Notice of Extension of Deadline for Written Submissions on the Process to Examine the Feasibility of a Single Human Rights Body
Kindly note that the deadline for written submissions on the Process to Examine the Feasibility of a Single Human Rights Body has now been extended to 30 June 2017, following numerous requests made to extend the deadline since the call for written submissions was first published on 14 May 2017.
Purpose of the Call for Written Submissions on the Process to Examine the Feasibility of a Single Human Rights Body
In 2006, Parliament appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to undertake a Review of Chapter Nine and Associated Institutions. One of the key recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee was the establishment of a “Single Human Rights Body” that would amalgamate the following institutions:
- The National Youth Development Agency,
- The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities,
- The Commission for Gender Equality,
- the Pan South African Language Board, and
- The South African Human Rights Commission.
The Ad Hoc Committee was of the view that the main advantages to the establishment of a “Single Human Rights Body”, amongst others were:
The avoidance of duplication of effort;
The administrative efficiency and effective use of resources;
Greater accessibility and co-ordinated approach to public awareness of the Bill of Rights.
The Legacy Report of the Fourth Parliament recommended that the Fifth Parliament process the remainder of the recommendations.
Currently, a process to examine the feasibility of a Single Human Rights Body is underway, and members of the Public are invited to make submissions pointing at issues to consider during this process. The Public submissions, together with other processes will feed into the Research Study currently being undertaken by the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy and the Knowledge Information Services Division in Parliament.
Related documents:
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee On the Review of Chapter 9 And Associated Institutions - 2007
Executive Summary of the 2007 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee On the Review of Chapter 9 And Associated Institutions
Report: Workshop On Report of the Ad Hoc Committee On the Review of Chapter Nine and Associated Institutions
Please send your written submissions to the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy (OISD) as follows: email: oisd@parliament.gov.za or by post to: The OISD, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, PO Box 2164, Cape Town, 8000.
For further enquiries please email: Ms. Gcobisa Silwana at: gsilwana@parliament.gov.za
Issued by: Mr. Kaya Zweni Head: OISD
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