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With democratic South Africa only 18 years old, can we really say that we have developed a strong foundation for our Constitution and protection of human rights? What role does society have to play towards the protection of our constitution or should we leave it all to the State? How protected are we, and who is allowed to act as guardian and make judgement on whether one person’s right is more important than the other?

Currently our society is faced with these challenges. We can see this in the high increase in violent crimes towards the most vulnerable members of our society (children and elderly), the disruptive protests regarding service delivery, the killing of policemen, to the killing of tens of strikers by those charged with helping and protecting us. Has our society been taken hostage by Crime? Can our community trust that those we have chosen to lead us will act in our best interests? Or is it true that there is no hope

Will having more indabas solve the problems that are threatening our young democracy? Or do we need to engage as a collective give opportunity for a balance dialogue to find a solution. The National Institute for Crime prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders has created a platform of engagement and dialogue where experts can share with us their insights and views regarding our democracy and human rights.

NICRO started an annual Human Rights Lecture Series in 2010 on the occasion of our centennial celebration. This year marks the third in this lecture series. At the inaugural launch we hosted Judge Richard Goldstone and some former Chairpersons of NICRO as keynote speakers. Last year we were fortunate to host the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Her Excellency Navi Pillay, who spoke at length about the role South Africa and NICRO could play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of internationally convicted individuals.

This year the Human Rights lecture series hosts the newly appointed South Africa Police Service’s National Commissioner Ms Mangwashi Victoria “Riah” Phiyega as well as Judge Jody Kollapen of North Gauteng High Court. General Phiyega first months in office started dramatically with the tragic Lonmin Marikana Mine disaster and the controversial actions of the police. She will no doubt be able to share her views on this very topical matter. Judge Kollapen has a long and illustrious history in human rights. Both speakers will be would be speaking on the theme of Crime the beloved Country,

The Human Rights Lecture Series has attracted high profile keynote speakers who have created a platform to engage with the audience and society on topical issues with a focus on Human Rights in our current democracy, and how we can together make a difference and be the change we want to see.