from NJABULO BUTHELEZI in Durban
KwaZulu Natal Bureau
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has instituted legal proceedings against the denial of non-nationals and undocumented people from entering and receiving medical treatment at public healthcare facilities.
Populist organisations including Operation Dudula, March & March and other individuals and groups are behind the violations.
The SAHRC has lodged an urgent application in the Durban High Court in KwaZulu-Natal (IZN) province against the relevant parties.
The case will be heard on Friday.
SAHRC said its move was consistent with its protection mandate and acting in terms of Section 13(3) of the South African Human Rights Act 40 of 2013.
It empowers the SAHRC to bring proceedings in a competent court or tribunal in its own name, or on behalf of a person or a group or class of persons.
“…The SAHRC has resolved to approach the courts to vindicate the rights of persons who are denied access to public healthcare facilities.”
SAHRC issued the above statement on Tuesday.
“The SAHRC reaffirms its commitment to upholding its constitutional mandate to protect the rights of all persons in South Africa, and to working with relevant stakeholders to safeguard access to public healthcare, and the maintenance of law and order.”
The commission noted that non-nationals and undocumented people were still being blocked despite its statement in July when it appealed to the perpetrators to stop.
SAHRC emphasised that the right to access healthcare services wasa universal right afforded to everyone within the borders of South Africa, as guaranteed in the Constitution.
There are millions of citizens from other African countries in South Africa, some without documents.
– CAJ News