Africa, African SUN Media Press, Stellenbosch ISBN : 9781928314783 (2021) (Editor) “The Azanian Philosophical Tradition Today” Theoria: Journal of Social and Political Theory, Issue 168, Vol. 68, No. 3   This conversation was recorded 17 July 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Dr Mispa Roux The Russia-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia, alongside Russian-backed separatists, and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Although Russian forces made significant gains in the first days of combat, Ukrainian defenders rebuffed attempts to seize Kyiv and other major cities and were soon launching counter attacks at Russian positions. Since then, the war has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries on both sides. South Africa and Russia have been deepening their military ties. The South African military hosted a joint military exercise with Russia and China on its east coast from February 17 to 27, 2023. However, South Africa's warm relationship with Russia has caused a growing national and global concern that the country has decided to back Russia in its war against Ukraine, and perhaps even to send Russia weapons.  Africa Rights Talk speaks to Dr Roux on the Russian-South Africa allyship and its impacts on South Africa's commitment to protection of human rights.   Dr Roux discusses South Africa's obligations under international human rights law, the powers and limitations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding prosecution of  human rights violations, crimes against humanity and abuse of power. Importantly, she expressed disappointment in South Africa's non alignment approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and its decision not to prosecute or arrest Russia's Vladimir Putin. She notes that South Africa's protection of criminals of war validates impunity against the victims of war.  She concludes that even though South Africa pulls out of the ICC to protect Russia, South Africa still has obligations under its constitution and local laws to bring criminals like Vladimir Putin to justice. She hopes that South Africa does the right thing in the end to uphold international human rights standards. See link to her Op-Ed:  https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2023-06-04-the-law-is-clear-putin-must-be-arrested-if-he-sets-foot-in-south-africa/   Dr Mispa Roux is a project coordinator for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria's  joint project for Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa (SSRA).This project is  to strengthen the protection of sexual and reproductive health rights in Africa. Her academic and research interests include sexual and gender based violence in domestic and global contexts,  international human rights law, and international criminal law and the intersectionality of both areas. Her doctoral thesis was entitled ‘A comparative analysis of the causes for breaching the erga omnes obligation to prevent and prosecute gross human rights violations'. She is also a senior research officer in the NRF SARChI Chair for International Constitutional Law at the University of Pretoria.    This conversation was recorded 05 July 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Safa Idress and Mai Aman This episode, in conversation with Ms Safa Idress and Ms Mai Aman, sheds light on the current Sudan crisis. On April 15 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and military rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed in Khartoum, the country's capital as a result of a power struggle within the country's military leadership. Idress and Aman were saddened to note the devastating human rights violations including sexual and gender-based violence against women, thousands of civilian deaths and about 1.2 million people displaced causing an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In conclusion, Ms Idress and Ms Aman call for ceasefire, accountability of the perpetrators of this war, and that the Sudanese authorities take credible steps towards reinstatement of a civilian administration with democracy and rule of law at its core, and to a path towards justice, equality, dignity and peace for the Sudanese people. Safa Idress is a Sudanese lawyer, who obtained her LLB from the University of Khartoum, Sudan and is an LLM Candidate in Human Rights and Democratisation at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. Her academic and research interests include women's rights, environmental rights, and intersectionality of business and human rights. She has worked as a paralegal at the People's Legal Aid Centre, which offers free legal services to marginalised groups in Sudan, particularly women. In 2019, she assumed the position as a legal officer upon completion of her bar exams. In 2022, she was a legal fellow at the Institute of Human Rights and Development in Africa, The Gambia.   Mai Aman is a Sudanese lawyer, who obtained her LLB from the University of Khartoum, and LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. She is currently an LLD candidate in human rights law specialising in children's rights. She currently works as a project officer for the children's right unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. This conversation was recorded on 29 June 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Andrew Leon Hanna In this episode, Andrew Leon Hanna, a first-generation Egyptian-American lawyer, social entrepreneur, and author, provides captivating insights into his groundbreaking book, "25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs."  Mr Hanna delves into the remarkable journeys of three women refugee entrepreneurs, challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusive policies, governance, and the crucial role of storytelling. Mr Hanna emphasises the unique challenges women refugees encounter and their extraordinary contributions to society. Through their stories, "25 Million Sparks" seeks to amplify their voices, dispel harmful stereotypes, and foster a greater appreciation for their resilience, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit. Andrew inspires readers to shift their perspectives and actively support the socioeconomic development of refugee communities. Ultimately, Mr Hanna calls for a more compassionate and equitable world, where the potential of refugee entrepreneurs is recognised, celebrated, and supported.   Andrew Leon Hanna is Andrew Leon Hanna is an American lawyer, entrepreneur, author, and international human rights advocate. He was born to immigrants parents from Egypt. In 2018, he was awarded Financial Times and McKinsey Bracken Bower Prize for his book "25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs". He is also the founder of DreamxAmerica, Immigrant Love, and Sawa Impact Labs at Stanford and Harvard Universities.     "25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs" centres on the narratives of three women refugee entrepreneurs, Yasmina, a wedding shop and salon owner creating moments of celebration; Malak, a young artist infusing color and beauty throughout the camp; and Asma, a social entrepreneur who uplifted the Za'atari refugee camp and of the global refugee entrepreneurship phenomenon they represent. The book captures a phenomenon that happens in almost all of the camps: Amid the noisome and sometimes terrible conditions, people begin to regrow their lives by starting tiny businesses. The book is a powerful story of hope and a beautiful reminder of our equal dignity, common humanity, and brilliant potential for innovation. It sheds light on the brutal injustices of war and violence while celebrating refugees' records of uplifting communities, generating transformative ideas, and creating peace even amid disaster.  For more about 25 Million Sparks: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/management/entrepreneurship-and-innovation/25-million-sparks-untold-story-refugee-entrepreneurs?format=HB   This conversation was recorded  on 19 June 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386          

In conversation with Professor Charles Maimela Youth Day commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976. On June 16, 1976, thousands of black students in Soweto took to the streets to protest against the apartheid government's decision to impose Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The police responded with violence and many students were killed or injured. The day is now remembered as a symbol of the youth's resistance against apartheid and their fight for freedom and equality. This year's Youth Day theme was “Working together for youth development and a drug-free South Africa”. On this episode, Africa Rights Talk speaks to Prof. Charles Maimela, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. Prof Maimela discusses the history of Youth day, the significance of its celebration in remembering the sacrifices of the youth of the 1976 Soweto Uprising for the youth of today. He emphasises the importance of youth participation in all spheres of society to facilitate their development and success in society.   Professor Charles Maimela is the youngest and the first black Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria. He completed his LLB, LLM and LLD degrees through the University of South Africa. He joined the Department of Private Law in 2016 and held teaching positions at University of South Africa and University of KwaZulu-Natal before joining the University of Pretoria. Previously he was coordinating the BA (Law) programme in the Faculty of Law and was also the Editor-in-Chief of De Jure Law Journal. His area of expertise lies in Medical Law; African Customary law and Religion and Law. He has published extensively in his area (s) of research and produced a monograph titled Law and Religion in South Africa in 2019. Recently, he is the editor and contributor of the book “Technological Innovation (4IR) in Law Teaching and Learning: Enhancement or Drawback During Covid-19” 2022. The book argues that law teaching and learning using technological innovations have been positive for both academics and students during the pandemic and maps a way forward for teaching and learning post the pandemic. See link to book: https://www.pulp.up.ac.za/edited-collections/technological-innovation-4ir-in-law-teaching-and-learning-enhancement-or-drawback-during-covid-19 This conversation was recorded on 24 May 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Mr Lloyd Kuveya Africa Day is celebrated annually on May 25th to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU) created on May 25th, 1963. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the OAU-AU and the day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the African Union in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment. Celebrations on May 25th recite the annual commemorations of Africa's independence, freedom and liberation. On this episode, in celebration of Africa Day 2023, Africa Rights Talk chats with Mr Lloyd Kuveya on the significance of Africa Day for unity, peace, security, and development in Africa. He highlights that Africa Day is a day to celebrate the principles of African unity, the evolution of the principles of the African Union and the key achievements of the African Union. He iterates that the African Union provides mechanisms such as African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as well as the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to resolve conflicts and bring states together to hold each other accountable on human rights protection and adherence to the rule of law. He expresses excitement for the acceleration of economic unity and integration through the Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation, a theme for this year's celebration to promote intra-Africa trade, investments and accessible borders to the African people towards the achievement of Agenda 2063.   Lloyd Kuveya is the Assistant Director at the Centre for Human Rights, at the University of Pretoria. He obtained his LLB from the University of Zimbabwe and LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria. Mr Kuveya is an avid human rights advocate with research interests in international law, human rights law, rule of law, litigation and advocacy.  He was the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum from October 2015 to May 2017. Before taking up his position at the Centre, Lloyd was Regional Researcher and Advocacy Manager with Amnesty International. Also, he was the Senior Legal Advisor for the International Commission of Jurists from 2013-2015 and Regional Advocacy Manager for the Southern Africa Litigation Centre from 2007-2013. Mr Kuveya is passionate about advocacy for human rights in Africa and developing human rights mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection in Africa.    Watch this episode on our Youtube channel.                This conversation was recorded on 22 May 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Fatou Jagne Senghore On 4 May 2023, the Expression, Information & Digital Rights (EIDR) Unit conducted a spotlight interview on the Africa Rights Talk Podcast featuring Ms Fatou Jagne Senghore. The conversation is part of the Centre for Human Rights' commemoration of the 10 Years of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa. This podcast episode was moderated by the EIDR clinic students from the LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa programme.   Ms Jagne introduced the current regional framework that provides normative guidance on the exercise of the right of access to information in Africa. She stated that the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa, the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa are of great value to African States and emphasised the adoption and implementation of standards encapsulated in these instruments. Ms Jagne further addressed some of the challenges such as bureaucracies, resource constraints, existing laws on secrecy, and technological constraints that hinder access to information in Africa. However, she indicated that there are some notable positive steps towards implementing access to information frameworks at national level. For instance, she noted that The Gambia recently enacted the Access to Information Act, 2021 and anticipates utilising institutional mechanisms to implement the Act. In her conclusion, she underscored the importance of the media and civil society and implored these stakeholders to continue promoting the right to access information.     Fatou Jagne Senghore is a Gambian human rights advocate with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She founded Article 19 West Africa office in Senegal in 2010 after joining the organisation in 2002 as an Africa Programme Officer. She holds an LLM in Economic and Communication Law, a Master's degree in International and European Law, and a Bachelor of Law (Civil Law) from the University of Toulouse. She also holds a Bachelor of English Language / Specialty Law and a degree in international relations and development studies. She led Article 19's work with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) on access to information and Freedom of Expression, including the establishment of the mechanism of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Africa in 2004 and the development of normative standards. She has received many distinctions for her human rights work. These include the French National Order of Merit (Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Mérite) in 2018, the

In conversation with Bokang Lethunya- Khutlang and Ompha Tshamano  In 2022, the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that sought to assess the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. As part of the research component, a report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa. The report came into being after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital gaps and inequalities in Southern Africa.  On this episode, Africa Rights Talk together with Ms. Bokang Lethunya-Khutlang and Mr Ompha Tshamano, discusses the digital rights landscape in Southern Africa with a specific focus on the status of digital rights in Lesotho. The discussion was premised on the challenges that vulnerable communities, namely women, children and people living with disabilities face in realising digital rights in Lesotho. In line with the mandates that States ought to adopt as recommended in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, the discussants reflected on the measures that have been adopted through the Ministry of Justice in Lesotho to ensure that human rights are protected online and offline. In this conversation, Ms Lethunya-Khutlang acknowledged the impact that race, class and gender has on people realising digital rights in Lesotho and subsequently the challenges and stifled opportunities that people face when it comes to accessing digital services and technologies in Lesotho. In conclusion, Ms Lethunya-Khutlang emphasised on the importance of individual and communal efforts in order to ensure a healthy digital life.  Ms. Bokang Lethunya-Khutlang works as a Legal Officer in the Human Rights Unit under the Ministry of Justice and Law, having joined the Unit in June 2008. Her duties entail dissemination of human rights to the public through various media spots; receiving complaints on human rights violations for referral to where they could best be resolved; compilation of human rights state party reports. In a nutshell, her duties are on promotion, protection and monitoring of human rights in Lesotho. Since joining the Unit, Ms. Lethunya-Khutlang has benefitted from  several trainings by the OHCHR, UNAIDS, University of Pretoria amongst others. She serves as a coordinator and secretariat of all human rights state party reports and thus has played a key role in compilation of several state party reports both to the UN treaty bodies and the African commission. These include CEDAW, CMW, ICCPR, UPR, ACHPR and Maputo Protocol. Prior to joining the Unit, Ms. Lethunya-Khutlang worked as a Magistrate from 2004 - 2008. She has also served as a Board Director (2015 – 2018) for the Lesotho Communication Authority which is a regulator for the communications sector in Lesotho. Mr Ompha Tshamano is an LLM Candidate at the University of Pretoria and a project assistant at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.    This conversation was recorded on 02 May 2023.   Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Viola Ochola Every year, students at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria on the LLM/MPhil programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) are assigned to human rights clinics which contribute to the work of the Centre's research units and give the students practical experience and advance the Centre's mission towards the realisation of human rights in Africa.  On 25 April 2023, the Centre for Human Rights' Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR) hosted the Office of the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Kenya in its podcast series Africa Rights Talk commemorating 10 Years of the Model Law on Access to Information in Africa. The episode featured Ms. Viola Ochola as the guest speaker and Chrispin Bosire, Smith Naseri Edumebong and Idirashe Amanda Chikomba, from the EIDR clinic as moderators. This episode focused on steps that have been taken towards effective implementation of the Kenyan access to information framework as guided by the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa framework developed in 2013 by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. This framework seeks to provide legislation guidance to member states of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' on the implementation of article 9 of the African Charter which provides for the right of access to information. Ms. Ochola indicated that Kenyan representatives actively participated in the deliberations that led to the development of the Model Law and subsequent to its adoption, there is reliance on the Model Law in the implementation of the Kenyan framework. Ms. Ochola reiterated that the CAJ has also made strides in ensuring adequate access to information by introducing the 2022 Guidelines on Access to Information to ensure availability of information on elections to the citizens of Kenya in the 2022 elections and that the CAJ is undertaking  advocacy measures and awareness raising exercises to ensure access to information to everyone including marginalised groups. Ms. Viola Ochola is the Director of the Office of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ). She is a lawyer, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a legal practitioner with administrative law, commercial law, human rights, and law reforms experience spanning over 15 years. She holds an MBA in Strategic Management and has extensive experience both in the public and private sector. She is the immediate former Manager in the Complaints, Investigation and Legal Services Department at the Commission on Administrative Justice. Ms. Ochola is an Open Governmental Leadership Fellow and a member of the Technical Committee on Open Government Partnership (Kenya Chapter) in her capacity as the Cluster Lead for the Access to Information Commitment. The conversation was recorded on 25 April 2023. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386  

In conversation with Professor Joel Modiri Freedom Day is the commemoration of the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. These were the first post-apartheid national elections to be held in South Africa, where anyone could vote regardless of race. This day reminds South Africans of the incalculable sacrifices made by individuals and nations in order to liberate them from the chains of discriminatory segregation imposed by the pre-1994 apartheid government. It also reminds South Africans of their national icons, the values they represent and the need to continue to fight for actual freedom and  equality in South Africa. We spoke to Prof Joel Modiri, on this episode of Africa Rights Talk, who reiterates these reflections. Prof Modiri discusses the importance of understanding what freedom means, the importance of history as an ongoing accumulation of the human experience, the need for South Africa to reconcile herself with her past and be in good relations with her history to be able to determine the future of her freedom. He describes Freedom Day as a day for honouring the liberation struggle as well as its failures and understanding the possibilities for freedom today. Professor Modiri is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Jurisprudence at the University of Pretoria. He holds degrees LLB cum laude (Pret) and PhD (Pret). His PhD thesis was entitled “The Jurisprudence of Steve Biko: A Study in Race, Law and Power in the ‘Afterlife' of Colonial-apartheid”. He mainly teaches in the field of Jurisprudence and Legal Philosophy. He has convened and taught a number of law subjects such as Social Justice and Human Rights, African Human Rights, Research Methodology, Legal Problems of HIV & AIDS, and Law and Transformation. He has also taught portions of courses in Political Science, Sociology and Public Policy presented by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pretoria. He currently convenes the LLM/MPhil in Post-apartheid jurisprudence. He has over 20 publications in academic journals under his name and has edited books and delivered lectures internationally and nationally. Prof Modiri has previously been on an episode of  Africa Rights Talk titled “Institutional racism and how it manifests in the African context”. To listen to his previous conversation on Africa Rights Talk, follow the ink: https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-law/news/post_2916503-africa-rights-talk-season-2-episode-9-joel-modiri    The conversation was recorded on 19 April 2023.   Do not forget to follow our Twitter page. Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In conversation with Professor Babatunde Fagbayibo The Centre for Human Rights, in partnership with Ghent University, presented its annual Advanced Human Rights Short Course (AHRC) on the African Human Rights System in Comparative Perspectives from 17 to 21 April 2023. In this episode, in light of this short course, Professor Babatunde Fagbayibo walks us through the dynamics of the African Union reform process and its implications for achieving supra nationalism in Africa. He highlights the key challenges and opportunities of this reform process and stresses the importance of an effective Continental Free Trade Area on vast economic change on the continent. Professor Babatunde Fagbayibo is a Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria. He holds an LLB degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa). His LLM and LLD degrees were obtained from the University of Pretoria. His doctoral thesis explored the politico-legal feasibility of endowing the African Union with supranational competences. Other research interests include African politics, transnational policy analysis, critical approaches to international law, and governance and democratisation in Africa. He has written widely on these topics. He also provides commentary in print and broadcast media on African affairs of democratisation and constitutional governance. In 2022, Professor Fagbayibo released a book titled ‘Transcending member states: political and legal dynamics of building continental supranationalism in Africa'.   Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvFVmc7Rd-g     This conversation was recorded on 17 April 2023.   Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Lizzy Muthoni Kibira and Chanel van der Linde On 24 February 2023, the Kenyan Supreme Court ruled that the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) must be allowed to officially register as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The Supreme court held that it would be unconstitutional to limit the right to associate through denial of registration. This ruling ends a decade-long legal case. In this episode, Africa Rights Talk in conversation with Lizzy Muthoni Kibira and Chanel van der Linde discuss this triumph for justice and human rights in Kenya and the future of LGBTI Rights in Africa. Lizzy Muthoni Kibira is a Kenyan lawyer and researcher based in Nakuru, Kenya. She previously worked with Strathmore University School of Law and Kabarak University School of Law. Ms. Kibira holds an LLB from Strathmore University, Kenya. Her academic interests include public life of law, history and politics; and the function of international organisations.  She published an article in the Strathmore Law Journal, titled, A Representative of the People, A review of Dominic Burbidge's An Experiment in Devolution: National Unity and the Deconstruction of the Kenyan State. Her current project focuses on the public life of the commonwealth organisation. Link to her publication: https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/strathlj5&div=12&id=&page=     Chanel van der Linde is a project officer at the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristic (SOGIESC) Unit, at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. She holds an LLB from the University of Witwatersrand and an LLM in Multidisciplinary Human Rights from the University of Pretoria.   This conversation was recorded on 16 and 17 March 2023.   Instagram: africarightstalk Twitter: artrightstalk YouTube: www.youtube.com/africarightstalk Africa Rights Talk    Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio 

In conversation with Professor Christopher Isike, Janet Gbam and Foluso Adegalu On February 25 2023, the Nigerian presidential elections were held. Nigerian voters came out in their numbers to cast their ballots to select the next president after outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari stepped down. This was against a political background of mounting unhappiness and widespread unrest, insecurity and economic hardship, such as the inability to access cash, high inflation, deadly attacks by gunmen against civilians. While the elections were initially marked by a high voter turnout and mainly peaceful voting, they were marred reports of vote buying, voter intimidation, attacks on polling units in certain areas, and unpunctual electoral officials along with accusations of outright fraud to compound issues with trust in the election. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also failed to upload polling unit results to the INEC result viewing portal as previously assured would happen on election day. It is light of these circumstances, along with statements critical of INEC from observers and civil society groups that have inspired this conversation. This episode analyses the developments of these elections from a human rights lens. Professionally, Ms Janet Uosu Gbam is an international human rights lawyer and Doctoral Candidate from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Over the last ten years, she has successfully worked with teams to promote and protect human rights by initiating, managing, and executing humanitarian, and human rights programs touching on racial, ethnic, gender, and socio-economic issues for notable human rights organisations. She also has experience working with international NGOs in West Africa, Southern Africa and the United States. We spoke to Foluso Adegalu, a Doctoral Researcher and Programme Manager for the Litigation and Implementation Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. His research interest in international human rights law focuses on improving the efficacy of international human rights standards and monitoring mechanisms. Foluso's human rights practice includes the strategic use of the law particularly through judicial and quasi-judicial institutions to enforce human rights, prevent human rights violations, and seek redress for victims of human rights violations. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with over ten years of experience in legal practice. Christopher Isike, PhD, is a Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria and Director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP), South Africa. He is also the current President of the African Association of Political Science (AAPS), and member of the Board of Directors of Global Development Network (GDN). Professor Isike conducts research from an Africanist lens, and teaches international relations theory, strategic and security studies, and security theory at the University of Pretoria. His research interests include African soft power politics, women, peace and conflict studies, women and political representation in Africa, rethinking state formation in Africa, politics in a digital era and African immigration to South Africa. A C2 rated researcher by the National Research Foundation, Professor Isike has over 70 publications in top national and international peer-reviewed journals including chapters in books published by reputable publishing houses globally. He is Editor-in-Chief of Africa's foremost political science journal, Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies (2020 to 2024), and has been Editor of Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation since 2017. He also serves on the editorial board of several reputable international journals, such as International Political Science Abstracts, Canadian Journal of African Studies, African Journal of Political Science and Strategic Review for Southern Africa. Professor Isike consults for United Nations Population Fund (UNPF),

In conversation with Dr Melakou, Xanne Bekaert, Jean-Mary Tjiohimba and Martin Simotwo The Centre for Human Rights is embarking on a campaign #GreenJusticeAfrica, to address the impact of climate change on the protection and fulfilment of human rights in Africa. This episode focuses on the impact of climate change on Indigenous People and it was recorded in light of the Advanced Human Rights Course on Indigenous Peoples' Rights. The episode takes a twist, unique from the other episodes, as it narrates the experiences of representatives from the Ogiek and Khoisan communities, Martin Simotwo and Jean Mary Tjiohimba respectively. Martin Simotwo is member of the Board of Directors of Chepkitale, a non-governmental organisation whose aim is to ensure the realisation of Chepkita people's rights. Jean Mary Tjiohimba is the founder and Managing Director of the San Vision Foundation, an organisation whose aim is to provide education for the Khoisan Indigenous community. Dr. Melakou Tegegn, Member of The Working Group on Indigenous Populations goes on to give a scholarly analysis of the impact of climate change on indigenous groups in Africa, while Xanne Bakaert, a passionate and entrepreneurial student of law, narrates the importance of respecting the environment through a human rights lens. She emphasises the importance of the human rights perspective as it is important in order to draw attention to the protection of the rights of the  indigenous peoples, who are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation because of their dependence on the environment.    Click the link to follow our new Africa Rights Talk twitter page    This conversation was recorded on 11 November 2022 Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc. Light-Optimistic-Corporate https://stock.adobe.com/. adobe stockad_AdobeStock_564752180_preview.m4ahttps://stock.adobe.com/.  

In conversation with Farouk Adedoyin and Reda Benkhadra   Every year, students at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria on the LLM/MPhil programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) are assigned to human rights clinics which contribute to the work of the Centre's research units and give the students practical experience and advance the Centre's mission towards the realisation of human rights in Africa. In the year 2022, the HRDA students embarked on a #RatifyADRP campaign, urging African Union member states to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (Africa Disability Protocol).   The African Union Assembly adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (Africa Disability Protocol) on 28 January 2018. The African Disability Protocol is the culmination of the African Union's efforts to create a framework to safeguard the human rights of persons with disabilities on the continent. However, the Protocol has not yet attained the 15 ratifications required for it to come into force. To date, the Protocol has been signed but not ratified by Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Mali, Rwanda, South Africa and Togo. This episode calls on all Africans, especially stakeholders to advocate, campaign and ensure that the Protocol is ratified by all the 55 members of the African Union. #RatifyAfricanDisabilityRightsProtocol #RatifyADRP   This conversation was recorded on 5 July 2022 Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In conversation with Dr Yolanda Munoz "You cannot talk of climate change when inclusion is an afterthought". The Centre for Human Rights is embarking on a campaign, #GreenJusticeAfrica to address the impact of climate change on the protection and fulfilment of human rights in Africa. Climate change is now one of the biggest threats to human rights globally. In this episode, Dr Yolanda Munoz, an academic and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and a full-time wheelchair user, discusses the impact of climate change on the rights of persons with disabilities. There is no climate justice without disability justice. Climate change is currently the central political and moral issue around the globe. It affects everyone, but not equally. For persons with disabilities, the threat is compounded by discrimination, marginalisation, and other pre-existing inequalities. From the 1990s, disability rights started to receive more attention in the African Commission. Though the African continent has made significant strides to include persons with disabilities in the society, the same cannot be said of climate justice. The even adaptation and mitigation practices, which seek to combat the effects of climate change may do harm to disability communities in Africa. In order to reduce such harms in the present and avoid them in the future, Africa must employ ethical frameworks that bring disability justice to the forefront of climate justice. Disability justice should be an integral part of conversations in climate change. Professionally, Dr Yolanda Munoz has explored the social arrangements behind the unquestioned exclusion of people with disabilities. She has also served as a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, as Program Officer with the Disability Rights Fund, as an external consultant for Global Greengrants Fund and has collaborated with the Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Research Program, with the Faculty of Law at McGill University. In the academic field, she completed a Masters and a PhD in Japanese Studies, with speciality in the Ainu women of Northern Japan. Her knowledge on feminist theory and practice has been the motivation to design and teach the course “Gender and Disability,” offered since 2006 at the McGill Institute for Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies. This conversation was recorded on 5 July 2022. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In Conversation with Dr Ayodele Sogunro  In this episode, Dr Ayodele Sogunro who has completed  his doctoral studies at the Centre for Human Rights, walks us through the academic journey of attaining his PhD with the Centre for Human Rights. His PhD thesis is titled ‘Advocacy, Social Control and the criminalisation of same-sex relationships: The Evolution and enforcement of ‘anti-gay laws in Nigeria'. His research focuses on a critical legal studies perspective of LGBTIQ+ issues in Nigeria, around political homophobia, socio-economic issues, and the need by advocates to understand wider state dynamics of homophobia and transphobia in systems of power. Dr Ayodele Sogunro is a Nigerian writer, lawyer and the Manager of the SOGIESC Unit at the Centre for Human Rights in the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. He is a legal and policy analyst with over ten years of field and courtroom experience in human rights law and advocacy in the African human rights system. Before joining the Centre, he was the Senior Legal Advisor with the Initiative for Equal Rights, a LGBT+ NGO in West Africa. His books include the short stories The Wonderful Life of Senator Boniface and other Sorry Tales and the collection of essays Everything in Nigeria is Going to Kill You. His literary essay, ‘One more nation bound in freedom: Themes from the Nigerian “anti-gay” law' was shortlisted for the 2016 Gerald Kraak Award for African Writing. He has written an article ‘Why #EndSARS won't quit' in relation to the protests. Visit Dr Ayodele Sogunro's blog: www.ayosogunro.com   This conversation was recorded on 20 June 2022 Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc                 

In conversation with Dr Rosella de Falco and Ms Ashina Mtsumi Everyone has the right to health which relates to both the right of individuals to obtain a certain standard of health and health care, and the State obligation to ensure a certain standard of public health with the community generally. This episode was published in light of the World Health Day. World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as other related organisations. In today's  episode Dr Rosella De Falco and Ms Ashina Mtsumi from The Global Initiative For Economic, Social And Cultural Rights(GI-ESCR) explore the issue of reversing commercialisation of public services and advocating for quality public services for all with a particular focus on the right to health.  The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a number of flaws that existed in most public systems around the world. The Global Initiative For Economic, Social And Cultural Rights launched a report titled, ‘The failure of commercialised healthcare in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic'. Dr Rossella De Falco works as a Program Officer on the Right to Health at the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR). She graduated cum laude with a Ph.D. in Human Rights from the University of Padova, Italy. She holds an LLM in Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from Essex University, an M.A. in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in International Cooperation and Development, Bologna University. She has authored several publications which can be found here. She previously collaborated with the Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Ms Ashina Mtsumi is a human rights lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She is also an alumnus of the Master's programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and is passionate about social justice. She has worked in the human rights sector for over five years, carrying out research and advocacy on economic, social and cultural rights. In particular, her work focuses on the international human rights legal framework relating to the rights to land, housing, education, health and water, for marginalised communities. This conversation was recorded on 1 April 2022 Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In conversation with Ms Amanda Manyame  The annual campaign spearheaded by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria is #Tech4Rights: Rethinking a human rights-based approach to new technologies in Africa. The #Tech4Rights campaign focuses on the impact of new technologies on different aspects of human interaction and the impact of technology on human rights. This campaign has a series of activities that look into technology in various specific areas. In light of the annual campaign of the Centre, this episode discusses online violence against women with Ms Amanda Manyame from Equality Now.  Ms Amanda Manyame is Equality Now's Digital Law and Rights Consultant. Amanda works at the intersection of technology and law and provides legal and technical expertise around Equality Now's programme to end online sexual exploitation and abuse. She discusses the different forms of online violence against women and girls and why online violence against women and girls should be taken seriously. She proffers various recommendations on what individuals, governments and relevant stakeholders can do to stop online violence against women and girls. Equality Now is an international human rights organisation with the mission to achieve legal and systemic change that addresses violence and discrimination against all women and girls around the world. Founded in 1992, Equality Now is a global organisation with partners and members in every region. Ending sexual violence, ending sex trafficking, ending harmful practices and achieving legal equality are the main areas of Equality Now's work. Equality Now has undertaken legal research aimed at understanding what laws currently exist, gaps and opportunities to address online sexual exploitation and abuse with a particular focus on adolescent girls and women. The upcoming report focuses on the laws that apply globally, in the EU as well as nationally, in India, the UK, USA, Kenya, and Nigeria. This conversation was recorded on 25 August 2021. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Ms Thiruna Naidoo The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria is pleased to announce the publication of the third paper in the African Human Rights Policy Papers series. This episode reflects on the newly launched African Human Rights Policy Paper Conversion therapy: Current practices, emerging technology and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. This policy paper has been prepared by the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. ‘Conversion therapy' is a broad term that refers to therapy techniques or other activities that attempt to change or alter sexual orientation, or reduce a person's attraction to other persons of the same sex, and instil conventional gender roles. In this conversation is Ms Thiruna Naidoo, Project Officer,  SOGIESC Unit, and Communications and Advocacy Associate, Centre for Human Rights. She begins by giving an overview of the findings of the policy paper and goes on to explain the different forms of conversion therapy. Ms Naidoo explains how legal frameworks reconcile with evolving forms of digital technology in how they appear to conform to legal standards and yet remain harmful in their effects.  Ms Naidoo is a multidisciplinary artist, author and visual creative interested in the intersections of human rights law, advocacy and the arts. Specifically, she is keen on how these intersections relate to the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and other vulnerable groups such as migrants and persons of the female gender. She is currently pursuing an LLM/MPhil in Multidisciplinary Human Rights at the Centre.  In her work surrounding LGBTIQ+ rights, she has contributed to 'A Guide for African National Human Rights Institutions for Implementing Resolution 275 in Africa'. She participated in the drafting and advocacy work to further the UP Trans Protocol which was recently adopted at her institution. She has also served as the co-project manager for the Queer Strategists for Change leadership program in 2017 hosted by the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender in Pretoria, South Africa. Thiruna's recent work as an author has come in the form of a book of poetry and art, which was self-published in late 2018 entitled ‘Between the Body and the Soul' available on Amazon. Her writing can also be found in Touch, an anthology curated by Tiffany Mugo and Kim Windvogel. Her most recent creative multidisciplinary offering can be found in the Retrospect: Queerantine virtual exhibition supported by the Prince Claus Fund. This conversation was recorded on 29 July 2021. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In conversation with Dr Eduardo Kapapelo In this episode, Dr Eduardo Kapapelo who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree (DPhil) from the Centre for Human Rights at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria discusses his doctoral thesis. In his thesis, Dr Kapapelo identifies how reforming the state and its institutions are vital not only for the prevention of violence, but for the establishment of democratic governance. His dissertation titled “The Role of State Institutions in Preventing Violent Conflict in Angola” explores the nature of Angola's institutions and how they have created conditions under which individual rights and liberties are undermined. This thesis argues that overly- centralised states have a hand in contributing towards the emergence of conflict and that the design of the state, through its institutions, is paramount in safeguarding individual rights and in doing so, preventing the occurrence and or resurgence of violence. Furthermore, the thesis contends that while there are both global and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights which promote values of peace, inclusiveness and democratic governance, states are still the main actors in international politics. As such it is their responsibility to structure institutions which would reflect such values based on their local contexts and realities. Dr Eduardo Kapapelo is the Project Coordinator of the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition is  presented by the Centre for Human Rights based at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Washington College of Law, American University and the United Nations Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB) at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He has extensive academic and research qualifications as well as strong strategic and operational management skills, combined with a history of working in complex demanding and high pressure environments. He has a strong research background on the African and European human rights systems, laws and policies and is well versed in the analysis of international and comparative law, state building and governance in Africa, African and European security policy, foreign policy analysis, international political economy and participatory governance. Dr Kapapelo has a proven track record of developing collaborations with various stakeholders from government to academia, multilateral institutions to civil society and political actors. He has a successful history of raising and managing funds for non-profit organisations from major donors, foundations, and members. He has published a number of media articles. He has published a media article, originally published on AfricLaw titled, “Democracy in times of COVID-19: a time for introspection?”. To contact Dr. Eduardo Kapapelo, you can email him on eduardo.kapapelo@up.ac.za This conversation was recorded on 20 May 2021. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Ms Bonolo Makgale and Ms Tariro Sekeramayi “….in our use of social media as activists, it's important for us to do so responsibly…” The annual campaign for the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria is #Tech4Rights: Rethinking a human rights-based approach to new technologies in Africa. The campaign focuses on the impact of new technologies on different aspects of human interaction and the impact of technology on human rights. This campaign has a series of activities that look into technology in various specific areas. One of the ways Africans are using technology for interaction and to amplify human rights issues on the continent, is through social media. Statistics show that Southern Africa has the second highest social media penetration on the continent, at approximately 41%, placing the region as the second-highest social media users on the continent. The increased use and access to social media has subsequently given rise to a new form of protest and activism called ‘hybrid activism' where social media is increasingly being used as a platform for protest, activism and solidarity. In this episode, Tariro Sekeramayi is in conversation with Bonolo Makgale, discussing the use of social media as a tool of activism, protest and solidarity in the region, with a particular look at Eswatini, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The discussion explores the use of social media and the extent to which it has opened the civic space as a platform to access and lobby for certain civil and political rights, political reform and accountability. The episode also explores the downfalls of social media use for protest, activism and solidarity and how it is likely to affect the region's civic space in the future. Ms Tariro Sekeramayi is an LLM Candidate at the University of Pretoria and a research assistant in the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit. Ms Bonolo Makgale is the Manager of the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria which aims to develop strong, direct democracies in Africa that can amplify citizen voices in decision-making. The Unit also endeavours to promote the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance to support institutions that defend democracy in Africa. The Unit has also been extensively involved in elections on the continent through research, advocacy and capacity building initiatives. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Dr Tshepo Madlingozi South Africa saw a series of violence and destruction in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in the last few weeks. What started off as protests against the imprisonment and incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma on charges of contempt of court by the Constitutional Court, spiralled into a week of mayhem, with poorer communities and other opportunistic citizens taking to the streets to loot and burn key infrastructure, shops, malls, trucks and warehouses. The consequences of the unrest resulted in incalculable damages beyond financial losses, the loss of lives and livelihoods. While it is still unclear to understand who instigated and organised the violent protests, it is clear that South Africa's longstanding history of inequality and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic provided fertile ground for the speediness and mobilisation of violent protests to take place.  With South Africa's society still built on what apartheid looked like where the majority remain disenfranchised from the future of the economy, this episode explores South Africa's socio-political landscape to understand the violent protests. This episode also discusses the extent to which these protests threatened to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in South Africa and offers recommendations on what the government can do to offer sustainable and long-lasting solutions to address the root causes of violence and unrest. Dr Tshepo Madlingozi is an Associate Professor of Law at the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is also the Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, one of South Africa's leading human rights and civil society organisations. Dr Madlingozi, who holds the degrees LLB cum laude, LLM, MSocSci, Law, Sociology from the University of Pretoria and a PhD from Birbeck University of London, is a renowned critical analyst and activist with a passion for rectification, transformation and decolonialisation. Dr Madlingozi has been actively working to effect social change and justice and has served as the national advocacy co-ordinator and a board member of the Khulumani Support Group, which represents over 85,000 victims and survivors of apartheid-era gross human rights violations. In addition to his work at Khulumani, Dr Madlingozi has served on the boards of various human rights and social justice organisations, including the Centre for Human Rights, University of Free State, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa, Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution and Amandla.mobi. He has also been a consultant to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Pan-African Parliament.  He has served on Project 25 of the Advisory Committee of the South African Law Commission, scrutinising the legislation administered by the Department of Provincial and Local Government to identify redundant provisions and determining  compliance with Section 9 (‘the equality clause') of the Constitution. This conversation was recorded on 27 July 2021 Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc 

In conversation with Laurah Arudi Maina, Kofi Yeboah and Emsie Erastus The Centre for Human Rights partnered with Paradigm Initiative in advancing digital rights in Africa through the Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Fellowship (DRIMF) that is offered by Paradigm Initiative. DRIMF is offered twice every year and is aimed at exposing the participants to the digital rights landscape and enhancing their knowledge and skills in digital rights in Africa. As part of the fellowship, the Centre for Human Rights'  Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit offered an academic course on digital rights in Africa between March and June 2021. The Digital Rights in Africa course targeted participants from various countries in Africa and was delivered by renowned digital rights experts on the continent. It covered themes such as elections in the digital age, artificial intelligence, privacy and data protection, rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups as well as freedom of expression, access to information in the digital age. As part of the course and a contribution to the Centre for Human Rights' #Tech4Rights campaign, this episode discusses online violence sexual minorities. The Centre for Human Rights' 2021 theme, #Tech4Rights: Rethinking a human rights-based approach to new technologies in Africa, focuses on the intersection between technology and human rights. As part of the campaign, the Centre for Human Rights is running a series of activities that look into technology from the perspective of various thematic areas of human rights. The Digital Rights in Africa course is one of the activities that are aimed at advancing the #Tech4Rights campaign. This podcast episode is a conversation on confronting online violence sexual minorities.  In Africa, several governments have developed laws that criminalise LGBTIQ+ persons and infringe on their human rights. Laurah Arudi, an expert on SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression rights) and participants of the Digital Rights in Africa course who are also Paradigm Initiative Fellows, Kofi Yeboah and Emsie Erastus explore the rights of sexual minorities online. They discuss the concept of digital rights and how the existing regional and international human rights frameworks either protect or infringe on the digital rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, the opportunities presented to sexual minorities in this digital era and possible avenues that LGBTIQ+ persons should take when advocating for their digital rights. The discussion also elaborates on insights on how digital platforms have increased awareness of the plights of sexual minoroities and also contributed to a subtle change in behaviour. The discussants argue that, while the digital era has created an unconventional, yet effective conduit for LGBTIQ+ persons to mobilise local and international support, these platforms have also exacerbated tailored online abuse and attacks against sexual minorities. In other words, digital platforms have become a double-edged sword in tackling the digital rights violations of LGBTIQ+ persons in Africa. In light of these challenges, Kofi and Emsie proposed recommendations for advocacy approaches and underscored the persuasion of policymakers and governments instead of  focusing on sensitising individuals. They also underscored the need for aligning digital rights laws with international with international human rights laws. Emsie Erastus is an ICT researcher who is curious about the interaction between technologies and humanity and the autonomy, culture and how they intersect with digital technologies. Emsie holds an MSc in Media and Communications (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In 2019, Emsie received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. She has worked as a newspaper journalist (nominated and won several awards), researcher, and gender analyst. Kofi Yeboah holds a is a technology inclusion advocate and his research interests include intersections of the internet, artificial intelligence and inclusion, and the digital divide in sub-Saharan Africa. Kofi participated in the Global Voices research team as a co-lead in a study  conducted a regional of Facebook's Free Basics app.  The study measured the app against collectively-developed benchmarks of usability, quality of connection, language and accessibility, content, and privacy/data policies. Kofi ‘s contributions on internet freedom and authoritarian technology have appeared in major international and local media outlets including Aljazeera, Democracy in Africa, Coda Story, Fast Company, and Global Voices Online.  His current research focuses on artificial intelligence and inclusion gaps. Kofi holds a Master's degree in Communications and Technology; a Certificate in Community-based Research and Engagement; and a bachelor's degree in Economics and Sociology. Laurah Arudi Maina is a passionate human rights advocate for social justice. She focuses on awareness-raising through researching, organising, advocating and implementing projects that seek policy reforms, equity, and the explicit inclusion and protection of all persons, specifically sexual minorities. Arudi holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Kenyatta University. She also holds a Masters in Philosophy degree from the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa program by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Currently, she works with the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions. Her work entails increasing the capacity of African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in realising Resolution 275 that speaks against violence and discrimination of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Gender-non-conforming (LGBTIAGNC) persons. This conversation was recorded on 8 June 2021. Edited by Tatenda Musinahama Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc   

In conversation with Ms Opal Sibanda The annual campaign for the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria is #Tech4Rights: Rethinking a human rights-based approach to new technologies in Africa. The campaign focuses on the impact of new technologies on different aspects of human interaction and the impact of technology on human rights. This campaign has a series of activities that look into technology in various specific areas. The use of digital technologies has become an essential aspect of most people's daily lives and children are not an exception to this. The digital space exposes children to new ideas and diverse sources of information. Using digital technologies also arguably exposes children to new opportunities to learn, reduces inequalities and contributes to the realisation of their rights such as the right to education, the right to privacy, freedom of expression, access to information and public participation. Adversely,  the use of digital technologies also presents risks for children. The focus of the  this episode  is to contextualise the long term effects of internet use on children's well-being,  to find ways to support a positive and effective use of digital gadgets in advancing  children's rights and addressing inequalities in children's access to technology and to inform and guide policy makers, child rights activists and parents alike, on how to maximise the potential of technological advancement.   Ms Opal Sibanda is an Assistant Legal Researcher at the Secretariat of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. She obtained her  LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria in 2020. She has extensive experience in children's rights and has interests in juvenile justice and children's rights in the digital age. Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc