South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day on 21 March to remember sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.
South Africans worked tirelessly for the transformation of our country to an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law.
The massacres in Sharpeville and Langa continue to serve as a historical reminder to all of us to make effort towards protecting human rights and human dignity.
Human Rights are expressly protected in the Bill of Rights, which is part of the country's Constitution.
Human Rights Day was formally established by the United Nations in 1950, with the General Assembly inviting all member states to celebrate the day as they saw fit.
President Jacob Zuma delivered a keynote address at the commemoration to reinforce government’s commitment to protect and promote human rights as enshrined in our constitution. The event was celebrated at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown Soweto.
Government on Human Rights Day
- President Jacob Zuma: Human Rights Day celebrations
- Minister Jeff Radebe: Human Rights Day celebrations
- Premier Nomvula Mokonyane: Human Rights Celebration
- Premier Noxolo Kiviet: Human Rights Day celebration
- Premier Zweli Mkhize on Human Rights Day celebrations
- Premier Hellen Zille receives memorandum from disability group ahead of human rights day
- Acting Premier Grizelda Cjiekella: Human Rights Day celebrations
- Minister Fikile Mbalula: Human Rights Day celebrations
- Public Protector Thuli Madonsela commemorates Human Rights Day
- Key messages
Related links
- Human Rights Day poster
- The South African Human Rights Commission
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
