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Conventions, Declarations and Charters

There are international, regional and domestic Conventions, Declarations and Charters that outline the rights of citizens

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." (Article 2)

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women states that "violence against women means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitary deprivation of liberty, whether occuring in public or in private life." (Article 1) It further asserts that states have an obligation to "exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and, in accordance with national legislation, punish acts of violence against women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the State or by private persons. (Article 4-c)

Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Consists of 30 Articles that deal with aspects of the rights of women and equality. All SADC Member States have signed and ratified or acceded to CEDAW.

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

Ensures the full implementation of the human rights of women and of the girl child as an inalienable, integral and indivisable part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

South Africa: The Women's Charter for Effective Equality

South Africa: 1st Women's Charter (Adopted in 1954)