This year South Africa will observe Human Rights Day, 21 March, under the theme, “Working together to protect human dignity for all”, as a way of calling on all South Africans to unite in the protection of human rights for people’s dignity. Focus is rightly on human rights whilst emphasis is on human dignity for all.
The month of March has been designated as Human Rights Month in honour and commemoration of those heroes and heroines who laid a monumental foundation during the liberation struggle for a rights-based, democratic and a just society. Many paid the ultimate price as they lost their lives when they were brutalised by the apartheid government.
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.
The main national event on Human Rights Day will be held at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Monday, 21 March 2011.
Invitations have been extended to representatives from the three spheres of government and all political parties which have representation in Parliament as well as Chapter 9 Institutions and non-governmental organisations.
The Minister of Basic Education will hand over a torch of peace to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. This torch is a symbol of government’s and the country’s commitment towards the protection of human rights.
This year’s commemoration coincides with the centenary of International Women’s Day which is celebrated on 8 March.
Enquiries:
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 3333 880
E-mail: ttlali@justice.gov.za
