HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVATION: UFS ENCOURAGES YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN UPCOMING NATIONAL ELECTIONS

As South Africa prepares for its national elections scheduled for 29 May 2024, the University of the Free State (UFS) emphasises the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process. These sentiments were echoed during the Human Rights Day event recently hosted by the Free State Centre for Human Rights. Read the full story here.

UFS FACULTY OF LAW CELEBRATES HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

The UFS Faculty of Law hosted a Human Rights Celebration on 18 March 2024. The day commenced with a panel discussion on the contribution of Sir Sydney Kentridge to human rights in South Africa and beyond. Panelists included Emeritus Constitutional Court Justice Zak Yacoob, Honourable Madam Justice Yvonne Mbatha and Dr Adri du Plessis. Emeritus Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs delivered a public lecture on whether there is cause for celebration on the 30th anniversary of human rights in South Africa. The day included a donation of books chronicling the life of Former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson by the Albie Sachs Trust. Read the full story here.

Watch the day's events.

DR MARTIE BLOEM DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT SABPP CONFERENCE

Dr Martie Bloem, recently appointed coordinator of the legal services division of the Free State Centre for Human Rights, delivered the keynote address, What happens to the human in the world of AI?, at the Ethics and HR Governance Conference hosted by the SA Board for People Practices on 14 March 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

PROF DANIE BRAND APPOINTED ACTING JUDGE IN HIGH COURTS

Prof Danie Brand, Director of the Free State Centre for Human Rights at the UFS, has been appointed as an acting judge in the North Gauteng High Court. Prof Brand will sit in both the Pretoria and Johannesburg High Courts for the first court term of 2024, from 22 January to 29 March 2024.

Prof Brand acted as a judge in the High Court several times in the past. He says he is honoured by the appointment and excited by the prospect.