1008618907__20260502__0 South Africa has been flagged in the 2026 Global Rights Index as one of the countries where attacks on workers have increased.
South Africa has been identified as one of the countries where attacks against workers have increased, according to the 2026 Global Rights Index released by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
The annual report, which assesses workers' rights protections in 151 countries, placed South Africa in a category reserved for nations where governments or employers regularly interfere with collective labour rights.
Compiled using 97 indicators based on International Labour Organisation conventions and jurisprudence, the index paints a concerning picture of the global state of workers' rights, with violence, arrests and restrictions on labour organising continuing to rise.
According to the report, workers experienced violence in 32% of countries during 2026, up from 26% the previous year. South Africa was listed among countries where attacks on workers increased, alongside India, Palestine and Ukraine.
