South Africa’s Constitution provides many rights for all in South Africa but many people in the country don't know the rights to which they are entitled and therefore don't have the knowledge of how they can protect their rights and empower themselves. Take a look at this fabulous new guide and resource.

CoRMSA, (Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa) has produced an exhaustively researched and easy to use manual that serves as a guide for South Africans and non-South Africans on how to get help where rights have been ignored or violated, how to access justice and, in general, how to ensure that government officials are accountable to the duties they are supposed to perform. It is intended to be a simplified step-by-step guide to the various institutions and mechanisms that exist, which assist in pursuing your rights and ensuring fair actions from public and private entities.

CoRMSA is an organisation with a mandate that focuses on the treatment of non-South Africans in the country. In order to ensure that everyone in South Africa is aware of their rights, this Guide focuses on the rights of all in the country with specific sections for non-South Africans where rights may differ. If we are to build a country where our rights are respected, then we must all help protect the rights of all in the country. That means ensuring the labour rights of all are protected, that the police protect everyone equally, that no one is a victim of domestic violence, and other such abuses. If we let some people be abused because of their nationality or immigration status, we weaken the structures designed to protect us all and everyone, including South Africans, will suffer. For this reason, it is important that we all are aware of our rights and act to help our neighbours protect their rights too so that together we act to address the abuse of rights in our country.

The information in this guide was obtained and compiled from existing literature, from content available on the websites of the institutions covered and from non-governmental organizations, and from discussions with relevant officials. If you have any comments, please contact CoRMSA at 011 403 7560 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .