Human Rights Day is a day for celebration, as well as solemn reflection. South Africa’s Bill of Rights is world-renowned for its inclusive protection of Human Rights, making SA one of the first countries in history to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.

SA’s Bill of Rights:
“The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth”

As we know, SA’s past was characterised by institutionalised Human Rights abuse. Human Rights Day presents an opportunity for us to solemnly reflect on the suffering of millions of South Africans at the hands of the Apartheid regime, and to appreciate the immense sacrifice and bravery of those who struggled to secure the rights and freedoms enshrined today.

SALO at the DIRCO 2nd conference of African diplomatic academies, universities and research institutions. #africandiplomacy

Bringing Norwegian diplomats from the SADC region together with ACCORD, ISS AFRICA and SALO, discussing how Norway best can work with Africa on peace and security

As part of International Womens Day, SALO and DIRCO co-hosted an incredible event in solidarity with the women of Western Sahara.

Great community engagement at Ruabohahale school. Talking about #racism, #xenophobia , #gbv and #LGBTQIA issues in south Africa engaging with young people and community activists. Thanks so much to @IrlEmbPretoria for their support – 21 Feb 2019

Keynote Speaker: Deputy Minister, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Luwellyn Landers

DATE: Friday 22nd February 2019

TIME: (09H30 registration) 10H00-11H45 followed by a finger lunch

VENUE: Parliament Imbizo Centre, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), through the branch of Public Diplomacy, in collaboration with the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO) hosted a public lecture on the 22nd of February 2019 in Cape Town.

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers conducted a public lecture in Cape Town as part of his mandate to consult the populace in the decision making and implementation of the departmental programmes, aimed at publicising and enhancing dialogue about the country’s foreign policy objectives.

The Deputy Minister engaged Think Tanks / Academics / Students / Opinion Makers / International Relations Practitioners on the role of South Africa as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The event served as a key platform for the Deputy Minister to elaborate on the country’s key priorities during the two-year term at the UN Security Council. The platform was not only used to educate stakeholders about diplomacy and South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, but also emphasise the role that the African Union (AU) plays in the maintenance of peace and security globally.

PROGRAMME: