The Center for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) was founded in 1978 as a legal research unit within Wits University. It promotes human rights and challenges systems of power in South Africa and the region. It does so by undertaking research, advocacy, and strategic litigation organized according to five intersecting programs: Business & Human Rights; Civil & Political Justice; Environmental Justice; Gender Justice and Home, Land & Rural Democracy.
Mission
To promote human rights by undertaking research, advocacy, and strategic litigation organized according to five intersecting programs: Business & Human Rights; Civil & Political Justice; Environmental Justice; Gender Justice and Home, Land & Rural Democracy.
Our work in development finance
CALS ensures that financial institutions abide by principles that advance human rights in the operations. CALS’s aims to ensure that IFIs provide funding only to projects that do not hamper the realisation of human rights, and to advocate for the remedying of violations where they occur.
Geographic Focus
Africa
Stay in Touch