Press Release: ICESCR Campaign welcomes the South African Human Rights Commission hearings on water and sanitation - 13 March 2012

The Campaign Group for South Africa’s ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and its Optional Protocol (OP-ESCR) applauds the South African Human Rights Commission on its initiative to hold public hearings on the right to adequate water and sanitation in commemoration of Human Rights month. Recent events across the country including incidents in Makhaza (Khayelitsha, Cape Town) and Rammulotsi Township (Viljoenskroon, Free State) have emphasized the need for government to reassess its commitments towards the promotion and protection of socio-economic rights guaranteed under the Constitution. These incidents are a reminder that despite the constitutional provisions and rich jurisprudence in relation to socioeconomic rights, and the relative wealth of a minority, a significant number of South Africans continue to be denied access to the basic needs of life.