Academic Perspectives on Environmental Information Access in Africa

In recognition of the 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria,  presents a thought-provoking podcast episode exploring the theme ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.’ The episode is hosted by Belinda Matore and features insights from Lassané Ouedraogo and Marie Valerie Uppiah, distinguished academics engaged in the intersection of environmental governance, human rights, and sustainable development in Africa.

The discussion examines barriers to and opportunities for enhancing access to environmental information across Africa. Lassané Ouedraogo, a PhD researcher and environmental law specialist, highlights that access to environmental information is not confined to ecological concerns alone. Rather, it is integrally connected to the protection and realisation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life. He highlights the significance of transparency and accuracy in the dissemination of environmental information to ensure that communities are adequately informed and empowered.

Echoing this view, Marie Valerie Uppiah, an expert in international trade law, law of the sea, and ocean governance, emphasises the multifaceted nature of environmental information. She illustrates how its accessibility is intrinsically linked to a broad spectrum of rights, including the rights to health, water and sanitation, and socio-economic development. She references the landmark case SERAC v Nigeria, and illustrates how legal precedents have established the essential role that environmental information plays in holding states accountable and advancing environmental justice.

Uppiah also discusses the role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as essential tools for informing communities about the ecological implications of infrastructure projects. She cites the innovative example of MoNatir (“My Nature”), a digital platform developed in Mauritius that provides real-time information on key environmental indicators such as air quality, beach conditions, and waste management. She describes the platform as a “revolutionary” tool in facilitating public engagement and environmental awareness.

In concluding the discussion, Ouedraogo reiterates the role of communities as active agents in environmental governance. He calls for a culture of civic curiosity and public vigilance, urging communities to take initiative in seeking out information related to their environments and government-led development projects.

Speaker Biographies

Lassané Ouedraogo is the Acting Coordinator of the LLM in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.

Marie Valerie Uppiah is a Senior lecturer in International Trade Law and Law of the Sea & Ocean Governance at the University of Mauritius.

In conversation with Bianca Knight

In honour of South Africa’s National Women’s Month, Africa Rights Talk presents “Breaking the Silence: Women, Rights, and Mental Health in Africa”, a powerful conversation exploring the overlooked but urgent intersection of gender justice and mental well-being. Across the continent, women face compounded challenges gender-based violence, poverty, systemic inequality, and cultural stigma  that profoundly affect their mental health, yet these realities remain largely absent from policy and rights-based discourse.

Bianca Knight, Project Officer at the Centre for Human Rights’ Women’s Rights Unit, joins host Victoria Amaechi to unpack why mental health is not just a personal struggle but a fundamental human rights issue. Drawing from her advocacy work on the Maputo Protocol, Bianca sheds light on the cultural taboos, under-resourced systems, and generational patterns that perpetuate silence. Together, they imagine a feminist future where care, healing, and psychosocial well-being are at the heart of gender equality movements.

This candid conversation blends personal vulnerability with policy insight, challenging us to destigmatise mental health, integrate it into Africa’s women’s rights agenda, and create spaces where women can thrive, not just survive.

Bianca Knight completed her BA LLB and LLM in Multidisciplinary Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. In 2024, she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and she is set to begin her MBA at Hult International Business School in Boston in September 2025. Bianca practiced as an attorney for three years before transitioning into academia and advocacy, driven by her passion for education and social justice. From 2021 to 2023, she lectured constitutional law and the law of succession at Varsity College in Pretoria. During her LLM studies, Bianca sharpened her focus on women's and children's rights, which led her to join the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. Since 2022, she has served as a Project Officer in the Women’s Rights Unit (WRU), where she supports efforts to advance the implementation of the Maputo Protocol across Africa. Her work includes coordinating state and shadow report trainings, and contributing to projects focused on child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), obstetric violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

This conversation was recorded on 7 August 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=45259238

In conversation with Guy Berger

This episode of Africa Rights Talk is guest-hosted by Ivy Gikonyo from the Centre for Human Rights, who steps in for the regular host to guide an insightful conversation with Professor Guy Berger, a veteran in media freedom and digital governance, unpacks how the Africa Alliance for Access to Data was born out of election-related risks in South Africa and the urgent need to monitor online disinformation, attacks on journalists, and manipulation of public discourse. He traces the shift from access to information laws towards the demand for raw data as a public good, highlighting the dangers of opaque big tech practices, data exploitation, and Africa’s precarious position in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. The conversation situates data at the intersection of power, accountability, and rights making clear that without robust governance, Africa risks sliding further into digital dependency and vulnerability.

But the discussion is not just about challenges; it is also about hope and action. Prof. Berger emphasizes the role of the Alliance in pushing landmark African Commission resolutions, supporting the drafting of concrete guidelines on data governance, and mobilizing a diverse ecosystem of civil society, media, academics, and regulators. With inspiring examples from Uber’s data-sharing in Lagos to resolutions mandating private sector accountability he shows how access to data can advance democracy, gender equality, consumer rights, and economic inclusion. Ultimately, the episode is a call to collective action: for Africans to reclaim agency over their data, challenge extractive global systems, and ensure that data becomes a tool for justice, empowerment, and sustainable development rather than exploitation.

Prof. Guy Berger is a South African media scholar, journalist, and former editor at the Mail & Guardian, where he was a longstanding columnist shaping public debate on media freedom and democracy. He headed the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, where he mentored a generation of African journalists. From 2011 to 2022, he served as Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development at UNESCO, leading global work on internet governance, journalist safety, elections, and combating disinformation. Berger has been a Research Fellow with Research ICT Africa and continues to advise governments, civil society, and multilateral bodies on digital governance and access to information. He currently convenes the Africa Alliance for Access to Data, championing data as a public good and a foundation for democracy and human rights across the continent.

This conversation was recorded on July 31 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=45259238

In conversation with Namatai Kwekweza

In this compelling episode of Africa Rights Talk, we journey to Zimbabwe, a nation rich in culture but weighed down by political repression and shrinking civic space. Our guest, Namatai Kwekweza, a fearless pro-democracy activist and founder of WELEAD Trust, recounts her harrowing abduction and detention during the SADC summit, an ordeal rooted in her outspoken defence of constitutionalism and human rights. Despite not even being in the country at the time of the alleged offence, she continues to face trial, navigating a justice system that has denied her basic documentation and attempted to erase her movements from official records. Through her own words, Namatai exposes the machinery of state intimidation from unlawful arrests and incommunicado detention to the criminalisation of solidarity – and the toll such persecution takes on both the body and spirit.

Yet, beyond the injustice, Namatai’s story is one of unyielding defiance and hope. She speaks candidly about the personal cost of human rights work in Zimbabwe, the strategies she uses to remain resilient, and why she continues to fight for the dignity and rights of her fellow citizens despite the risks. Her testimony is a vivid reminder that in environments where power tramples freedom, individual courage can inspire collective resistance. This conversation not only sheds light on the lived realities of activists in hostile political climates but also affirms the enduring necessity of speaking truth to power.

Namatai Kwekweza is a Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist, feminist, and youth advocate. As the founder and director of WELEAD Trust, her organization focuses on empowering young people while promoting constitutionalism and human rights. With a background in diplomacy and law, Namatai is recognized for her bold leadership and disruptive thought advocacy. Her activism has garnered both national acclaim and controversy, including arrests linked to peaceful protests and her outspoken stance on government accountability.

The conversation was recorded on 12 July 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=45259238

In conversation with Aaron Mupeti

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, LLM in Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) students in the Disability Rights Unit Clinic, Joshua Nduku and Abdikarin Said engage with human rights lawyer and disability rights advocate Aaron Mupeti to unpack the challenges and possibilities for disability inclusion in South Africa. Mupeti, a wheelchair user and practicing attorney, draws from his lived experience and professional expertise to explore the meaning of true inclusion, emphasizing the need for people with disabilities to be actively involved in all aspects of society, from policy design to education and employment. He highlights the enduring infrastructural and systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, and calls for a shift in societal mindset, from viewing disability through a charitable lens to embracing it as a fundamental human rights issue.

The conversation delves into the shortcomings of current policies, particularly the lack of funding, monitoring, and meaningful implementation. Mupeti critiques tokenistic employment schemes and stresses the importance of mainstreaming disability rights in legal education and public discourse. Cultural stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional commitment continue to reproduce exclusion, he notes. Yet, he remains hopeful, outlining practical, low-cost steps such as awareness campaigns, better audits, and disability dialogues as vital starting points. Ultimately, the episode is a powerful call to action for a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society that recognizes disability not as limitation, but as an alternative way of living.

Aaron T Mupeti is a distinguished South African attorney, disability consultant, disability rights advocate, and thought leader in public policy and human rights. Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, he serves as the Senior Managing Director at Mupeti Attorneys and the Director of Policy and Research at the Africa Disability Initiative on Reproductive Rights (ADIRR). He is also a board member of QuadPara Association of Gauteng South (QAGS). 

This conversation was recorded on 19 June 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=45259238

In conversation with Judge Edwin Cameron, Rebecca Gore and Sohela Surajpal

This episode of Africa Rights Talk delves into the often-invisible world of South Africa’s prison system through a compelling conversation with the authors of Behind Prison Walls: Unlocking a Safer South Africa, Judge Edwin Cameron, Rebecca Gore, and Sohela Surajpal. Drawing on their extensive experience at the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), the trio sheds light on the systemic violence, overcrowding, and lack of accountability that define life behind bars. The discussion explores the motivations behind writing the book and how it fills a critical gap in public understanding of incarceration and justice. With firsthand insights and reflections, the authors emphasize that prison reform is not just a matter of policy, but a moral imperative rooted in human rights.

The episode offers a vision for what meaningful reform could look like, centering rehabilitation, dignity, and true safety for both inmates and society at large. Judge Cameron speaks to how his prison visits reshaped his understanding of justice and vulnerability, while Gore and Surajpal share the deeply personal stories that rarely make it into the public record. Together, they argue for a collective reimagining of South Africa’s approach to correctional services, one that recognizes prisons as potential spaces of restoration rather than sites of perpetual harm. This thought-provoking episode challenges listeners to expand their understanding of justice beyond the prison walls.

Judge Edwin Cameron was appointed Inspecting Judge of prisons from 1 January 2020, after serving 25 years as a judge, the last eleven in South Africa's highest court, the Constitutional Court.  He has also authored Witness to AIDS and Justice: A Personal Account.

Rebecca Gore worked as a legal researcher to Inspecting Judge Edwin Cameron at the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (2021–2022) and law clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa (2019-2020). In addition, she has worked and consulted for a variety of international human rights bodies in South Africa and abroad, including the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls. She is currently a pupil advocate at the Cape Bar.  Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE), a postgraduate Honours degree, and an LLB from the University of Cape Town, where she is a research associate at the Centre for Law and Society. She earned her Master of Laws (LLM) from Harvard Law School, where she was awarded the Henigson Human Rights Fellowship. Her recent publications are:

• https://repository.law.umich.edu/mjgl/vol31/iss2/4/https://journals.law.harvard.edu/hrj/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/06/05_HLH_37_1_Reyes-Farbstein169-206.pdf
• https://www.africanlawmatters.com/blog/carceral-period-poverty-in-south-african-prisons

Sohela Surajpal is a law clerk and researcher at the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services. Sohela is an alumni of the Centre for Human Rights' Masters in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. She has clerked at the Constitutional Court of South Africa and worked on LGBTQ+ rights as a project officer at the Centre.

This conversation was recorded on 26 June 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=45259238

In conversation with Seán Coughlan and Dr. Joyce Wamoyi

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, we spotlight a transformative conversation on ending childhood sexual violence (CSV) with Seán Coughlan, Director of To Zero, and Dr. Joyce Wamoyi, Tanzanian Principal Investigator for the Parenting for Lifelong Health digital programs. Together, they unpack A Vision to Zero, a groundbreaking global roadmap co-created by over 50 organizations and 330 field leaders committed to eradicating CSV. Seán discusses the importance of African-led solutions in shaping global agendas, while Joyce reflects on the powerful impact of the ParentApp Teen initiative in Tanzania, which has significantly reduced sexual violence against children through digital parenting support. Explore the A Vision to Zero Roadmap and the Toolkit for practical strategies and evidence-based interventions.

The discussion dives into the critical need to shift harmful social norms, amplify survivor voices, and foster cross-sector partnerships involving parents, civil society, and governments. Seán and Joyce explore what’s working, the systemic barriers that remain, and how young Africans and advocates can take hope and action from emerging evidence and success stories. This episode is a call to invest in locally rooted, globally relevant interventions that bring us closer to a world free from childhood sexual violence. 

Seán Coughlan is a senior leader with extensive experience across both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. His experience includes tackling childhood sexual violence and harmful practices in his current role as Director of To Zero and previously as Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation. His career also includes managing Ireland's largest indigenous internet forum as Chief Executive of Boards.ie and co-founding and running Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, a sector-leading social entrepreneurship fund. Seán has also served on a number of not-for-profit and academic boards and working groups including the End Violence Against Children Safe Online Working Group, the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association, the Enterprise Advisory Board of Dublin City University, the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate farm and sustainable food hub, and the Leonardo Group of Science Gallery Dublin. Seán earned a degree in Theoretical Physics from Trinity College Dublin and is a graduate of Harvard Business School, INSEAD and the Irish Management Institute executive education programmes.

Dr. Joyce Wamoyi is a Social and Behavioural Researcher with over 20 years of research experience in adolescent and young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH); Social determinants of health; Parenting and child outcomes; and Sexual and gender-based violence. She has contributed to the understanding dynamics of risky sexual behaviour and to the development of measures to capture complexity of risky sexual behaviour. She is the Tanzanian Lead Principal Investigator for the Parenting for Lifelong Health digital parenting programmes (ParentApp-Teens and ParentApp-Kids) to prevent violence against children. Dr. Wamoyi has excelled in translating complex research findings into actionable strategies, collaborating with national governments, civil society organizations, bilateral and philanthropic donors, and UN agencies. She is the lead of the project on building a national parenting support system for scaling evidence-based parenting interventions in Tanzania. She served as a member of the: WHO Behavioural Insights Technical Advisory Group; and UNICEF Advisory Board for the multi-country project “Children’s Experiences and Perspectives of Covid-19”. She is a co-founder of the organisation, REAL Transformation that collects evidence and transforms it into action for policy impact.

This conversation was recorded on 17 June 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=45259238

In conversation with Takudzwa Mharadze

In this episode of Africa Right Talk, the conversation unfolds against the backdrop of the upcoming international conference themed “Advancing Justice through Reparations: Reparations, Restoration, and Renaissance,” that was held from 2–3 June 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. This landmark event was co-organised by the University of Pretoria, the University of Goma, the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, in collaboration with key African Union human rights bodies and CARICOM. The conference brought together academics, policymakers, activists, and experts to explore strategies for reparative justice, with papers to be published in the 2025 African Human Rights Yearbook. Central to this episode is a compelling discussion with Takudzwa Mharadze, who emphasises the need for unified Africa-Caribbean action to demand reparations, restore dignity, and challenge the lingering impacts of colonialism and slavery.

Drawing on the African Union's recent designation of 2025 as the year of reparations, the speaker highlights the importance of learning from the Caribbean’s efforts, particularly CARICOM’s ten-point reparations plan. He critiques narrow, financial-only views of reparations and instead champions a broader, holistic agenda that includes debt cancellation, cultural restitution, education reform, and decolonization of knowledge. The episode underscores the necessity of building a robust, inclusive continental reparations framework, one that unites Africa and the diaspora through shared history and common purpose. The University of Pretoria and its partners are commended for their role in convening diverse voices and fostering a platform for sustained collaboration and policy influence through research, advocacy, and regional solidarity.

Takudzwa Mharadze is a PhD candidate in Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg, where he is undertaking research on Food and Nutrition Security, Adaptation and Resilience in the Context of Climate Variability in Zimbabwe: The Case of Gokwe-South District. His study critically explores the intersections of climate change, food systems, and rural livelihoods, with a focus on enhancing community resilience in vulnerable regions. Takudzwa brings over a decade of experience in development research, monitoring and evaluation, and academic and policy analysis. Throughout his career, he has engaged with diverse development themes including climate justice, disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and social protection. His practical experience spans both governmental and non-governmental sectors, where he has contributed to policy formulation, programme design, capacity building, and impact assessments. Currently serving as a part-time lecturer at the Zimbabwe Open University. T. Mharadze is an early career researcher with a strong interest in academic publishing. He is committed to contributing scholarly knowledge that bridges research, policy, and practice to address pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

This was recorded on 2 June 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=45259238

In conversation with Phakamile Madonsela and Belinda Matore

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, Belinda Matore sits down with Phakamile Madonsela, from Media Monitoring Africa. The episode explores the pressing issue of online harms faced by children in South Africa and the continent more broadly. Drawing from her work at Media Monitoring Africa, Madonsela outlines the dual nature of the digital world—highlighting both its potential for connectivity, education, and self-expression, and its darker side, including cyberbullying, child sexual abuse material, and online stalking. She stresses the importance of equipping young people with digital literacy and the tools to become responsible digital citizens while also emphasizing the need for inclusive, rights-based digital participation frameworks.

Phakamile highlights the interplay between personal responsibility, institutional duty, and systemic influence also speaks to the important role of the state and digital platforms in safeguarding children's rights online. While much responsibility has traditionally been placed on parents, often without sufficient regard to their digital literacy or social context, the state remains the primary duty bearer in upholding children’s rights. Through enforceable legislation, such as South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), the state is empowered to set the rules by which tech companies must operate. Yet, the interview highlighted how inconsistencies in enforcement allow global platforms like Instagram and TikTok to offer less protection to children in South Africa than in Europe. This disparity reflects a need for stronger state-led regulation and enforcement to ensure equal digital protection. 

Phakamile Madonsela is a dedicated advocate for the protection and promotion of children's rights in the media, specializing in children's rights, media, and digital advocacy.  At MMA,she leads critical projects that advance child participation and digital rights within the African context, with a particular emphasis on creating safe, inclusive digital spaces for young people. Her expertise centers on the intersection of human rights, internet governance, and children's digital rights, with a passion for child participation in democratic processes. Notably, she was listed in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans in 2019 and selected for the DGMT Innovation Fellowship in 2024, and is currently  pursuing a Masters degree in Multidisciplinary Human Rights to further advance her work in child participation and digital rights within the African context.

Belinda Matore is a passionate advocate for children's rights in the digital age, with a special focus on online child protection, digital rights and legal technology. As a Doctor of Laws (LLD) candidate at the University of Pretoria, her research explores legal technology, regulatory compliance, and digital governance, all through the lens of safeguarding children in digital spaces. In her role as Project Officer at the Expression, Information, and Digital Rights (EIDR) Unit, Belinda leads work that strengthens freedom of expression, access to information, digital rights and child safety frameworks within the African context. Her work is driven by a commitment to shaping policies that uphold children’s rights online and empower their participation in digital society. She was recently featured in Legal Africa Magazine for her contributions to the field of digital law and child protection.

This conversation was recorded on 4 June 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 Dr. Dennis Wamalwa

In this episode of the Africa Rights Talk Podcast, Dr. Dennis Wamalwa joins the conversation during a NANHRI training held in Pretoria from April 10 to 11, 2025. The training focused on strengthening the capacity of African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the protection and promotion of the rights of intersex persons. Dr. Wamalwa, a leading human rights advocate and academic, shares key reflections on the role of NHRIs in addressing the systemic invisibility, stigma, and discrimination faced by intersex persons across the continent. He discusses the necessity of aligning institutional practices with human rights standards and the importance of integrating intersex issues into broader national human rights agendas.

Drawing on insights from the training, Dr. Wamalwa emphasizes the need for capacity building that goes beyond technical knowledge to include empathy, cultural sensitivity, and legal reform. He highlights how African Commission Resolution 552 serves as a critical framework for guiding NHRIs in their mandate to protect intersex persons, who are often marginalised due to deeply rooted social and medical norms. The conversation underscores the urgency of institutional accountability, inclusive policy development, and sustained advocacy to ensure intersex persons are not left behind in the human rights discourse. The episode serves as a compelling call for action, urging NHRIs and civil society actors to work collaboratively in transforming awareness into tangible protections for intersex individuals in Africa.

Dr. Dennis Wamalwa is a Kenyan human rights leader and the first openly intersex person to be appointed as a Commissioner of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in February 2022. He holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies and is a university lecturer.  Dr. Wamalwa has become a powerful advocate against discrimination toward intersex persons. He delivered candid testimony before Kenya’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, outlining his experiences of rights violations based on his identity. As Commissioner, he champions legal reforms such as Kenya’s inclusion of intersex status in the 2019 census and 2022 Children’s Act, and continues to push for stronger protection frameworks, public awareness, and policy implementation to ensure recognition, dignity, and equal rights for intersex individuals across Kenya and Africa.

This conversation was recorded on 11 April 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 Arudi Laurah

In this episode, the African Rights Talk Podcast hosts Arudi Laurah, Programme Officer at the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), about her work in advancing the rights of SOGIE persons and human rights defenders across Africa. Arudi shares insights from the recent NHRI training held in Pretoria in April 2025, which focused on building the capacity of national human rights institutions to implement African Commission Resolutions 275 and 552. These resolutions address the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals and intersex persons from violence and discrimination. Drawing on her experience as an HRDA alumna and her sociological background, Arudi reflects on the challenges of working in politically and culturally sensitive contexts and underscores the importance of equipping NHRIs with the tools to navigate these complexities. The episode highlights a call to action for broader stakeholder engagement, emphasising collaboration, contextual strategies, and peer learning as vital for sustainable human rights advocacy in Africa.

Laurah Arudi Cori is a Kenyan interdisciplinary human rights advocate currently serving as Programmes Officer for Human Rights Defenders and SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) at the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). In this role, she leads efforts to strengthen the capacity of national human rights institutions across Africa, with a focus on implementing key African Commission resolutions, including Resolution 275 on the protection of LGBTQ+ persons and Resolution 552 on the rights of intersex individuals. Arudi holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, complementing her academic background in sociology and psychology. Arudi is also a dedicated researcher and writer, with a passion for promoting gender equity, sexual diversity, and human dignity through community engagement and policy advocacy.

This conversation was recorded on 11 April 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 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.

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 how climate change disproportionately affects children in Africa and the interlinkages between multiple systematic inequalities affecting girls and boys in their diversity. They  touch on the responsibilities of African states as duty bearers to ensure  children’s rights in the context of a climate changing .

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 imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

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.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_YhBd_q94g  This conversation was recorded on 7 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 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.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyGPIPkWYPw 

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 warns 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 Shield Award for West Africa by the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network in 2019, the Press Freedom Hero Award by the Gambia Press Union in 2020, the Deyda Hydara Award in 2021 and Legacy in Activism Award by SheAwards Gambia in 2023. She was included in the  Avance Media’ Inaugural List of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2019. She recently founded Center for Women’s Rights and Leadership (CWRL), a platform to advance women’s rights, political participation, and leadership in the Gambia. She is part of the 2023 Amujae Leader Cohort at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development.

This conversation was recorded on 4 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 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), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF),  United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government on gender equality and women empowerment issues in South Africa. He is a Social Cohesion Advocate of South Africa appointed by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture (2020 – 2024). 

Please note that, while great care and thorough efforts to provide accurate information through research and in the recording of this episode have been taken, Africa Rights Talk acknowledges that the developments of the 2023 Nigerian elections are still ongoing. We will be monitoring the situation, and produce another episode in light of the new developments that may arise.

This conversation was recorded between 3 March and 7 March 2023

Research by Victoria Amaechi (she/they)

Instagram: africarightstalk Twitter: artrightstalk   YouTube: Africa Rights Talk 

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 , https://www.dw.com/en/nigerias-youth-mobilized-to-vote-in-upcoming-elections/video-64461579, https://www.euronews.com/2023/02/26/counting-underway-but-it-could-be-days-before-official-election-result-is-announced-in-nig , Alexey Anisimov https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=564750551 , limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

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 

In conversation with Bulanda Nkhowani, Amina Idris and Koliwe Majama

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.

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria through its  Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit, and Paradigm Initiative (PIN) entered into a partnership offering an academic course to 30 select participants of PIN’s programmes and the Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Fellowship (DRIMF). DRIMF is a four-month fellowship with two intakes from 1 March to 30 June and from 1 August to 30 November each year. PIN also presents a 9-month Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab from 1 March to 30 November every year. Through various learning methods, fellows are introduced to the international and regional digital rights ecosystem. The objectives of the fellowship are to expose participants to the digital rights landscape and enhance their knowledge and skills in digital rights in Africa.

In light of this partnership and the annual campaign of the Centre, this episode discusses access to the internet and internet governance in Africa. The speakers, Bulanda Nkhowani, Amina Idris and Koliwe Majama, share their insights on access to the internet and internet governance, drawing their experiences from Zambia and Nigeria. The discussion explores what meaningful access means, based on Part IV of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights resolution on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information on the internet, including conversations on regulatory and operational challenges of licencing community networks in Africa. Furthermore, the discussion explores solutions for bridging the gender digital divide at national level and how to address the growing trend of network disruptions, both nationally and regionally. The podcast concludes by giving recommendations to service providers and governments on how to ensure that citizens have access to critical information during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bulanda Tapiwa Nkhowani is a writer, researcher and public policy enthusiast with a focus on internet governance, digital rights and digital inclusion, and is actively involved in internet governance policy forums and discussions at all levels. She is a co-convenor of the Zambia Internet Governance Forum (Zambia IGF) and an alumna of the Africa School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG). Bulanda currently works with Paradigm Initiative as a Digital Rights and Inclusion Program Officer and regional lead for Southern Africa.

Amina Ibrahim Idris is an experienced officer in community development and capacity building with focus on connecting underserved youths with ICT enabled opportunities to improve their livelihood. Amina works with the Digital Inclusion team at Paradigm Initiative and she is the program assistance for the Northwest region.

Koliwe Majama is a Zimbabwean Media, Information, Communications and Technologies Consultant with over 15 years’ experience working in civil society lobby and advocacy. She has invested in networking and thought leadership on varying internet governance trends on a regional and global level, including gender and the internet, which she is passionate about. She currently works with the Association for Progressive Communications as a coordinator of the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms Coalition (AfDec) and as an organiser of the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG).

This conversation was recorded on 15 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 Mr Silver Francis Oonyu and Mr Wilson Macharia

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 investigate technology in various specific areas, including assistive technologies and persons with disabilities. Assistive technology includes products, equipment and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. Some common assistive technologies include but are not limited to hearing aids used to enhance hearing; cognitive aids often used by people with memory and attention challenges; and voice recognition programmes, screen readers, and screen magnifiers used by people with mobility and sensory impairments. In this episode we have Mr Wilson Macharia, an LLD candidate working at the Centre for Human Rights, who is in conversation with Mr Silver Francis Oonyu, a Disability Rights Advocate from Uganda. Although from different national and professional backgrounds, both Wilson and Silver use assistive technology, and shall be discussing their experiences as users with visual impairment. Notably, assistive technologies vary depending on the type and degree of one’s disability. Therefore, although this episode may touch on various types of assistive devices, the main focus shall be on those used by persons with visual impairment.

Legally blind, but privileged to be visionary, Mr Silver Francis Oonyu is passionate about inclusive education. He is a teacher by profession and a consultant in education. Silver is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He is passionate about activities that help persons with blindness and those who are partially sighted. Silver has made it his mission to empower children who are disabled. In 2014, he founded the Silver Memorial Inclusive Learning Center  (SMILE) School in Opucet, Uganda. The school teaches about 200 students on how to effectively use adaptive tools, including Braille, information communication technology, and canes. 

Wilson Macharia is an LLD candidate and Tutor at the Centre for Human Rights. He is also a researcher in the Centre’s Disability Rights Unit. A consultant in disability rights, Wilson has been involved in designing and implementing key projects and policies aimed at eliminating the barriers that impede the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities. This includes coordinating the Public Participation Disability Inclusion Index project which seeks to enhance participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life in Kenya. Wilson sits in the Caucus for Disability Rights Advocacy hosted by the United Disabled Persons of Kenya, and is a member of the Reference Group which successfully conducted a baseline research on the inclusion of students with disabilities at the University of Nairobi. His research interests include access to justice, socio-economic rights of vulnerable groups and marginalised communities, and digital inclusion.

This conversation was recorded on 15 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 Mr Clement Mavungu

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is a legislative body of the African Union. It was set out to ensure the full participation of African people in the economic development and integration of the African continent. The PAP is based in Midrand, South Africa and was inaugurated on 18 March 2004.  The PAP provides a regional platform for Africans and respective civil society organisations to have a greater impact on the decisions affecting the continent. 

To this effect, the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, works extensively with the PAP. The Centre a partnership with the PAP through a Memorandum of Understanding, signed in October 2017. Key among the objectives of this partnership is facilitating capacity building on human rights and democratisation in Africa, increasing the visibility of PAP and fostering a strong interaction between the PAP and civil society organisations (CSOs) on the continent. The Democracy and Civil Engagement Unit ensures that civil society can engage with the PAP, contribute to its policies, and chart new directions for governance on the continent. To achieve its mission, Unit, in May 2019, met with CSOs from across Africa and established a forum that ensures effective and sustainable engagement with the PAP. This body, the CSO Forum, gives support to new or small organisations engaging with the PAP, and also assists the PAP in its outreach and advocacy campaigns, such as for the ratification, domestication and implementation of the AU legal instruments, particularly the new PAP Protocol. The Centre, through the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit, manages the CSO Forum, whose members meet in Pretoria, South Africa twice a year to foster closer collaboration between CSOs on PAP-related issues, to advance and promoting the mandate of the continental Parliament. 

  In this episode, Mr Clement Mavungu, legal clerk of the PAP, discusses at length the functions of the Pan-African Parliament and how the work of the PAP enhances and protects the human rights of African citizens through the CSO Forum. Mr Mavungu is an international lawyer from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and currently serves as the Legal Counsel of the PAP. He is also an alumnus of the Master’s programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. He has worked as the Coordinator of the FIDH Programme on the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. He has also worked as a Senior Advocacy Officer for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. Mr Mavungu has experience working as a Policy and Research Manager at the Human Rights Institute of South Africa. Previously, he was a Legal Adviser at the ICJ Africa Regional Programme, where he led international and regional advocacy and litigation, built the capacity of African judges, lawyers and prosecutors, coordinated research and responses to judicial crises and supported human rights defenders and victims to access remedies for rights violations. He has published and presented papers on a wide range of human rights issues, including transitional justice, the African human rights system, judicial independence and reform, parliamentary law and practice and he effectively advocated and litigated before the United Nations and African human rights bodies. Mr Mavungu has extensive experience in undertaking comprehensive and comparative multi-disciplinary research in legal, political and policy issues, and is well versed with effective advocacy and litigation before the African human rights system.

This conversation was recorded on 20 August 2020. 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 Mr Isaac Mamatela, Ms Lydia Chibwe, Ms Ramatoulie Jallow and Ms Hilma Moses

This special episode of Africa Rights Talk features Mr Isaac Mamatela who is the Chairperson of Gauteng Old People’s Forum. Ms Lydia Chibwe is a Project Officer of the Women's Rights Unit from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. Ms Ramoutoulie Jallow and Ms Hilma Moses are students of the LLM/MPhil programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. They are assigned to the Women’s Rights Clinic which  contributes to the work of the Centre’s research units and gives the students practical experience and advance the Centre’s mission towards the realisation of human rights in Africa.

The aim of this conversation is to raise awareness to and increase ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, also known the Protocol on Older Persons. Even though South Africa is among the African Union (AU) member states that adopted the Protocol on the Rights of the Older Persons on January 31, 2016, it has not yet signed or ratified the protocol. The Protocol's goal is to strengthen regional protection for older person's rights by providing an opportunity for older persons to enjoy their full rights and freedoms on an equal footing with other population groups. So far, 14 countries have signed the Protocol. These countries are Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Zambia. Only four states had ratified the Protocol as of April 2021: Benin, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Lesotho. The Protocol requires fifteen ratifications to enter into force and become helpful in advancing the rights of older people. Adopting the Older Person's Protocol is critical for strengthening legal safeguards for older people's rights and advocating for them. It will also supplement the South African government's policies and ensure national and regional remedies for violations of older people's rights.

In addition to this episode, the Disability Rights and Women's Rights Clinics at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, cordially invite you to an advocacy meeting on ratifying the African Disability Rights Protocol and the Older Persons Protocol. Click here to download the invitation 

This conversation was recorded on 11 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 Dr Mzikazi Nduna

In this episode Dr Mzikazi Nduna is in conversation with Thiruna Naidoo from the SOGIESC Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, discussing gender binaries and boxes. Dr Nduna explains what sexuality and gender binaries are and goes on to give recommendations on how to rethink sexualities,  gender identities and expressions in a manner that respects human rights. The conversation illustrates how human rights norms often enforce gender binaries and essentialise discourses on gender issues. In light of the high number of recorded cases of gender- based violence in South Africa and other parts of the world,  she advocates for gender-based violence activists to include the LGBTIQ+ community in the conversation.

Dr Mzikazi Nduna is an esteemed South African with affiliations to a variety of academic and civil society organisations, movements and initiatives. Dr Mzikazi Nduna is an author, educator, a researcher, a trainer and a scholar with a strong ethic of community engagement with science. She has 25 years of work experience that spans teaching in two public high schools, peer education and training in various communities in South Africa, researcher and technical support in local, regional and international collaborations. She currently works as an associate professor at the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Mzikazi Nduna’s work is underpinned by a philosophy to bridge the gap between science and practice. This has earned her recognition and awards. Dr Mzikazi Nduna contributes to the human rights sector and in particular to the LGBTIQ+ sector through her involvement in boards of organisations such as GenderDynamix, and IRANTI. She also serves the South African government and civil society through her appointment to various task teams: she is currently a member of the National Prevention Task Team for  South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the 2020 National Technical Reference Team on the Legal Review of Discriminatory Laws. She has been running workshops and teaching using the ‘Boxes and Binaries’ since 2011 and has been a member of the course Faculty for the past three years. Some of Dr Mzikazi’s Nduna’s publications can be found here.

This episode was recorded during the Advanced Human Rights Course on Sexual Minority Rights in Africa presented by the Centre for Human Rights.

This conversation was recorded on 25 February 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 Jonathan Kabre

In today’s conversation, Dr Jonathan Kabre explains how his academic journey in the field of international relations led him to winning the 2020 Law Faculty Prize (Prix de Faculté) from the University of Lausanne for the best doctoral dissertation. His dissertation, through a comparative analysis of case-law of selected international courts and tribunals, examines the role of private lawyers (counsel and advocates) in the settlement of international disputes and their contribution to the development of international law. The monograph, coming from this dissertation, is in the editing process and should be out before the end of the year.

Dr Kabre is the Programme Manager of the LLM in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa (TILA) presented by Centre for Human Rights and his research focuses on the areas of global economic governance, business and human rights and the settlement of international disputes. He is also Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the International Development Law Unit (IDLU). He was awarded the 2020 Law Faculty Prize (Prix de Faculté) from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland for the best doctoral dissertation. Dr Kabre was also awarded a grant to support the publication of his dissertation. This prize was awarded during the opening ceremony for the 2020 courses at the University of Lausanne, which took place on 15 September 2020.

This conversation was recorded on 26 October 2020.

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 

Season 2 Episode 17: #EndSARS: Practical implications of the protests on Nigerian citizens

In conversation with Ayodele Sogunro

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, condemns police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria. These violations are in response to demonstrations by Nigerians expressing concerns about gross human rights violations by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a tactical unit within the NPF designed to tackle incidents of armed robbery in Nigeria.

In today’s episode we pick up from last week’s conversation on #EndSARS: The need to end police reform and justice for victims of police brutality in Nigeria. In this week’s episode, we discuss with Ayodele Sogunro (from the Centre for Human Rights), the contested issues surrounding the #EndSARS protests. The discussion assesses the accountability measures which have been taken by the Nigerian government to address protestors’ concerns. Furthermore, the conversation brings to light the real implications of these protests for people at the forefront of the #EndSARS movement. Calls to involve the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating the extra-judicial killings of the #LekkiMassacre have been made by Nigerian citizens and we seek to understand whether the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) might be a better option under the circumstances.

Ayodele Sogunro is a Nigerian writer and 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. He is also currently undertaking his doctoral studies at the Centre. His focus is 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. 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.

Ayodele Sogunro’s blog: www.ayosogunro.com

This conversation was recorded on 29 October 2020.

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 Victoria Ibezim- Ohaeri

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, condemns police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria. These violations are in response to demonstrations by Nigerians expressing concerns about gross human rights violations by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a tactical unit within the NPF designed to tackle incidents of armed robbery in Nigeria.

In this week’s episode  we speak to Ms Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, founder and Director of Research and Policy at Spaces for Change (S4C). S4C is a non-profit organisation based in Nigeria and conducts cutting-edge research and advocacy focusing on strategic sectors such as urban governance, gender inclusion, energy policy and defending the civic space. In this conversation, she walks us through the recent tensions in the country and analyses these tensions in light of the wider implications on the civic participation in Nigeria. Ms Ibezim- Ohaeri is an SXSW 2013 honouree, a 2016 Desmond Tutu Fellow and a 2015 alumna of Harvard University. In her 15 years of practising law and conducting social and economic rights research and advocacy, she has traversed four continents: Africa, Europe, North America and South America. Here she led research investigations, documenting and exposing human rights violations, formulating and analysing social and economic policy at national, regional and international levels.

This conversation was recorded on 24 October 2020

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 

Season 2 Episode 15: Poverty and human rights in Africa

In conversation with Ebenezer Durojaye and Gladys Mirugi-Mukundi

In this week’s episode, we meet the editors of the book Exploring the link between poverty and human rights in Africa. This book was published by the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) and launched virtually on 6 August 2020.

Professor Ebenezer Durojaye and Ms Gladys Mirugi-Mukundi discuss the topical issues covered in the book and the effect of poverty on human rights. Exploring the link between poverty and human rights in Africa is a book which addresses poverty, one of the important issues confronting Africa, from a multi-disciplinary approach. With contributions from eminent scholars from diverse backgrounds, the book explores poverty from a human rights perspective. Its central message is that poverty is not necessarily a failure on the part of an individual, but rather caused by the actions or inactions of governments, which are often exacerbated by structural inequalities in many African societies. This in turn requires a more pragmatic approach grounded in respect for human rights. This book is a useful book for researchers, policymakers, students, activists and others interested in addressing poverty.

Professor Ebenezer Durojaye is a Professor of Law and head of the Socio-Economic Rights Project at the Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. His areas of research include human rights, socio-economic rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender and constitutionalism. From 2012 to 2014 he provided technical support to the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. During this period, he participated in the drafting of the UN Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2012.

Gladys Mirugi-Mukundi is a researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute, a think tank engaged in law and policy research, teaching and advocacy on governance and human rights in Africa, based at the University of the Western Cape. Her research expertise and interest are in human rights, socio-economic rights, social justice and inclusive societies, women and access to housing, rule of law and corruption. She is the co-editor the Economic & Social Rights Review in Africa (ESR Review) , a quarterly publication that aims to inform and educate policymakers, members of civil society, the academic community and legal practitioners about key developments relating to socio- economic rights at the national and international levels.

This book is available for free and can be downloaded from the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) website.

This conversation was recorded on 14 August 2020

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 Professor Ann Skelton

In this week’s episode, Professor Ann Skelton walks us through her journey and work in children’s rights. She discusses the positive implications of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to host the first ever United Nations treaty body session outside of Geneva in March 2020 in Samoa. She goes on to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and how it affects state reporting at the United Nations level and how it affects the observation and promotion of the rights of the child. Professor Ann Skelton encourages women to take opportunities when they come, as they come and to work hard at those opportunities. Her advice to aspiring career women, is that they should ensure that they do what they are passionate about, and if they are not sure what that is, to expose themselves to the field of work until something starts pressing their buttons which should motivate them to want to make a difference.

Professor Ann Skelton is a professor of law at the University of Pretoria, where she holds the UNESCO Chair in Education Law in Africa. She is also the former director of the Centre for Child Law which promotes children’s rights in South Africa through advocacy, law reform, research and litigation. She is a practicing lawyer who often appears in South African courts, arguing landmark children’s rights cases. Professor Ann Skelton is a member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

This conversation was recorded on 20 August 2020. 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 Mr Brian Kagoro

The continuing systemic human rights violations in Zimbabwe have brought the country under spotlight for the wrong reasons. There seems to be a continual shrinking space for democratic participation in the country. In July 2020, award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was detained and arrested on charges of inciting public violence after exposing alleged government corruption involving COVID-19 funds. This is a common phenomenon that continues to find space as many political opposition activists have been detained, abducted and arrested at the hands of a government that misuses the criminal justice system to intimidate and persecute journalists and activists.

In this episode, Mr Brian Kagoro, a Zimbabwean lawyer, gives a historical background of how the legacy of colonial violations have continued to soar post-independence under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa regime.  He discusses the nexus between political instability and the alleged human rights violations in Zimbabwe and how this is mirrored in other African countries. Furthermore, this episode gives an insight of how human rights mechanisms at regional and international level can provide remedies to address human rights violations in Zimbabwe. This information- packed episode also talks about how the results of quiet diplomacy perpetuate the suffering of the common Zimbabwean folk.

Mr Brian Kagoro is a Zimbabwean citizen, Pan-Africanist and a constitutional and economic relations lawyer. He played an instrumental role in the formation of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and has served as a consultant for regional organisations such as the African Union Commission, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Mr Brian Kagoro has also served on boards in the private sector as well as civil society groups, including but not limited to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Amani Trust. As a writer, he has published several articles on civil society participation as well as the unstable political situation in Zimbabwe.

This conversation was recorded on 26 August 2020. 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

“Elections are not just a mechanical process, they are a complicated constitutional issue that goes to the heart of politics”.

Elections are vital in promoting democratic governance and fostering civic engagement in any society. The failure to conduct peaceful and fair elections, or the absence of elections, largely feeds into the prevalence of dictatorships in Africa. More often than not, these dictatorships are characterised by socio-political and economic instability which has direct negative impacts on the realisation of human rights. This episode discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the political landscape in Africa, and more specifically, its impact on elections.

Ms Bonolo Makgale is the Manager for the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. She has authored an article originally published by AfricLaw titled, ‘The scourge of homelessness and evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the City of Johannesburg’. The Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit encourages and facilitates civil society engagement with the Pan African Parliament’s  mandate, processes and activities. It also endeavours to promote the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, to support institutions that defend democracy in Africa and to tackle xenophobia in South Africa.

This conversation was recorded on 12 August 2020. 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 Professor Cyndy Baskin

The episode lays a foundation to understand who indigenous peoples are and the challenges they face from a global perspective. Professor Cyndy Baskin explains the similarities and differences of the plight of indigenous peoples from developing and developed nations. She discusses the contested issues of self-determination and self-governance for indigenous peoples and explains the impact of climate change on indigenous peoples. This episode was recorded in light of the Advanced Human Rights Course on Indigenous Peoples Rights presented by the Centre for Human Rights in 2019. To get a more detailed understanding of indigenous peoples in Africa, the Centre for Human Rights in collaboration with the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) and the Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights will host an online one-week intensive short course on indigenous peoples’ rights from 31 August to 4 September 2020.

Professor Cyndy Baskin is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Ryerson University. She is of Mi’kmaq and Celtic descent. Her teaching mainly focuses on bringing indigenous worldviews into social work education for both indigenous and non-indigenous scholars. She is the academic coordinator of Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences in Canada and serves as the Chair of Ryerson University’s Aboriginal Education Council.  She is also a member of various boards and committees of Aboriginal agencies across Toronto. She has done considerable research around the welfare of indigenous peoples, including the rights of indigenous women and those with disabilities. Professor Baskin also has several publications to her name including books, articles and research reports.

This conversation was recorded on 26 September 2019.

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 Hlengiwe Dube

The Centre for Human Rights campaign for 2020 is #Tech4Rights: Rethinking a human rights-based approach to new technologies in Africa. The year- long theme focuses on the impact of new technologies on different aspects of human rights. In this episode, Ms Hlengiwe Dube, unit manager for The Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit discusses the importance of technology on human rights.

The Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the promotion and protection of Freedom of Expression and Access to information on the continent, as guaranteed by Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and further elaborated by the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa

This conversation was recorded on 20 July 2020. 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 Joel Modiri

Dr Joel Modiri is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jurisprudence in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria. He holds the degrees LLB cum laude and a PhD both from the University of Pretoria. His PhD thesis was titled ‘The Jurisprudence of Steve Biko: A Study in Race, Law and Power in the ‘Afterlife’ of Colonial-apartheid’. Dr Modiri 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 Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology and Public Policy presented by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pretoria. He currently convenes the LLM/MPhil in Law and Political Justice.

In light of the lives of black people that have been sacrificed senselessly at the hands of police brutality, Dr Joel Modiri discusses and explains what institutional racism is and how it manifests in the African context. He discusses the correlational link between institutional racism and police brutality. He reflects on the victimisation of black people at the hands of police and armed forces and other forms of racism. He assesses the impact of this on the South Africa’s democracy project. The discussion also analyses the effectiveness of legal responses to racism and provides strategies on what can be done to eliminate racism.

This conversation was recorded on 29 June 2020. 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 Professor Dire Tladi

“…the immediate dangers we are facing right now are not legal dangers. The immediate dangers we are facing right now are health dangers...”

In this episode, Professor Dire Tladi explains how his journey and passion for international law has led him to becoming a member of the UN International Law Commission and its Special Rapporteur on Jus Cogens. In a most recent monumental achievement, he was elected to serve on the Institut de Droit International's (Institute for International Law) commission on pandemics and international law. In this conversation, he talks about pertinent issues on the role the Institut de Droit International plays in addressing the COVID- 19 pandemic through international law. He explains how there are deliberate efforts and progress made in international law to address the challenges that are existing in international law to deal with COVID- 19 and how these efforts can help address future pandemics and epidemics. The conversation takes an interesting twist and talks about how COVID-19 presents a platform for solidarity for fellow human beings, regardless of background. It also provides some insight on how the pandemic presents an opportunity for African states to be self-sufficient.

He is a professor of international law at the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria. He is a member of the UN International Law Commission and its Special Rapporteur on Jus Cogens. He was recently appointed to serve on the Institut de Droit International's commission on pandemics and international law. He describes himself as a generalist in public international law, although at different times he has focused on specific areas such international criminal law, the law on the use of force and the law of the sea. He holds the degrees BLC LLB (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria, an LLM from the University of Connecticut, and a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam.  The title of his PhD thesis was Towards a nuanced conceptualisation of sustainable development in International Law: An analysis of key enviro-economic instruments. He has previously served as adviser to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

This conversation was recorded on 12 June 2020. 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 Patience Mungwari

“The pandemic has travelled along the fault lines of social injustice to really expose some of the weaknesses in our governance systems”. 

This conversation discusses the impact of Covid-19 and concomitant government regulations on skyrocketing cases of gender-based violence. Ms Patience Mungwari talks about the challenges women from different walks of life such as migrant and rural women face, as a result of government regulations in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. This episode discusses the conflicting nature of government policies and their implementation following lockdowns. In this discussion, she also highlights weaknesses in the system and provides solutions to address the plight of women. She calls for a gendered analysis in implementing policies as well as for inclusive participation from all stakeholders to reduce the effects of the pandemic on women during and post lock down.

Ms Patience Mungwari is a Project Manager for the Women’s Right Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. She has expert knowledge of gender related issues and women’s rights in particular. She also has considerable experience in advocacy, training and facilitation to promote the implementation and popularisation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) through research, training and advocacy. 

Report abuse if you are experiencing gender- based violence or you if know of someone who is. Please contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre help line for immediate assistance.

This conversation was recorded on 27 May 2020. 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 Dianah Msipa

This episode addresses the right to access to justice for persons with disabilities and the gap in knowledge that exists in the justice system on how to assist persons with disabilities on an equal basis in comparison with others. Ms Dianah Msipa talks about the challenges persons with disabilities face in accessing justice and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges include but are not limited to attitudinal barriers and access to the environment and information. At the end of the discussion Ms Msipa provides recommendations on what can be done to improve the plight of persons with disabilities in accessing justice.

Dianah Msipa is a lawyer by profession and she is currently the Programme Officer for the  Disability Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. The Disability Rights Unit aims to address the rights of persons with disabilities on the African continent by conducting research on international disability rights standards and instruments, building capacity among governments, national human rights institutions, academia, civil society and communities, and engaging with judicial, quasi-judicial and non-judicial redress mechanisms. 

Ms Msipa’s expertise lies in the areas of disability rights, access to justice for persons with disabilities, legal capacity training and she teaches on African disability rights protection.  

This conversation was recorded on 22 May 2020.

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 Anastacia Tomson

“I hate so much that we need to define the trans experience through the lenses of trauma, suffering and dysphoria. I really wish we could move forward towards a model where we define the trans experience by wellness and euphoria”.

In this episode, Dr Anastacia Tomson, a transgender woman, and Thiruna Naidoo from the Centre for Human Rights, take the listeners on a journey of analysing the lived experiences of transgender women in South Africa. This episode emphasises the need for inclusive spaces for the transgender community. Dr Tomson talks about the challenges of accessing healthcare and the gatekeeping of identities faced by the trans community in South Africa. She also reflects on the impact of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of Women in Africa, (The Maputo Protocol), in observing and protecting the rights of marginalised women such as transwomen in Africa. In her reflections, she shows the potential the Maputo Protocol has as a tool to ensure that the rights of transgender women are protected. To this effect, the Centre for Human Rights in partnership with Centre for Sexualities AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) worked on the TransMaputo Project to ignite discussions around what the Maputo Protocol can do to ensure the rights of transgender women in Africa are protected.

Anastacia Tomson is a medical doctor, author, and activist, with a focus on queer and transgender rights. She completed her medical degree at the University of Pretoria in 2009, and has years of experience as a clinician in the public and private sector. Dr Tomson conducts workshops and seminars that provide sensitisation and competency training on LGBTQI+ issues, targeting healthcare workers and mainstream society. She also produces training materials covering transgender health. Anastacia is founder of the Professional Alliance Combating Transphobia, PACT and a Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition steering committee member. Her autobiography, “Always Anastacia: A Transgender Life in South Africa”, is a compelling memoir that details some of the defining moments in her life, through the lens of her transition. It’s a candid and honest look into the life of a South African trans woman, and the unique challenges and struggles she faces in claiming her own identity, and living her truth in an often-unforgiving world.

This is a special episode being published in light of The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a yearly event held on 17 May. The aim of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness on violence, discrimination, repression, and health challenges that detract from the progress and wellbeing of the LGBTIQ+ community all over the world. IDAHOBIT provides an opportunity for the LGBTIQ+ community to come together and celebrate their unique identities. Transgender people and trans women in particular, face a unique set of intersecting oppressions through the normative regulation of sexuality, gender roles, expression and cultural identity.

This conversation was recorded on 26 February 2020. 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 Dr Adrian Jjuuko

In this episode, Dr Adrian Jjuuko is in conversation with Thiruna Naidoo from the Centre for Human Rights, as they discuss issues affecting the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in Africa. This conversation touches on violence against the LGBTIQ+ community and makes a comparison between the legal climate of Uganda and other African countries in relation to legislation affecting sexual minorities. Dr Jjuuko gives insightful perspectives on the impact of litigation and influence of religious views in advocating for sexual minority rights. Rounding off the conversation, recommendations are provided for social activists  in order to promote and advance the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons.

Dr Adrian Jjuuko is a Ugandan human rights lawyer, researcher and consultant. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF). This organisation operates the first and only specialised legal aid clinic for marginalised persons in Uganda, and has been instrumental in carrying out advocacy and strategic litigation against laws that violate or threaten the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and other minorities in Uganda. He holds a doctorate from the University of Pretoria, and his research thesis is titled ‘Beyond court victories: Using strategic litigation to stimulate social change in favour of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons in Common Law Africa.’ He also holds a Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria, an LLB from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda, and a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala. Dr Jjuuko has written and edited several articles such as  Protecting the human rights of sexual minorities in contemporary Africa.

This conversation was recorded on 27 February 2020. 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 Adv Karabo Ozah

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities. The guiding principles of the Convention include non-discrimination; adherence to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and the right to participate.

Upon commemorating 30 years of the existence of the UNCRC, and in conversation with  Ms Karabo Ozah, the Director of the Centre for Child Law at the University of Pretoria, this episode explores and measures the impact of the UNCRC and its relevance in the African context. In this conversation, Karabo makes an important comparison between the UNCRC and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. She shows the link of cultural relativism in relation to the concept of children’s rights in the African setting.

This conversation was recorded on 27 November 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Prof Manfred Nowak

For children, deprivation of liberty means depriving them of their childhood. Placing children in institutions and other facilities where they are, or may be, deprived of liberty is difficult to reconcile with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. The CRC clearly states that the deprivation of liberty of children shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time. To address this situation, in December 2014 the United Nations General Assembly invited the United Nations Secretary-General to commission an in-depth Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty. In October 2016, Professor Manfred Nowak was appointed as Independent Expert to lead the Global Study.

The Independent Expert, together with the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and the Global Campus of Human Rights, hosted a one-day sub-regional launch of the Global Study. Key stakeholders from members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union representatives as well as the Indian Ocean Island States were invited to discuss and strategise the implementation of the Global Study. It is during this sub-regional launch that this conversation was had with Professor Manfred Nowak. He discusses the findings of the Global Study and provides recommendations on these findings.

View the UN Global Study

This conversation was recorded on 9 December 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Solomon Dersso

In 2019, the Centre for Human Rights celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Master's programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA). The Centre hosted a number of HRDA alumni at the University of Pretoria in a series of events to highlight the programmme's past achievements and to investigate how the programme can be enhanced to respond better to human rights challenges on the continent.

The second season of Africa Rights Talk kicks off with an interview with an HRDA alumnus of the Centre and current Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Dr Solomon Dersso. He narrates his journey from the time he studied on the HRDA programme to the time he was appointed as the Chairperson of the African Commission. Dr Dersso describes and explains the nature of the work of the African Commission and gives an insight on his mandates and areas of priority for engagement during his tenure as Chairperson.

This conversation was recorded on 9 December 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Abigail Dawson

Throughout its history, Africa has experienced migratory movements that are both voluntary and forced and this have contributed to its contemporary demographic landscape. In many parts of the continent, communities bound together by languages, history and tradition are spread across two or three nation states, and movement is often not limited by political boundaries. Migration in Africa is a result of a number of factors, which include the need for improved socio-economic conditions through employment, environmental factors, as well as fleeing from political instability, conflict and civil strife.

The 2019 African Union theme speaks to forced displacement, which is a major issue confronting the African continent. More than a third of the world’s forcibly displaced people are in Africa: this include 6.3 million refugees and asylum-seekers, and 14.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Africa Union theme ‘Year of Refugees, Returnees and IDPs: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa’ urges leaders and civil society to act promptly to protect migrants. With the wave of xenophobic violence and other intolerances in many parts of the continent, the need to protect migrants has increasingly become important. In pursuit of protecting the rights of migrants, this conversation aims to addresses the challenge of xenophobia and to monitor and promote the daily experiences of migrants living in South Africa. The hope is to promote a culture that prevents discrimination of other people based on their nationality as well to enhance a culture of diversity.

In this episode, Abigail Dawson talks about the challenges that migrants face in South Africa. She is a qualified social worker and offers voluntary counselling for migrant women and children. She is the Communications and Media Officer of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) which is a national network of organisations working with asylum seekers, refugees and international migrants in South Africa. Its main objectives are the promotion and protection of the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and international migrants. CoRMSA operates at the national, regional and global level with strategic support to members at local and provincial levels.

This conversation was recorded on 21 October 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Linda Blokland

October is Mental Health Awareness Month and a number of initiatives and campaigns were launched to raise awareness around issues of mental health. Good health is one of the most fundamental aspects that are crucial to our well-being, and transcends age, sex or socio-economic backgrounds. But health should be approached holistically - we can not look at health without looking at mental health. Yet government institutions and other stakeholders do not adequately address mental health issues in their policies. 

In this episode, Dr Linda Blokland explores mental health and addresses the causes of stigma around mental health issues. She explains what mental health really means and advocates for access to adequate mental healthcare.

This conversation was recorded on 17 October 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Prof Charles Ngwena

Professor Charles Ngwena is a renowned expert on human rights law at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. In this episode, Adebayo Okeowo talks to Prof Ngwena about his book What is Africanness? Contesting nativism in race, culture and sexualities, a visionary philosophical inquiry into the contentious issue of African identity politics. Prof Ngwena speaks about how the book explores the historical and cultural contexts in which Africans are perceived and how they perceive themselves in terms of race, culture and sexuality. He stresses the fact that identity is a concept that is not static but fluid and always changing. Prof Ngwena argues that 'Africanness' is a heterogeneous concept that accommodates difference and shows respect for diversity.

About What is Africanness? Contesting nativism in race, culture and sexualities

Stuart Hall, the cultural theorist and other deconstructive theorists have given us a rich theoretical template for unpacking identities as complex formations of representation. Even when we accept, as a point of departure, that identities are real and that it is not their falsity or genuineness that matters, if problematised, identities cease to be neat, singular, self-standing and static packages that speak to an integral and unified identity. The identities we take for granted, especially those that we ourselves proclaim to mark our exclusive identitarian spheres and which we invest with closures of solidarity and allegiance, are better understood as specific enunciations.

Identities are always situated and always in the making. They are neither fixed nor closed but always lodged in historical contingency. In the end, identities signify how we have been positioned by, or how we position ourselves within, discourse. And so it is with African identity.

Focusing on race, culture and sexuality, What is Africanness develops an interpretive method or hermeneutics for deconstructing African identity in ways that part company with discourses of reductive sameness – which I call ‘nativism – which have dominated the imagination of African identity not just during the eras of slavery, colonialism and apartheid but also in the aftermath of these historical events. The hermeneutics that What is Africanness develops are intended as transformative theoretical tools for dismantling hierarchical systems of thought and unmasking gaps and contradictions in the imagination of African identity. Ultimately, the book develops a roadmap for the recognition of heterogeneous African identity in a plural universe. It is an identity that is constantly unfolding and speaks to a multiplicity of ancestries together with their complexities, fluidity and difference. The book’s arguments should not be misunderstood as asking Africans to renounce any claim to an authentic African identity. Rather, the arguments call for authenticity to be reimagined in ways that are transformative as to capture not only our past but also our present and future Africanness.

What is Africanness? Contesting nativism in race, culture and sexualities by Charles Ngwena (2018) Published by the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) ISBN: 978-1-920538-82-8 Pages: 306

This conversation was recorded on 19 August 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Saoyo Tabitha Griffith

The issue of forced sterilisation is a little-known matter as women are generally reluctant to discuss their experience. Stemming from the social stigma attached to women unable to have children, many women suffer in silence. Ms Saoyo Tabitha Griffith (Deputy Executive Director, KELIN) sheds light on the challenges and continued battle against the ongoing forced sterilisations in Kenya. The issue of informed consent and the demographic of women who are disproportionately affected are explored. 

In terms of who can consent, what type of consent is required, and the lack of emergency surrounding the procedure raise significant questions over the current practice of medical professionals. Despite the discussion focusing on Kenyan examples, the practice is wide spread, including in Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Uganda.

While reproductive rights tend to focus on women who want children, the Maputo Protocol and accompanying protections cover sexual and reproductive rights and speak to all women, both those who want and do not want children. The importance of such rights is explained through the associated societal benefits that accompany the empowerment of women, highlighting that the time for investing in women is now. The conversation ends with a roundup of some basic sexual and reproductive rights every women (and man) should be aware before seeking medical assistance.

This conversation was recorded on 27 March 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Prof Fareda Banda

Experience has shown the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to be insufficient in addressing certain challenges faced by women across the African continent. Through the discussion with Prof Fareda Banda (SOAS, University of London) the background to the Maputo Protocol (Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa) and distinctions between it and CEDAW are explored.

Through building on the international framework, the Maputo Protocol reflects developments in the areas of: intersectionality; the specificities of the African women; decoupling women’s rights from the husband; and in reproductive rights, including access to safe abortions. We discuss how cultural practices can be used as justification for discrimination, whereby Prof Banda explains the cultural recognition within the Protocol and the requirement for women’s participation in their construction. She highlights the positive cultural practices of the continent and the importance of placing them within the treaty framework.

We then move to exploring family rights and the protections the Maputo Protocol has ushered in. Prof Banda delves into the provisions on marriage and inheritance and how the new African constitutions are removing discriminatory laws and no longer ringfence customary law from scrutiny. Whether the developments have occurred solely due to the laws in place is considered. Rounding off the discussion, the importance of knowing the African treaty is stressed to facilitate its broader use and in taking ownership of it.

This conversation was recorded on 26 March 2019. 

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 Prof Malcolm Langford

Economic and social rights have a day to day importance that is often overlooked, despite reflecting the real issues effecting peoples’ lives. In the discussion with Prof Malcolm Langford (University of Oslo) we explore the interlink between globalisation and economic and social rights and the impact of growing income inequality. The focus moves to how Africa and African states are approaching such rights from a historical background to present day realities. The homegrown aspects to the problems – such as the elite control over resources – and the politics of social rights is highlighted and dissected.

How social and economic rights are approached is considered from legislative and constitutional perspectives. We discuss how SA has been considered a leader in the area, but there has been an increase in developments throughout other African countries undertaking policy experiments and legislative change. The importance of ensuring the progressive realisation idea into practice is demonstrated through analysis of the Scottish Homelessness Act. The ability to turn rights into a means through which to pressure governments to implement change is imperative for improving everyday conditions.

Litigation of economic and social rights within Africa has evolved over the past decades. We have cases across the continent addressing a variety of rights and have helped communities hold governments to account. There has also been constitutional reforms and the establishment and expansion of bills of rights to incorporate aspects of social rights within African states. Finally, through discussing the Treatment Action Campaign and Grootboom cases, Prof Langford explains realistic expectations of what strategic litigation may be able to achieve, the type of impact we have seen and the level of compliance, and what this actually means.

This conversation was recorded on Tuesday 14 May 2019.

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 Ronie Zuze

In this extended episode listeners are taken on Ronie Zuze’s (Programme Coordinator for the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe) journey as an intersex person and the misunderstandings and challenges faced. Through their story it becomes clear how decisions taken by family and medical professionals when they were a child, have long lasting consequences. The need for support services and education on intersex is highlighted, as the community is often invisible despite being more common than many realise.

The episode’s second half explores early medical intervention in the lives of those with intersex and why the intersex community advocates for such interventions to be left as late as possible. The importance of choice and informed consent is stressed, because there is a lack of urgency surrounding the medical procedures, and to take cognisance of an individual’s self-identification.

Often misunderstood, is the distinction between intersex and sexual orientation. As Ronie explains, not all intersex people identify as gay, lesbian or transgender. This helps contextualise why the LGBTIQ+ forum is not always the most appropriate space for the fight for the human rights of intersex person, and can lead to the community perceiving their cause to be overlooked. The final part of the conversation debunks several myths surrounding intersex persons.

This conversation was recorded on Friday 1 March 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Elizabeth Kamundia

Many of us take for granted the ability to report crimes, take part in criminal and civil legal proceedings and make ourselves understood. However, this is not necessarily the case for those with disabilities. There may be additional barriers and hurdles to overcome which prevent access to justice and remedies. In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Kamundia (Kenya National Commission on Human Rights) presents the challenges persons with disabilities may face, and ways to rectify this within the formal justice system.

Focusing on intellectual disabilities, Dr Kamundia guides the listener through examples from the first point of contact with police, through to the final stage of court proceedings. The heavy reliance on verbal accounts is problematic for those whose disability hinders the ability to express themselves verbally and who may not present themselves in a manner the police expect. The lack of understanding surrounding disabilities, particularly around intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, coupled with the negative perceptions effects how they are treated when reporting cases.

The conversation then turns to the law, what support services are offered and the issue of legal capacity. In terms of the law, we consider how criminal defences can be strengthened to ensure those accused persons with disabilities are given appropriate sentences and defences. The effect of this enables both the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities to be upheld.

This conversation was recorded on 12 March 2019. 

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 Perpetua Senkoro

The false beliefs surrounding persons with albinism have led to discrimination and their persecution, something Ms Perpetua Senkoro (Advocacy and Human Rights Officer, Under the Same Sun) strives to change. While albinism can affect any living thing, many have a limited understanding of the condition. During the discussion with Ms Senkoro she explains the importance of awareness raising and how it impacts the protection of persons with albinism.

In the episode we cover what albinism is, its day-to-day implications such as challenging those affected to access the environment around them, and why persons with albinism are included within disability groups and protections. While persons with albinism may not looked disabled, they suffer from many recognised disabilities as well as additional challenges stemming from harmful practices – including being hunted for their body parts. The many misconceptions and beliefs surrounding persons with albinism are demystified by Ms Senkoro, who explores the link between witchcraft and the false beliefs surrounding persons with albinism.

We then move to consider what protections have been put in place by governments and regional instruments and what has been done to challenge the beliefs within the African context. The difficulty surrounding community protection when the communities themselves hold harmful beliefs towards persons with albinism is explored. Through the discussion the pivotal role of awareness raising in challenging the negative perceptions held amongst both rural, urban, educated and non-educated communities becomes clear. 

This conversation was recorded on Thursday 14 March 2019.

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 Prof Rashida Manjoo

Has violence against women reached a state of emergency? This is exactly what Professor Rashida Manjoo (University of Cape Town, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women) considers in the conversation on violence against women. Exploring how violence against women manifests in both public and private spaces, with a particular emphasis on domestic violence, Prof Manjoo draws on her years of legal experience and her Special Rapporteur work to advocate for a holistic understanding of violence against women.

Starting the conversation, Prof Manjoo explains what is meant by violence against women to demonstrate its broad scope and the physical, psychological, sexual and economic forms it takes. While sexual violence against women in conflict is an ongoing problem, the privileging and focus on it as if it is something new and unrelated to other forms of violence against women is challenged by Prof Manjoo. Through examining the continuum of violence and the problems with public/private dichotomy when dealing with violence against women, the link between the everyday reality of women in non-conflict situations to that of conflict related violence becomes clear.

The conversation then turns to the global prevalence of domestic violence and the different treatment by the authorities of violence in domestic situations to that of similar violence in public spaces. We discuss the pervasive patterns enabling domestic violence, the socialisation factors and lack of accountability. The importance of normative frameworks in addressing the violence is highlighted, but it cannot be the only method used. In bringing the conversation to a close, we focus on the problems of mainstreaming and the need for specificity and a contextual understanding by service providers of the individual, structural and institutional barriers preventing women seeking assistance and removing themselves from domestic violence situations.

This conversation was recorded on Wednesday 27 March 2019.

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 Mr Berry Nibogora

One of the more contentious matters before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, has been, and continues to be centred around sexuality. Many within Africa try to keep the discussion in the private sphere, yet, Mr Berry Nibogora (Law and Human Rights Programme Manager, African Men for Sexual Health & Rights (AMSHer)) sheds light onto how civil society's engagement with the African Commission is challenging this view, increasing recognition and protection of human rights from LGBTIQ+ communities.

The journey of engaging the African Commission has been long, with a mix of success and setbacks. In our discussion we delve into the multipronged approach of advocacy strategies adopted, including why taking cognisance of the individual Commissioner and their particular reasoning for opposition or support is key. The role played by the NGO Forum, and side events, has increased, helping with awareness raising. The link between sexuality matters and the June 2018 Executive Council Decision 1015 is considered, helping contextualise that the impetus goes beyond African Commission’s recognition of an NGO promoting the rights of lesbians and is instead a threat to the African human rights system as a whole. 

Despite the ongoing challenge to promote sexuality matters, we touch on a few of the successes before the African Commission, including Resolution 275, explaining how they were achieved and what role CSOs played.

This conversation was recorded on Friday 1 March 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Prof Frans Viljoen 

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights are key mechanisms within the regional human rights system. However, the African Union’s Executive Council’s June 2018 Decision 1015 raises concerns that the African Commission is being undermined, weakening the protection of human rights. 

Looking at this moment of crisis, Professor Frans Viljoen (Director, Centre for Human Rights) provides an insight into the motivations behind the Executive Council’s decision; from the contention surrounding the African Commission’s granting of observer status to the Coalition of African Lesbians, to the historical tension between the AU’s policy organs and the African Commission. During the discussion the push and pull between the African Commission and the State Parties is contextualised, the assertion of state sovereignty explained, as well as how the replacement of the AU Assembly by the Executive Council in terms of receiving the African Commission’s report change the dynamic. We consider to what extent the autonomy and independence of the African Commission is threatened by Decision 1015 and what incorporating the African Commission as an AU institution could mean for the protection of human rights.

Given Decision 1015’s challenge against the African Commission’s interpretative mandate, the discussion explores the relationship between the Commission and the Court and the potential implications of the decision. Prof Viljoen highlights how the debate surrounding the Commission’s mandate and role can be used to bring out the utility and role of the Commission, alerting states to the benefits it offers and to prevent limitations on the African human rights system.

This conversation was recorded on Wednesday 27 February 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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 Prof Makau Mutua 

The fight for the protection of human rights is a global phenomenon, yet the claim to universality of the current human rights system is sometimes questioned.

Professor Makau Mutua (SUNY Distinguished Professor, University at Buffalo, School of Law) is known for his critical analysis of the human rights movement. In this episode we explore, with him, his critique and whether the African human rights system can complement the global to ensure that human rights remain relevant across the continent.

The discussion covers to what extent he considers there is true universality of human rights and its corpus; how the origins and philosophical ideology of the human rights movement have shaped the prioritisation of political and civil rights over cultural, social and economic rights; and the underlying aim of human rights – to shape a particular type of society. Prof Mutua explains his scepticism over the ability of the current human rights ideology to incorporate culture – that being the articulation of a peoples’ wisdom – and address issues of powerlessness. Finally, the discussion focuses on the African human rights system, where the conversation turns to whether the regional system legitimises the UN human rights system or provides an opportunity for a more culturally relevant regional system, and why change from the ground up is key to the future of human rights within Africa.

By applying a critical analysis, Prof Mutua encourages listeners to consider the weaknesses in the current international and regional systems and to find ways to improve and retain the relevancy of human rights.

This conversation was recorded on Thursday 14 February 2019.

Music: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chino Creative 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