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This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the infrastructure investment gap in Africa, detailing the financial shortfalls, the role of continental frameworks like PIDA, and the challenges of mobilising both domestic and private capital to support sustainable growth.

This research paper by Cheryl Frank for the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the role of South Africa's Departments of Education, Health, and Social Development in social crime prevention. It identifies a systemic over-reliance on law enforcement and a failure to leverage social services—such as early childhood development and offender reintegration—due to budget constraints, skill shortages, and a lack of clear conceptual understanding of social crime prevention within government.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies assesses the nuclear security environment in Africa, examining the risks of nuclear material diversion, the status of international and regional security regimes, and the implications of the continent's emerging nuclear energy programs.

This report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies and funded by the Canadian Government, provides the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) with a survey of peacekeeping training efforts across nine African countries. It identifies a critical lack of common doctrine and standardised training, recommending that the OAU establish a Pan-African policy and a dedicated civilian-military advisory capacity to coordinate peace support operations.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the socio-economic challenges facing demobilised military personnel in South Africa, specifically those from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It combines a survey of former combatants with comparative case studies from Uganda, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and El Salvador to argue that successful reintegration depends on long-term economic stability and marketable skills rather than short-term cash gratuities. The document highlights a pattern of unemployment and social instability among South African veterans and provides recommendations for a future 'rationalisation' process to avoid repeating past failures.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the operational challenges facing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ for Politics, Defence and Security (OPDS). It analyzes the Organ's evolution since its 1996 creation, focusing on the tension between state sovereignty and regional collaboration, the impact of socio-economic crises like HIV/AIDS on security forces, and the limited administrative capacity of the SADC Secretariat. The authors argue that while the region possesses strong political solidarity and a comprehensive security architecture, its efficacy is hindered by financial constraints and a precarious international environment.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the Implementation of the Geneva Conventions Act, 2012 (Act 8 of 2012) in South Africa. The author examines how the Act domesticates the Geneva Conventions and their Protocols, introduces the doctrine of command responsibility, and creates a legal pathway to prosecute war crimes committed prior to 2002, including those during the apartheid era.

Natural Justice provides comments on the draft National Petroleum Policy 2026, arguing that its objective to promote petroleum exploration and production contradicts Kenya's goals for a just energy transition and decarbonization. The organization urges the government to prioritize renewable energy alternatives and phase out fossil fuels rather than integrating oil and gas into the economy.

This executive summary reports on a 2024 study commissioned by Natural Justice to assess the state of the Climate Justice Movement (CJM) in Kenya. The study involved 404 survey responses, 19 key informant interviews, and 12 focus group discussions across six regional economic blocs. It finds that while the CJM has a strong grassroots presence and has influenced national and county policies, it is currently hindered by internal fragmentation, leadership disputes, and limited funding. The document outlines the movement's composition, its role in monitoring government climate finance, and the legal frameworks—such as the Climate Change Act of 2016—that govern climate action in Kenya.

This report by Natural Justice and the ABS Capacity Development Initiative provides lessons and case studies on the development of community protocols in Africa to facilitate Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge (aTK) under the Nagoya Protocol.

This report by Natural Justice and Kalpavriksh analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks affecting Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ conserved territories and areas (ICCAs). It identifies systemic threats to these areas, including a lack of legal recognition for customary land rights and the imposition of exclusionary conservation models. While noting positive developments in international law and specific national initiatives, the report argues that state institutions often continue to undermine ICCAs through discriminatory legislation and inaccessible judicial systems. It provides comprehensive recommendations for governments and international bodies to recognize the self-determination of Indigenous peoples and support the integrity of ICCAs through both legal reform and non-legal support mechanisms.

This briefing by Natural Justice analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks affecting Territories and Areas of Conservation by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (TICCAs). It examines the gap between international human rights standards and national implementation, highlighting how fragmented laws and a lack of recognition for customary land rights undermine the ability of Indigenous and local communities to maintain the ecological integrity of their territories.

This report analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks for protecting traditional knowledge (TK) in Mozambique, focusing on biodiversity, cultural heritage, and traditional medicine. It identifies a significant gap between high-level policy commitments and functional regulatory frameworks, noting that while Mozambique has ratified international agreements like the Nagoya Protocol, it lacks specific, operational laws to prevent the misappropriation of TK. The document highlights ongoing efforts to revise the 2007 Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) regulation and the potential for using geographical indications and academic partnerships to safeguard community knowledge.

A statement from Natural Justice providing comments and recommendations on the Kilifi County Solid Waste Management Bill, 2019, focusing on administrative oversight, environmental licensing, and penalty structures.

Natural Justice submitted a series of proposed amendments to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regarding the review of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations, 2007. The submissions focus on increasing transparency, strengthening enforcement through monetary penalties and deposit bonds, and aligning national lists of ozone-depleting substances with international standards set by the Montreal Protocol and the Vienna Convention.

Natural Justice Kenya submitted a series of proposed amendments to the State Department for Wildlife regarding the review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013. The submission advocates for a human-rights-based approach to conservation, increased public participation, and the formal recognition of community rights and traditional knowledge in the management of wildlife and protected areas.

This guide provides an introduction to the social and environmental safeguards and standards associated with REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). It details the frameworks established by the UNFCCC and other international bodies, such as UN-REDD and the World Bank, to mitigate risks to forest-dependent communities and Indigenous peoples while enhancing the social and environmental benefits of carbon-focused forest conservation.

This document is a commentary by Natural Justice regarding the 'South Africa’s Oceans Economy Master Plan to 2035 Draft 3 v1'. The submission criticizes the Masterplan for failing to align with international climate obligations, neglecting marine biodiversity, and lacking meaningful consultation with coastal and indigenous communities. Natural Justice argues that the plan prioritizes economic growth and carbon-intensive industries, such as offshore oil and gas exploration, over environmental sustainability and the rights of small-scale fishers.

This document contains written comments and proposed amendments submitted by the Biodiversity Law Centre and Natural Justice regarding a Draft White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in South Africa. The stakeholders generally support the White Paper's paradigm shift toward transformation and an Afrocentric approach but argue that it lacks critical definitions, detailed implementation plans for funding and cooperative governance, and a sufficiently integrated approach to climate change.

This report by the Public Affairs Research Institute examines land governance within the Ekurhuleni Municipality, detailing the legislative frameworks, institutional roles, and the systemic challenges associated with land acquisition and the management of informal settlements. It highlights the tension between municipal mandates and the realities of land invasions, environmental constraints like dolomitic land, and the role of civil society in mediating between the state and marginalized residents.