Build One South Africa is calling for the National Register of Sex Offenders to be made available to the public in efforts to tackle the high rate of violence against women and children. Picture: Tony Karumba / AFP
Build One South Africa’s (Bosa) petition to make the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) public has now reached over 12 000 signatures.
The party is currently on a bid to publicise the Sex Offenders List in order to fight the prevalence of physical and sexual targeting women and children.
Bosa acting spokesperson Roger Solomons said the party is petitioning the Ministers of Police and Justice to publish the NRSO for public access.
He said the list being available for public access would be a significant step towards deterring sex offenders from terrorising marginalised groups, while ensuring potential GBV perpetrators are held accountable.
“During this 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, we call on all concerned citizens to sign this petition. Making the NRSO publicly available will serve as a critical tool in holding offenders accountable and protecting potential victims.
“We believe that the ease of access to such information is crucial to the security and well-being of our communities, particularly the most vulnerable among us,” said Solomons.
Solomons mentioned publishing the list advocates for transparency– the public would be made aware of offenders.
He said there are currently hurdles to access the NRSO.
“Increased transparency in this area will also promote community vigilance, aiding in the fight against sexual abuse and gender-based violence.
“The current protocol to access the Register is a time-consuming process that requires paying a fee of R150 and a waiting period of minimum six weeks. This practice discourages transparency and inhibits the naming and shaming of sexual offenders - a necessary step towards accountability,” said Solomons.
He further urged the public to sign the petition and join the fight to make the Sex Offenders List accessible in the public domain to combat violence and femicide against women and children.
“We encourage everyone who values truth, justice, and community safety to raise their voice and sign this petition. Let's demand public and easy access to the NRSO.”
The public can access the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/demand-speedy-public-access-to-the-national-register-of-sexual-offenders-in-south-africa?recruiter=1085702582&recruited_by_id=b44c34a0-8e37-11ea-bd13-c320e0bab966&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=whatsapp
The Star
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