SA Human Rights Day
SA Human Rights Day
SA Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the country on 21 March every year. Human Rights Day is a national day that is commemorated to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.
Why do we celebrate Human Rights Day?
It commemorates one of the two darkest days in the history of apartheid: the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, and June 16th 1976, the day that started as a protest by schoolchildren in Soweto against being taught in Afrikaans, which they regarded as the language of the oppressor, and ended in an even bloodier massacre in which at least 176 and possibly several hundred children were killed by the police. June 16th is also celebrated today as Youth Day.
Is Human Rights Day a public holiday in South Africa?
Human Rights Day is a national holiday in South Africa that is always celebrated on March 21st.
How is Human Rights celebrated in South Africa?
Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March annually in the form of a virtual event. The history of Human Rights Day is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on 21 March 1960, where the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest.
4 ways to celebrate Human Rights Day in South Africa
- Visit a memorial site
- Get acquainted with our history
- Get to know and understand your rights
- Volunteer your services
What are the human rights In South Africa?
In terms of the Bill of Rights everyone has a right to life, equality and human dignity.
- All persons have a right to citizenship and security. Persons and groups are entitled to freedom of assembly, association, belief and opinion, and expression. They have the right to demonstrate, picket and petition; everyone has the right to be free from forced labour, servitude and slavery.
- All persons have a right to privacy and to exercise political rights; all have a right to access to information and just administration action. They have rights when arrested, detained and accused, and must have access to courts.
- All have a right to freedom of movement and residence and of trade, occupation and profession. In the workplace everyone has a right to engage in trade unions and labour movements. Anyone has the right to purchase property anywhere, and to a basic education. They have a right to language and culture and communities; and not least, freedom of religion and belief. The Bill of Rights also specifies the rights of persons belonging to cultural, religious or linguistic communities and the rights of children. In addition, there are specific laws to safeguard women and protect children.
- Protected rights include a healthy environment; housing, health care, food, water and social security.
Want More On SA Human Rights Day ? Contact
For more information contact the Public Education Office of Parliament.
Contact Person: Nhlanhla Mrwerwe
Telephone: (021) 403 2266
Fax: (021) 403 3817 / 403 3303
E-mail: tours@parliament.gov.za
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