UNAMID
The South African Human Rights Commission in the Eastern Cape started an inquiry into complaints of severe malnutrition amongst children in the province.
The Inquiry started on Monday in East London and will run through to Thursday.
SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter, said they have received complaints, coupled with various media reports, “pertaining to the death of children due to Severe Acute Malnutrition caused by hunger.”
“Studies and statistics further indicate that many children in the province live in abject poverty and as a result are malnourished,” she said.
Carter said as a result of this, and in line with its mandate, the Commission will be hosting a Provincial Inquiry into the Right to Food and Child Malnutrition.
“Stakeholders to provide evidence under oath include the Department of Social Development, Treasury, the Auditor General, as well as the Health and Education departments within the province,” Dr Carter said.
She said UNICEF, Statistic South Africa, Accountability Now, the Children’s Institute as well as several other stakeholders have confirmed their attendance to appear before the Commission.
