Lawyers for Human Rights is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation whose vision is to be:
-a leading, effective human rights and constitutional watchdog and advocate,
-an international force in the development and delivery of human rights, with a primary focus in Africa,
-a primary contributor to clear strategic policy on the delivery of socio-economic rights for the disadvantaged.
To this end, LHR strives to promote awareness, protection and enforcement of legal and human rights through the creation of a human rights culture.
Started in 1979, LHR rapidly achieved a proud record of fighting oppression and abuse of human rights under apartheid. LHR later helped usher in the transition to democracy through its voter education and monitoring in 1994. Today it is recognised as being in the vanguard of civil society in our emerging democracy.
LHR recognises that in the new era it may be necessary to enter into joint ventures with state institutions so as to promote its objectives. However, it will remain vigilant and not abandon its role of watchdog and advocate for the just cause. It is as committed to being a relevant and effective human rights organisation today as it was in the yesteryears.
PROGRAMMES
CHILD RIGHTS
Through litigation, legislative work, materials development, training, and lobbying, the Child Rights Project seeks to ensure that the human rights of one of the nation’s most vulnerable groups, namely children, are respected. Juvenile justice, sexual exploitation of children, child labour, street children, foster care and adoption are only a few of the areas that the project specializes in.
ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS PROJECT
The Environmental Rights Project (ERP) is a newly established project at Lawyers for Human Rights. The project focuses on matters concerning the environmental rights of marginalised people in South Africa. The project, which is based at LHR's Pretoria office, complements existing environmental organisations and draws on their extensive experience and expertise while providing professional litigation and advocacy services.
LAND REFORM AND HOUSING
As part of its strategic litigation activities, LHR commenced litigating on land and housing issues in 2006 when it formed the Land and Housing Unit. The Unit operates under the Strategic Litigation Unit under the supervision of Adv Rudolph Jansen and Louise du Plessis.
RMRP: STATELESSNESS PROJECT - FOCUSSING ON ACCESSING CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY
In March 2011, LHR launched a new project focusing on statelessness as part of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme.Due to a conflict of citizenship laws between various African nations, and intentionally discriminatory laws and practice, many Africans find themselves de jure stateless – they do not qualify for citizenship under any nation’s legal system.
REFUGEE AND MIGRANT RIGHTS PROGRAMME (RMRP)
Established in 1996 LHR's Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme is a specialist programme that advocates, strengthens and enforces the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other marginalised categories of migrants in South Africa.
SECURITY OF FARM WORKERS PROJECT
The Project was established in October 1998 to protect and promote the rights of rural dwellers directly threatened with eviction. In addition to defending farm workers facing possible eviction, the Project promotes and advocates for the tenure security rights of farm workers through the facilitation of training workshops, the bi-annual publication of Die Okkupeerder newsletters, and other networking activities.
STRATEGIC LITIGATION UNIT
The Strategic Litigation Unit, based at Lawyers for Human Rights’ Pretoria Law Clinic, has achieved some notable successes since its inception in 2003. The Strategic Litigation Unit focuses much of its attention in ensuring just administrative action for indigent persons and communities. A considerable amount of time is also spent on unfair discrimination, refugee law, and increasingly, land reform matters. The Unit is headed by David Cote who along with a group of dedicated attorneys and advocates conduct most of the litigation work.
