March 21 is a significant day in the national calendar of the history of our country. It is a day on which all of us must be reminded on a continuous basis, of the selfless sacrifices made by heroes and heroines of our country in pursuit of human dignity for all. Next week Monday, we shall honor the sons and daughters of our motherland for their monumental contribution in building a foundation for a rights based, democratic and a just society.
Post apartheid South Africa is a dispensation of both democratic and constitutional order. In line with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which we are a signatory, our dispensation provides for constitutionally guaranteed human rights. Even more, human dignity is one of our constitutional values which must find express in how we relate to one another as ordinary South African and in how the government relates to its citizens.
The adoption of our constitution in 1996 was a significant milestone in this regard. Our constitution is internationally revered and is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world. We have made strides towards the fulfillment of our obligation in the area of protection and promotion of human rights and human dignity. We have a clear program of promoting human dignity through the creation of economic opportunities and the provision of social services.
In addition, there is also recourse for those whose feel that their rights have been violated. Our magistrates courts have a jurisdiction on discrimination related matters, especially having designated all magistrates’ courts as Equality Courts. Among other things, these courts adjudicate on discrimination cases involving racism and disability and services provided at those courts are free of charge.
Institutionally, our constitution makes provision for the existence of Chapter 9 institutions. These institutions, whose key mandate is to support constitutional democracy, play an important role in our lives as they provide for a system of checks and balances on the conduct of government. These institutions include the Human Rights Commission and the offices of the Public Protector and the Auditor-General. Government calls on all South African to respect the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of these institutions.
With regards to our international obligations, we will proceed with the process of implementing the National Human Rights Action Plan and be able to table a report accordingly to the United Nations. We have already finalised a draft national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances.
This brings me to this year’s commemoration of the Human Rights day. Our theme for this year is “working together to protect human dignity for all” as a call on all South Africans to unite in the protection of human rights for people’s dignity.
The commemoration event will take place here in Cape Town at Athlone Stadium on 21 March 2011 starting at 09h30. It will be attended by representatives from other branches of State and delegates from all political parties that have representation in Parliament. The Chapter 9 institutions and non-governmental organisations have also been invited to attend. The President Jacob Zuma will deliver the keynote address.
Government will use this day to take stock on progress made in creating a climate conducive for the realisation of human dignity. We will also devote time and reflect on challenges that lie ahead and will share government’s vision with the nation of how these challenges must be overcome through many ways that include partnerships with civil society, institutions of traditional leadership and business.
Notably, this year’s commemoration coincides with the centenary of the international Women’s Day which was celebrated on 8 March to raise awareness of various incidents of prejudice and/or abuse leveled against women and consequently amounting to violation of their rights as women rights are human rights. Government calls on everybody to observe and promote women’s rights as women’s rights are also human rights.
The Minister of Basic Education will use the commemoration event to also hand over a torch of peace to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, which is a symbol of commitment to the protection of human rights.
Your presence to this event will ensure that the media fraternity also plays its part in spreading the word for the protection of human dignity and the role that South Africa has played in protecting human rights.
Enquiries:
Mr Tlali Tlali
Spokesperson
Cell: 082 3333 880
E-mail: ttlali@justice.gov.za
Source: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
