SALO highlights
News, notices and events from SALO.
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims – March 24
Each year on this day, we honour the memory of victims of gross human rights violations and those who have dedicated—and even sacrificed—their lives in the fight for justice and dignity. This observance pays special tribute to Monsignor …
60 Years of Progress in Human Rights and Equality
March 21 marks both Human Rights Day in South Africa and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination globally. In 2025, the day holds special significance as it commemorates 60 years since the adoption of the …
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On February 6th, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed. This day provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice and to amplify survivor voices …
SALO Board Member Molly Dhlamini on SABC News' Democracy30
SALO Board Member Molly Dhlamini discussing South African Peace Missions on the continent since 1994 on SABC News’ Democracy30. Watch Full Episode here:
National Women’s Day
On 9 August 1956, thousands of South African women united against the apartheid pass laws, challenging restrictions on black people’s freedom. Their courage marked a pivotal moment in our fight for …
SALO Manager Mr. Lwazi Somya forming part of an expert civil society panel at a Symposium organised by DIRCO and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
The Southern African Liaison Office’s (SALO) Manager of Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, and Senior Researcher, Mr. Lwazi Somya, had the honour of forming part of an expert civil society panel at a Symposium organised by DIRCO and the South …
Africa Day - 25 May 2024
May is celebrated as Africa Month, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. The OAU, now succeeded by the African Union, alongside all countries on the continent and members of the African diaspora, …
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation - 06 Feb 2024
2024 Theme: Her Voice. Her Future The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on February 6th to raise public awareness about the harmful practice and encourage its abandonment. FGM is a …
International Human Solidarity Day - 20 December 2023
International Human Solidarity Day, observed on 20 December, is an international annual unity day of the United Nations and its member states. The General Assembly, on 22 December 2005, by Resolution 60/209, identified solidarity as one of …
International Human Rights Day -10 December 2023
International Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on 10 December. It marks the Assembly’s anniversary of adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s most …
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
SALO commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2023) (IPID) to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society, as stated by the UNGA in 1992 under resolution 47/3. …
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children
Acknowledging the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. As we mark the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, it’s crucial …
MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION - 30 Oct 2023
South Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the …
International Day of the Girl Child - 11 Oct 2023
“Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being” The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated globally on October 11th every year. This day serves as a reminder of the limitless potential and empowerment of girls across …
International Day of Democracy 2023
Every year, on 15 September, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and parliaments worldwide celebrate the ‘International Day of Democracy’, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. This day corresponds with the adoption of a …
World Refugee Day 2023- ‘Hope away from Home’
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. Each year, it falls on the 20th of June and celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to …
16 June 1976: Youth Day
The biggest misconception about Youth Day in South Africa is that it has been termed the ‘Soweto Uprising’, in other words, that 1976 was a Soweto struggle. In truth, 1976 was a classroom and lingua struggle for all the youths in South …
Africa Day - 25 May 2023
May is recognised as Africa Month and commemorates the continent’s founding of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25th May and is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success …
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) - 17 May 2023
2023 Theme: “Together Always: United in Diversity”. 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The day commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to remove homosexuality from the list …
Freedom Day - 27 April 2023
National Freedom Day is a public holiday celebrated on 27 April in South Africa that celebrates freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994. It is significant because it marks the end of over three hundred years …
