Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) supported by Praekelt Foundation and the US-based Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration are preparing to launch a new, first-of-its-kind, mobile information service for non-nationals living in South Africa called Help@hand.
The ongoing xenophobia against non-nationals living in South Africa is a huge concern to LHR, such that they continue to provide free legal services to vulnerable and marginalised groups affected by xenophobia. In doing so, they work with both non-national and South African groups who are victims of not only xenophobia but also unlawful violations of their constitutional rights.
Help@hand is a new, important and necessary mobile information service. Which will provide non-nationals with a way to stay informed about their legal rights in South Africa and also provide a platform to report any issues they may be facing.
Help@hand will provide non-nationals with information on permits, health, education and unlawful arrest. It also will allow users to report corruption, xenophobia and unlawful arrest. Help@hand is accessible from all feature phones, is available in four different languages (English, Kiswahili, Somali and French) and is a low-cost service. While Help@hand is not an emergency service, it is an easy and convenient way for non-nationals to access information and report violations regarding their legal rights in this country.
The mobile service will be launched will in Johannesburg on Thursday 5 May 2016 at 95 Frere Road, Bezuidenhout Valley, Johannesburg
