1 to 31 March 2016
Human Rights Month is commemorated in March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. Human Rights Day on 21 March falls within this period. President Jacob Zuma will give a key note address at the Human Rights Day celebrations which will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The 1960s were characterised by systematic defiance and protest against apartheid and racism across the country. On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships, like their fellow compatriots across the country, embarked on a protest march to protest against pass laws. The apartheid police shot and killed 69 of the protesters at Sharpeville, many of them shot while fleeing. Many other people were killed in other parts of the country. The tragedy came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre and it exposed the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights to the world.
This year’s commemoration takes place under the theme: “SA UNITED AGAINST RACISM”. This year’s focus was largely informed by incidents of racism that have been on front pages of many newspapers since the beginning of the year. The month therefore is an opportunity for all South Africans to improve their understanding on what constitutes racism and to have a constructive dialogue on how to address it.
This year’s commemoration also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the final draft of the Constitution into law that took place in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996. The Constitution laid the foundation for our democracy and provisions of the Constitution of the Republic are based on the Freedom Charter which states that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
The democratic government declared 21 March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for our liberation and the rights we enjoy today.
Our Constitution is hailed as one of the most progressive in the world. The Constitution is the ultimate protector of our Human Rights, which were previously denied to the majority of our people under Apartheid. We commemorate Human Rights Day to reinforce our commitment to the Bill of Rights as enshrined in our 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 have 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.
Whether we are at the work place, within communities, at schools, or with our partners and children, we all need to demonstrate the kind of responsibility that we would like to see in our country’s future.
Follow the conversation on social media: #notinmyname
Speeches and statements
- President Jacob Zuma delivers national message on Human Rights Day, 21 Mar, 15 Mar
- Deputy Minister Andries Nel: Human Rights Day, 15 Mar
- Limpopo Government commemorates Human Rights Day, 21 Mar, 15 Mar
- Arts and Culture on 2016 Human Rights Day, 14 Mar
- Basic Education joins anti-racism campaign, 13 Mar
