On March 21st, South Africans celebrate Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for our liberation and made sacrifices to attain democracy in South Africa so that we can freely enjoy and exercise our rights as we do today.
This year we celebrate this special day under the theme “The year of unity, socio-economic renewal and nation-building.”
On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships embarked on a protest march against the pass laws. Many were brutally shot and killed.
Today our human rights are protected by the Constitution. Some of these rights include the right to life, dignity and equality; the right to privacy, freedom of religion, belief and opinion; the right to freedom of expression and the right to fair labour practices.
This Human Rights Day we are reminded of the importance of our rights to freedom and equality. While for many of us, at this time, our personal freedom is being limited in the name of social responsibility, so we are reminded of the power of the collective to bring about change. And so while we remember the sacrifices that were made to ensure our democracy in South Africa, so we understand the need to make sacrifices for our own future and for each other.
We encourage all South Africans to know their rights! And to act in ways that respect the rights of others.
Click on the link below to view more rights:
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