The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a crime victims' rights week campaign for the promotion of justice. The exact date of the observance varies year to year, but it is always in the month of April however this year it was observed in September.
The United Nations Declaration shows the collective will of the international community to restore the balance between the fundamental rights of suspects and offenders, and the rights and interests of victims.
To ensure consistent implementation of the United Nations Declaration, South Africa is expected to conduct public education such as awareness raising campaigns and workshops on the rights of the victims.
A victim refers to any person who suffered harm whether physically, psychologically, economically or substantial impairment of his or her fundamental rights, through the acts or omissions that are in violation of the criminal law. This definition includes indirect victims such as immediate family or dependents or even neighbours and colleagues of the direct victim.
The Victim's Charter is an important instrument for promoting justice for victims of crime in South Africa. It complies with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 and the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, 1985.
The two-days program started with a volunteer's workshop, followed by a door to door campaign in Refilwe Extension 5, 9 and Marikana Informal
Settlement in Tshwane, last Thursday. During the campaign a three-months-old infant from the impoverished Mohlala family, who suffers from hydrocephalus was discovered and the family was referred to Social Workers for assistance.
The infant is currently undergoing treatment with his parents at George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa. Hydrocephalus, also called water in the brain, is a condition where there is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain.
Social Work Manager from Victim Empowerment Program Veronica Gantana said, "These cases which require social work interventions encountered will be referred to social workers in the region for assistance". The service charter or victims' charter presents the rights of the victim of crime and violence as listed below.
The victim is entitled to amongst others:
• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect
for their dignity and privacy
• The right to information
• The right to protection and
• The right to assistance