Every year on March 21st, South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day to honor the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy and to reflect on progress made in promoting and protecting human rights.

The day marks a pivotal moment in South African history – the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 protesters were killed by apartheid police while demonstrating against pass laws. This tragic event exposed the apartheid government’s blatant disregard for human rights, sparking international condemnation.

Today, we celebrate the democratic government’s declaration of March 21st as Human Rights Day, paying tribute to those who fought tirelessly for our liberation and the rights we enjoy today.

Our Constitution, hailed as one of the most progressive in the world, enshrines the Bill of Rights, which protects our fundamental human rights. These rights include:

– Equality: equal treatment and protection under the law
– Human dignity: respect and protection for every individual’s inherent dignity
– Freedom of movement and residence: the right to live and travel freely
– Language and culture: the freedom to express oneself in the language and culture of one’s choice
– Life: the right to life

Throughout Human Rights Month, the government will host various activities to promote a culture of human rights and encourage all South Africans to work together to uphold these fundamental rights.

As we commemorate Human Rights Day, we acknowledge that these rights come with responsibilities. We must all strive to build a society that respects the rule of law and promotes a culture of human rights in our daily lives – at work, in our communities, schools, and homes.

Together, let us preserve and strengthen our human rights record for future generations.