1. Introduction

1.1 The Centre for Unity in Diversity (CUD) and the Centre for Constitutional Rights (CFCR), both based at the FW de Klerk Foundation, avail ourselves to making a written submission in response to the call for submissions (25 May 2017) on the Feasibility of the Establishment of a Single Human Rights Body. Furthermore, we would appreciate the opportunity to engage the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy (OISD) and the Knowledge Information Services Division in Parliament during the follow-up process of providing an oral submission.

1.2 The mission of the FW de Klerk Foundation is to support and promote the Constitution and Bill of Rights as foundational and sacred elements of our democracy.

1.3 The constitutional imperative enshrined in the Preamble and captured in the Bill of Rights promoting unity in diversity is captured in the mission of the Foundation and forms the rationale for the establishment of the Foundation’s new Centre for Unity in Diversity.

1.4 In addition, the Foundation’s Centre for Constitutional Rights (CFCR), established in 2006, is dedicated to the promotion and protection of the Constitution and the values, rights and principles enshrined therein. The CFCR also serves a vital monitoring and public information function in respect of developments that may impinge on the enjoyment of constitutional rights by all South Africans.

1.5 The Foundation, through the CUD and the CFCR, is imminently qualified to contribute to a robust discourse as envisaged in this process undertaken by the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy (OISD) and the Knowledge Information Services Division in Parliament to assess the feasibility of a Single Human Rights Body.

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