Human Rights Day is a national day that is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. The commemoration affords the country with an opportunity to reflect on progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights, and to reinforce the country’s commitment to the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
These rights include:
- Equality – everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
- Human dignity – everyone has inherent dignity and have their dignity respected and protected.
- Freedom of movement and residence – everyone has a right to freedom of movement and to reside anywhere in the country.
- Language and culture – everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice.
- Life – everyone has the right to life.
International overview:
While Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March in South Africa, international Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December. However, 21 March is also the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
With the world in current mayhem, and the most vulnerable citizens hardest hit, take a moment to do something good for someone this Human Rights Day.
Whether it is a kind word, giving up some time to help another or even giving a donation, every little bit helps. We do our BEST; God does the REST!
