Govt must safeguard human rights defenders- Amnesty International
Amnesty International South Africa has urged authorities to do more to protect human rights defenders.
The organisation released a statement to mark Human Rights Day on Thursday.
It said human rights defenders, such as the Abahlali baseMjondolo activists, continue to be threatened or killed for standing up for fighting for basic services or speaking against corruption.
"Three Abahlali baseMjondolo activists were killed in eKhenana, KZN and more than 20 members have been killed since the formation of the movement in 2005," said Amnesty's spokesperson Genevieve Quintal.
"Currently, the movement's general secretary Thapelo Mohapi is in hiding and facing threats because of his activism."
Quintal says the attacks on those fighting for basic rights are a violation of human dignity.
"It is imperative that our government takes decisive action to ensure the protection of these individuals and enacts strong legislation to safeguard their rights.
"There is an urgent need for legislative measures to safeguard the lives of human rights defenders."
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