March is a significant month for South Africans, as it commemorates our human rights. The month serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy in our country, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Adrienne Bredeveldt.
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One of the highlights of this time of year is Human Rights Day, which is celebrated on 21 March.
On 21 March 1960, the residents of Sharpeville and Langa townships, along with fellow compatriots in the country, marched in protest of the pass laws. The apartheid police opened fire on the peaceful protestors, killing 69 of them. Many protestors were shot and killed while fleeing and many more lost their lives in other regions.
This tragic event, known as the Sharpeville Massacre, revealed to the world the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights‘. It highlights the importance of continuing to promote and protect human rights for generations to come, especially in light of past atrocities such as the Sharpeville Massacre. We honour the sacrifice of those who fought for the liberation and freedoms we enjoy today, enshrined in our Constitution.
As we celebrate Human Rights Day, we are reminded of our rights set down in the Constitution.
These rights include:
- Equality – everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
- Human dignity – everyone has inherent dignity and has their dignity respected and protected.
- Freedom of movement and residence – everyone has a right to freedom of movement and to reside anywhere in the country.
- Language and culture – everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice.
- Life – everyone has the right to life.
Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the Bill of Rights and the protection of these rights.
The day is an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and equality in South Africa. It’s also a call to all South Africans to strive for inclusive socio-economic development while combating racism, xenophobia, gender-based violence and femicide, all of which undermine our human rights.
As we observe Human Rights Month, let us pause to consider the progress made and the work that remains to be done in creating a society in which everyone’s human rights are respected and protected.
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