Letteratura scientifica selezionata sul tema "South Africa. Advocate-General"

This chapter evaluates how South Africa approaches and applies certain aspects of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the challenges it faces, and how it submits proposals to improve its application. The SA courts are the upper guardians of children in terms of the common law and uphold the best interests of the child as a paramount principle. The Chief Family Advocate (“FA”) has been appointed as the Central Authority (“CA”) and falls under the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. The Chief Liaison Judge is based in the Appeal Court and has appointed Liaison Judges in the Provincial Divisions. How SA approaches international child abduction, and applies the HC, is explored. SA has a rich jurisprudence around the practical application of the HC. The procedure in these matters; the general rules and exceptions; the voice, representation and participation of the child; and the approach to children’s best interests and measures to protect their interests are evaluated. SA’s approach in regard to HC matters could be improved. How the challenges of an independent best-interests factor, outcomes veering away from the return principles, the FA’s compromised role as the CA, and the delays in outcomes prejudice the HC’s philosophy and the application thereof are considered. Recommendations are made for the acceleration of proceedings, more certainty in the consideration of Article 13 defences incorporating protective measures in return orders, further clarity from courts or the implementation of practice directives in these matters, the use of mediation, and further guidelines/directives to be provided. Given the importance of the HC in international child abduction matters, hopefully the aims and purposes of the HC can be fully realised in SA’s future.

In most developing countries, people with disabilities, particularly women, are ignored and neglected in terms of service delivery, policy inclusion, and gender mainstreaming in public and private sectors and society in general, and South Africa is not immune to this pandemic. In spite of the South Africa government’s attempts to improve the rights of women with disabilities, there has been a gap in the local implementation of these programmes and regulations. Thus, the difficulties faced by women with disabilities endure and are more apparent in rural regions than in urban ones. This article evaluates the well-being of women with disabilities in Nkandla Local Municipality using qualitative analysis in accordance with relevant policies. The study is anchored on the Feminist Disability Theory, policy implementation, and Stakeholder Theory, which are meant to support and shape the objectives of this study. The research findings reveal that most women with a disability experience various challenges related to health care, education, transport and infrastructure, inclusion, participation, and abuse. These obstacles further diminish their ability to exercise their rights. Consequently, the study suggests that the government should demonstrate political will and that resources for organisations that execute disability policies should be enhanced. The resourcing of these institutions will allow them to execute their mandate effectively and ensure the progressive realization of disabled women’s rights. In addition, the researchers advocate for additional empirical study to improve awareness of the concerns and obstacles affecting women with disabilities and disability rights.

Since the early 1960s, the mandates of agricultural researchers have been rooted in a "neo-Malthusian" theory of "demographic transition". Population increase in rural South Asia, in particular, had by 1960--63 reached the point where food supply per person could no longer be maintained simply by increases in cultivated area. Food supply was therefore to be raised through higher-yielding varieties of staples. Such HWs were to increase food availability enough to keep ahead of population increase. Extra food availability per person was supposed to reduce population-induced risks of undernutrition and famine, creating a "breathing space" while general socioeconomic development brought about lower fertility. HYV s have raised food output substantially in many parts of Asia and Latin America, and many advocate HYVs as the main approach to agricultural development in Africa. Surely, many poor people's lives have been saved by the extra employment income, and perhaps by the cheaper food, generated by HYVs. Yet the incidence of poverty in South Asia has probably not changed much since 1960, and the underpinnings of the original HYV strategy have been largely discredited.

Background Human migration is a worldwide phenomenon that receives considerable attention from the media and healthcare authorities alike. A significant proportion of children seen at public sector health facilities in South Africa (SA) are immigrants, and gaps have previously been noted in their healthcare provision. The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and differences between the immigrant and SA children admitted to Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital (KPTH), a large public sector hospital in the urban Gauteng Province of SA. Methods and findings A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period during 2016 to 2017. Information was obtained through a structured questionnaire and health record review. The enrolled study participants included 508 children divided into 2 groups, namely 271 general paediatric patients and 237 neonates. Twenty-five percent of children in the neonatal group and 22.5% in the general paediatric group were immigrants. The parents/caregivers of the immigrant group had a lower educational level (p < 0.0001 neonatal and paediatric), lower income (neonatal p < 0.001; paediatric p = 0.024), difficulty communicating in English (p < 0.001 neonatal and paediatric), and were more likely residing in informal settlements (neonatal p = 0.001; paediatric p = 0.007) compared to the SA group. In the neonatal group, there was no difference in the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, type of delivery, gestational age, and birth weight. In the general paediatric group, there was no difference in immunisation and vitamin A supplementation coverage, but when comparing growth, the immigrant group had more malnutrition compared to the SA group (p = 0.029 for wasting). There was no difference in the prevalence of maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with equally good prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) coverage. There was also no difference in reported difficulties by immigrants in terms of access to healthcare (neonatal p = 0.379; paediatric p = 0.246), although a large proportion (10%) of the neonates of immigrant mothers were born outside a medical facility. Conclusions Although there were health-related differences between immigrant and SA children accessing in-hospital care, these were fewer than expected. Differences were found in parental educational level and socioeconomic factors, but these did not significantly affect ANC attendance, delivery outcomes, immunisation coverage, HIV prevalence, or PMTCT coverage. The immigrant population should be viewed as a high-risk group, with potential problems including suboptimal child growth. Health workers should advocate for all children in the community they are serving and promote tolerance, respect, and equal healthcare access.

The paper presents the existence of a conflict between local ownership and the introduction of gender equality in situations of post-conflict peace-building under the control of international actors, mostly UN peacekeeping forces. The authors present the essential meanings of the term ?local ownership? and understanding of its importance for the success of peacekeeping missions and reforms of the security sector in post-conflict societies in achieveing lasting peace. Local civil or military leaders can actually consider that gender equality is not needed in their culture, and that the participation of women in the security sector is not socio-culturally acceptable. That is why various international actors may be reluctant to advocate for gender equality, considering it as an imposition of foreign cultural values that could potentially destabilize the security sector reform process. The paper presents examples of Sahel region, South Sudan, South Africa, East Timor and Sri Lanka, ilustrating that women and men have different experiences of conflict, and that women in conflict and post-conflict situations are especially vulnerable to sexual and other forms of gender-based violence. Therefore, women?s active participation in peace-building and ending violence and conflicts is essential for peace, security and general cessation of further victimization of women. Supporting the existing power relations characterized by structural gender inequality and violence diminish the value of security sector reform. Moreover, the process of peace-building is destabilized by maintaining permanent sources of victimization of women, discrimination and easy outbreak of armed conflict. This might result in the poorly reformed security sector, which only fits the needs of male local dominant groups and protects their interests, leaving majority of women still in a situation of high risk from various forms of victimization.

The international recognition of the critical importance of the early childhood phase has been firmly established through decades of rigorous research, evidence-based practices, and undeniable evidence of the returns on investment made during this formative period. Consequently, early childhood development has emerged as a top priority on both national and international agendas. This momentum reached a pinnacle in 2015 with the unanimous adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations, which placed a particular emphasis on children under the age of five within the education-focused SDG 4, notably target 4.2, centered on ensuring that all girls and boys are ready for primary education through the provision of accessible “quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education”. However, the Global South reflects the glaring omission of addressing the needs of children at risk of poor development due to disabilities. This paper underscores the imperative for specialized early childhood intervention tailored to young children with disabilities and their families, commencing as early as possible following birth. It advocates for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) as a service distinct from general Early Childhood Development (ECD), emphasizing the crucial role of families as active partners from the outset. Furthermore, the paper strengthens the case for Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention (Fc-ECI) through the integration of evidence-based practices and an in-depth description of one such program in South Africa with specific reference to deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and their families. This model will be guided by core concepts outlined in WHO and UNICEF Early Childhood Intervention frameworks. Through this exploration, the paper aims to shed light on the urgent need for inclusive approaches to early childhood development, particularly for children with disabilities, and to advocate for the adoption of Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention as a cornerstone of global efforts to ensure the holistic well-being and development of all children.

This issue contains various contributions on the themes of traditional African culture, the law relating to children and juveniles, the state's social responsibilities, labour law and one on legal education.In August 2011 Advocate Joyce Maluleke, Director in the Gender Directorate of the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development addressed the Annual General Conference of the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges held in Potchefstroom on the dangers of harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriages, virginity testing, widow's rituals, levirate and sororate unions, female genital mutilation, breast sweeping/ironing, the primogeniture rule, practices such as 'cleansing' after male circumcision, and witch-hunting. Although she considers respect for tradition, culture and customs to be part of the South African identity, she argues that cultural practices should be rooted in respect for human rights, democracy and equality. We publish her paper here as an oratio.

Disseminated Acanthamoeba species infection is likely an underrecognized and underdiagnosed opportunistic infection in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in South Africa. It presents a unique clinical challenge in that the diagnosis can be difficult to establish and management options are limited in low-resource settings. To our knowledge, there is a paucity of literature to date on the successful use of combination treatment options for patients in low-resource settings without access to miltefosine. We present a case describing the clinical improvement of disseminated Acanthamoeba infection in a patient with advanced HIV using a non-miltefosine-based treatment regimen. The case serves to highlight that Acanthamoeba sp. infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for nodular and ulcerative cutaneous lesions in patients with advanced HIV in South Africa, and that although there are alternative options for combination treatment in countries without access to miltefosine, efforts should be made to advocate for better access to miltefosine for the treatment of acanthamoebiasis in South Africa.

Background: Occupational Therapy is among the top interventions for autistic children, hence the need for equitable and effective services in the public and private health and education sectors. Ongoing research into the therapies for autism spectrum disorders in different contexts is also required. Objectives: To explore and describe occupational therapists’ assessment and intervention for autistic children in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews to gather data from purposively recruited OTs (n=20). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically, and compared across three sectors public health, special needs schools and private practice. Results: South African practice across all three sectors was similar to international patterns of informal play-based assessment, sensory processing and Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®) treatment. Developmental frameworks guided specific approaches. Strong team collaboration was present across sectors, with some transdisciplinary teamwork and co-treatment. Undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities were, however limited. Conclusions: Occupational therapy assessments had diagnostic value. Informal tools such as developmental checklists were found to have clinical utility, whilst standardised tools were most commonly used to assess sensory processing and visual perception. Recommendations included incorporating ASI® into undergraduate curricula and postgraduate training opportunities with multidisciplinary input to develop ASD professionals in South Africa. It is imperative to advocate for services in under-resourced rural areas and marginalised communities that lack financial and social resources. Occupational therapists need to find new ways of working collaboratively across sectors to ensure effective and comprehensive services in public health and special schools. Keywords: Occupational therapy; occupational therapy assessment; occupational therapy intervention; autism spectrum disorder; autistic children; South African practice.

The Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) had many opponents when, in 1995, it came up for extension. The majority of parties opposed extension, and experts expected a limited extension as countries sought alternative means to manage nuclear weapons. But against all predictions, the treaty was extended indefinitely, and without a vote. Networked Nonproliferation offers a social network theory explanation of how the NPT was extended, giving new insight into why international treaties succeed or fail. The United States was the NPT's main proponent, but even a global superpower cannot get its way through coercion or persuasion alone. Michal Onderco draws on unique in-depth interviews and newly declassified documents to analyze the networked power at play. Onderco not only gives the richest account yet of the conference, looking at key actors like South Africa, Egypt, and the EU, but also challenges us to reconsider how we think about American power in international relations. With Networked Nonproliferation, Onderco provides new insight into multilateral diplomacy in general and nuclear nonproliferation in particular, with consequences for understanding a changing global system as the US, the chief advocate of nonproliferation and a central node in the diplomatic networks around it, declines in material power.