Universal Rights Association (URA)

Universal Rights Association (URA) expresses its deep sorrow over the killing of attorney Chinette Gallichan in Johannesburg. This tragic incident is not only a loss of life, it is a stark reminder that legal professionals can become targets simply for carrying out their duties. Ensuring the safety and independence of lawyers is essential to the protection of the rule of law. At this critical moment, the recent adoption of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, drafted by the CDCJ and opened for signature in May 2025, represents a historic step. It is the first legally binding international instrument specifically designed to protect lawyers from harassment, threats, and interference. The Convention safeguards the independence of the legal profession, protects lawyer-client confidentiality, and guarantees freedom of expression for lawyers. It is widely regarded as a crucial instrument for the protection of human rights, ensuring that lawyers can carry out their work without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or obstruction. While no legal instrument can prevent every act of violence, stronger international frameworks such as this Convention can significantly reduce risks, improve protection mechanisms, and ensure greater accountability. Importantly, the Convention is open to non-member states. This presents a timely opportunity for South Africa to engage with an emerging global framework aimed at strengthening the protection of legal professionals. URA calls on South Africa’s Department of Justice @DOJCD_ZA and The South African Judiciary @OCJ_RSA to consider engaging with and acceding to this Convention as part of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting those who serve it, and invites @LawSociety_SA and @SAHRCommission to support this effort. More information: coe.int/en/web/cdcj/co… @coe iol.co.za/the-star/news/… @IOL Protecting lawyers means protecting justice

🌍 21 March – Human Rights Day Today, we remember the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre a turning point that exposed the cost of injustice and the power of standing for dignity. Human Rights Day is a reminder that freedom, equality, and justice are not guaranteed they must be protected, defended, and upheld every day. ✊ For South Africa. For humanity. For a more just and peaceful world. #HumanRightsDay #HumanRights #Equality #Justice #Peace 🌍

🌍 21 March – Human Rights Day On 21 March, we remember the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre, where peaceful protesters lost their lives standing against injustice and racial oppression under apartheid. This day is not only about remembrance it is a call to action. A reminder that human rights must be defended, protected, and upheld everywhere, for everyone. As Universal Rights Association (URA), we carry this commitment forward at the Human Rights Festival 2026 at Constitution Hill: 📅 26–29 March ✨ Dialogues, activism, culture & solidarity 🚶‍♂️ Closing with the We The People Walk ⏳ From reflection to action — join us and be part of the movement. 🎟 Free festival tickets (26–28 March): webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCatego… 🚶‍♂️ We The People Walk – Sunday, 29 March: webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?… #HRF2026 #VisitConHill #HumanRightsFestival 🌍

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY | Lindiwe Zulu, a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee, says South Africa ranks among the top countries in upholding human rights.

📢 Student Debate at Human Rights Festival 2026 The Universal Rights Association (URA) will host a student debate at the Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. 🗓 27 March 2026 🕑 14:00 Topic: To what extent do artificial intelligence applications threaten human rights through job displacement and unemployment? Join us for this important discussion on the intersection of technology, employment, and human rights. humanrightsfestival.co.za/to-what-extent… #HRF2026 #VisitConHill #HumanRightsFestival #StandUp4HumanRights

⏳ The countdown has begun! As every year, the Human Rights Festival 2026 returns to Constitutio Hill @VisitConHill, Johannesburg (26–29 March), bringing together civil society organisations, activists, scholars and young leaders to engage on key issues such as democracy, equality, gender rights, education, migration, technology and social justice. 📅 26 March – Opening day featuring discussions, workshops and dialogues on education, democracy, economic justice and human rights. 📅 27 March – A full programme of panels and conversations on civic participation, migration, social justice, human rights advocacy and community activism. 📅 28 March – 🥁 Main Stage: 1000 Drums for Solidarity and Humanity, Cultural and public engagement activities, art and film programmes, as well as major public discussions on human rights and democracy. 📅 29 March – The festival concludes with the annual We The People Walk, bringing together communities and organisations in a powerful show of solidarity for human rights. 🎟 Free festival tickets (26–28 March): webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?… 🚶‍♂️ We The People Walk – Sunday, 29 March: webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?… #HRF2026 #VisitConHill #HumanRightsFestival 🌍

Looking for a family day out with a purpose? The #HRF2026 Kiddies Village offers a world of play & edutainment for children from 26–28 March. webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?… Grab your free passes & join us at the Hill! #VisitConHill #HumanRightsFestival

The countdown to #HRF2026 is ON! Join us 26–29 March at ConHill to engage with the activists and movements shaping SA’s future. Here’s a glimpse of the magic from last year’s Day 1. Stay tuned for the official 2026 program reveal! #HumanRightsFestival #VisitConHill

You have heard what we had to say about what goes on at ConHill's Human Rights Fest, let’s hear what the people & had to say about their experiences youtube.com/watch?v=0_RTlO… (Thank you TEKANO for playing your part) .Visit our website for more info humanrightsfestival.co.za

Get your FREE Daily Pass for #HRF2026 at ConHill! From the Makers Market to topical dialogues, there’s something for everyone. Book your spot now: webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?… Stay tuned for the full program reveal! 📢🏛️ #HumanRightsFestival #VisitConHill #Joburg #FreeEvents

Our languages, our heritage our unity. In the spirit of Ubuntu, caring for one another as one community. On 21 February International Mother Language Day, the Universal Rights Association (URA) proudly celebrates the rich linguistic diversity of South Africa and the world. South Africa is a unique nation built on diversity, with 12 official languages and many more spoken across communities: isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, and South African Sign Language (SASL). Each language carries history, identity, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Protecting and respecting all languages strengthens social cohesion, equality, and mutual respect. A mother tongue is not only the language we first learn, it is the language of home, culture, and memory. At the same time, learning other languages helps us build bridges across cultures and become active citizens of a united and peaceful society. URA believes that every child has the fundamental right to learn, express themselves, and succeed in their mother tongue, while embracing multilingualism as a national strength. Let us celebrate our diversity as a source of unity, in the spirit of Ubuntu, caring for one another as one community. Happy International Mother Language Day.

"I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all." On 11 February 1990, peace laureate Nelson Mandela was released from prison after being incarcerated for 27 years. Despite his long imprisonment, Mandela rejected hatred and instead embraced reconciliation.

36 years ago today 🇿🇦 South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, walked free, marking a historic moment that reignited hope and reshaped the nation’s path to freedom and democracy. #OnThisDay #NelsonMandela #36YearsLater #Freedom #SouthAfrica #OurHistory #GovZAUpdates

In the Category for Client Support - Awards go to: AB Moosa - Avalon Cinema Group Joanna Govender - Empire Partner Foundation Kathy Baxter - Spar Group Imran Haffegee - Ashraful Aid Safeeya Moosa - Spiritual Chords Sinthumule Thifulufheli - CoRMSA #11thProBonoAwards

The Universal Rights Association (URA) is honored to attend the @Probono_Org Pro Bono 11th Annual Awards Ceremony 2025, celebrating the legal professionals and organizations advancing access to justice. We are especially inspired by the powerful address of Justice Albie Sachs, whose lifelong commitment to human rights and constitutional justice continues to guide and motivate our shared mission. Pro bono work is not only a professional duty, it is a cornerstone of dignity, equality, and justice for all. #11thProBonoAwards #ProLawForAll #probono #ProBonoAwards #AccessToJustice #HumanRights #URA

On the Podium at the 11th ProBono Awards - Justice Albie Sachs , sharing an impactful message. #11thProBonoAwards #ProLawForAll #probono

Today we mark the #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience under the theme “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls”. As we reflect on recent matric results trends in South Africa, while the overall matric pass rate reached historic highs, participation in key STEM subjects remains a challenge. We are currently engaged in strategies to improve not only participation in STEM subjects; but performance too. Encouraging more children, especially girls, to take up maths and science through mentorship, inclusive opportunities, and community support will help build a future where children thrive across STEM careers and contribute to solving real-world challenges.

@Siviwe_G @DBE_SA @UN Indeed, Minister. We need to empower children, particularly girls, to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the classroom now so that they are future-ready with 21st-century skills.

STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, forms the foundation of innovation, economic growth, and future opportunity Empowering girls to access and excel in STEM is essential to ensuring inclusive progress, equality, and a stronger, more just society. Thank you, Minister @Siviwe_G, for your principled leadership and for highlighting the urgent need to strengthen girls’ participation and performance in STEM. Your commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and equal opportunity reflects a vital step toward ensuring that women and girls are not excluded from shaping the scientific and technological future of our societies. URA stands in full support of efforts that empower girls to lead, innovate, and thrive. #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience