Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day History

Human Rights Day is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the fundamental rights that all human beings are entitled to, irrespective of their race, nationality, gender, or any other defining characteristics. The day aims to raise public awareness about the importance of human rights and acknowledge the ongoing efforts to fight for these rights across the globe. By honoring the efforts of those who work tirelessly to advance human rights, the observance seeks to reaffirm the world's commitment to ensuring that every human being lives a life of dignity, justice, and freedom.

In South Africa, Human Rights Day serves as a stark reminder of the harrowing past the nation has emerged from and its transformative journey towards achieving equality and justice for all its citizens. The day commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre, which took place on 21 March 1960 when the apartheid regime's security forces fired upon a peaceful protest, resulting in the death of 69 unarmed protestors and injuring over 180 people. The tragic event accelerated the international community's response to South Africa's oppressive apartheid policies and prompted the adoption of the United Nations' Resolution 134, which condemned apartheid and reaffirmed the importance of universal human rights.

To observe Human Rights Day, the government and various organizations hold events and educational programs aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of human rights issues in the country. The observance serves as an opportunity for South Africans to acknowledge the progress made in the fight against discrimination and injustice, while also emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure the continual promotion and protection of human rights for all. Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on the 21st of March.

Human Rights Day Facts & Quotes

• In 1948, the Nationalist Party came to power in South Africa and formalised segregation by passing multiple laws that controlled the movements of Black in the country.
• The South African constitution is one of the most progressive in the world and gives South Africans rights such as equality, human dignity, freedom, language and culture and life.
• When the police in Sharpeville saw the masses marching towards them, they panicked and opened fire, killing the 69 and injuring hundreds, - Joe Tlholoe, Prolific South African Journalist
• To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. - Nelson Mandela
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted by a committee of experts from different legal and cultural backgrounds, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. It was adopted with the aim of setting a common standard of achievements for all peoples and nations.

In the News and Trending for Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day Top Things to Do

• Head to the parliament in Pretoria to participate in a debate on Human Rights. The debate has a changing theme from year to year.
• Take part in the Human Rights Day Swim in Cape Town. The swim takes place in the Atlantic Ocean and offers varying distances for all participants.
• Spread awareness for the day by using social media hashtags such as #humanrightsforall #SouthAfricaHumanRights, #EndingApartheid and #NelsonMandela.
• Watch a movie that touches on apartheid in South Africa. Some of our favourites include Invictus (2009), Cry Freedom (1987), Goodbye Bafana (2007) and Skin (2009).
• Watch a documentary about human rights issues and violations. Some recommendations: Invisible Children (2006), Girl Rising(2013) and Nefarious (2011).