"Apartheid victims turn to US court"

A lawyer acting for self-proclaimed victims of apartheid abuses will file papers with a United States court on Tuesday to dismiss a motion before it to throw out their case against a list of multinational companies.

US attorney Michael Hausfeld is representing about 32 000 South Africans affiliated to Jubilee 2000's apartheid debt and reparations campaign and the Khulumani Support Group.

Hausfeld told reporters in Johannesburg on Monday that his clients' case has been considerably strengthened by a judgement last week in the US Supreme Court.

"The ruling has opened the door for victims of human rights violations around the world seeking redress under the Alien Tort Claims Act. It has provided a climate of hope for the survivors of gross human rights violations during the apartheid era," Hausfeld said.

Hausfeld is suing 22 international banks and corporations that supported the pre-1994 political order in violation of international conventions for reparations.
Full Article : mg.co.za