South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day on the 21st of March each year. Human Rights Day reminds us of two things – namely the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, as well as the progress we have made as a nation in achieving human rights for all South Africans. It is furthermore on this day that we commemorate the establishment of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The SAHRC promotes the respect, protection, development and attainment of human rights in South Africa. Interestingly, the SAHRC was established on 21 March 1996 – exactly 35 years after the Sharpeville Massacre. In response thereto, the United Nations has furthermore declared March 21st as ‘The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’ and signifies a greater international effort to eliminate racial discrimination globally.
Human Rights Day is thus a day on which we remind all South Africans that, in stark contrast with our racial segregationist history, we now have a Constitution with a pioneering Bill of Rights that serves to shape our democratic era with the values of non-racism, dignity and equality.
STBB Claremont
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