Pro Bono & Human Rights Law Services
Our practice offers a range of free legal services to individuals, non-profit organisations and other entities engaged in human rights or public interest work. These services include:
- Advice and litigation services for vulnerable individuals.
- Public interest litigation.
- Education on the South African legal system.
- Constitutional law.
- Refugee law.
For any pro bono enquiries email us on CDHProBonoEnquiries@cdhlegal.com
One of the ways CDH demonstrates our commitment to the transformation of our society is through our dedicated Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice. We provide pro bono representation of the highest standard to deserving individuals, communities, NGOs, and other organisations that promote human rights or the public interest.
This video highlights some of the cases and initiatives we have chosen to focus on in our newsletter which reflects some of the best of our year’s work. We hope you enjoy reflecting on our 2023 journey as much as we enjoyed doing it.
Click here to read more in our newsletter.
Pro Bono & Human Rights Law Brochures
Pro Bono & Humans Rights Newsletter
Services
Pro Bono & Human Rights Law Services
Our practice offers a range of free legal services to individuals, non-profit organisations and other entities engaged in human rights or public interest work. These services include:
- Advice and litigation services for vulnerable individuals.
- Public interest litigation.
- Education on the South African legal system.
- Constitutional law.
- Refugee law.
For any pro bono enquiries email us on CDHProBonoEnquiries@cdhlegal.com
Video
One of the ways CDH demonstrates our commitment to the transformation of our society is through our dedicated Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice. We provide pro bono representation of the highest standard to deserving individuals, communities, NGOs, and other organisations that promote human rights or the public interest.
This video highlights some of the cases and initiatives we have chosen to focus on in our newsletter which reflects some of the best of our year’s work. We hope you enjoy reflecting on our 2023 journey as much as we enjoyed doing it.
Click here to read more in our newsletter.
Brochures
Pro Bono & Human Rights Law Brochures
Guidelines
Newsletters
Pro Bono & Humans Rights Newsletter
Pro Bono & Human Rights Lawyers
Our team has specialist expertise in the fields of constitutional and public law, migrant rights, access to information and a growing specialty in women’s rights.
Our Pro Bono & Human Rights LawyersPRACTICE HEAD
Pro Bono & Human Rights News
More newsReflecting on Freedom Day: Are our children free?
South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on 27 April each year, honouring the date of our first democratic elections in 1994. However, more than 30 years later, there is no doubt that freedom is not equally enjoyed by all.
Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe
We celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 and to signify the nation’s unanimous commitment to protecting and upholding the rights contained in the Bill of Rights. On 27 April, we celebrate Freedom Day to commemorate our first post-apartheid elections and to celebrate our constitutional dispensation. Yet, despite these objectives, there are members of our society who face more obstacles than others in the enjoyment of their rights.
The right to belong: Judicial victory for stateless children
Citizenship in South Africa has long been a complex and evolving legal issue, particularly concerning children born to foreign nationals. The recent Gauteng High Court ruling in M.M.E and Others v Director General, Department of Home Affairs and Another (21970/2021) ZAGPPHC 202 (12 March 2025) represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the constitutional rights of children.
Market recognition
- Chambers Global 2021–2024 ranked our Administrative & Public Law team in Band 3.
- In 2020 and 2021 the Practice won Best Large Firm Award at the annual ProBono.Org awards.
- In 2017, our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice won the Refugee Law Award at the annual ProBono.Org awards. The Practice also received a certificate in recognition of its contribution to the production of a Judicial Review Guide for Refugees as part of ProBono.Org’s launch of its Practitioners Guides to Refugee Law Project.
- In 2017, CDH won a Law Society Award for its outstanding pro bono contribution.
- In 2015, our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice was shortlisted for the award for the most impactful case at the 2015 ProBono.Org awards for its contribution to the SAHA/R2K National Key Points matter.
- In 2012, CDH was awarded the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Cheetah Award in recognition of its special contribution to achieving the vision of EWT.
Market recognition
- Chambers Global 2021–2024 ranked our Administrative & Public Law team in Band 3.
- In 2020 and 2021 the Practice won Best Large Firm Award at the annual ProBono.Org awards.
- In 2017, our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice won the Refugee Law Award at the annual ProBono.Org awards. The Practice also received a certificate in recognition of its contribution to the production of a Judicial Review Guide for Refugees as part of ProBono.Org’s launch of its Practitioners Guides to Refugee Law Project.
- In 2017, CDH won a Law Society Award for its outstanding pro bono contribution.
- In 2015, our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice was shortlisted for the award for the most impactful case at the 2015 ProBono.Org awards for its contribution to the SAHA/R2K National Key Points matter.
- In 2012, CDH was awarded the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Cheetah Award in recognition of its special contribution to achieving the vision of EWT.
Happy Clients
“They have the ability to manage all our matters and take care in providing the best legal assistance to tend to the complexity of the matters.”
Chambers Global 2025
"They have the ability to manage all our matters and take care in providing the best legal assistance to tend to the complexity of the matters.”
Chambers Global 2025
"Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr provides effective communication and prompt responses.”
Chambers Global 2025