Human Rights Day South Africa
22 March 2024
[Vecteezy]
Written by: Shalom Umoh
Human Rights Day
Every year on March 21, Human Rights Day is marked to remember the Sharpeville Massacre victims and to show the country's commitment to promoting human rights and dignity for everyone. It acts as a reminder of the costs incurred in South Africa's fight for freedom and equality.
What is Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day is a somber occasion to remember those who gave their lives defending freedom and equality in South Africa. It restates the nation's dedication to protecting the values of equality, human rights, and dignity for all of its residents. South Africans use it as a day to reflect on the various ways human rights have grown since apartheid and what still needs to be resolved.
What is apartheid?
You’ve probably asked yourself this question more than once, or maybe you’ve not, but for the benefit of those who don’t know, apartheid is also called racism or segregation.
So back in those days, whites made up about 20% of the South African population, and Africans (blacks) made up the other 80%. The whites were in positions of authority and decision making.
The whites had made laws to repress the black people and this happened for a long time
One of the laws passed was that black South Africans were required to carry specific identification that could be checked at any time by the police and other authorities. Passes were used by the government to limit the places where black South Africans could live, work, and travel.
How is it celebrated?
In South Africa, Human Rights Day is celebrated with a range of events and activities that pay tribute to the victims of apartheid and highlight the nation's dedication to protecting human rights. These varied, community-focused events seek to advocate for social justice, foster unity, and increase public awareness.
All around the nation, dignitaries, local authorities, and members of civil society organizations participate in formal celebrations. Speaking engagements, tributes, and wreath-laying rituals are frequently held at memorials honoring the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre and other human rights crimes.
Cultural events are an important part of celebrating Human Rights Day because they reflect the rich diversity of South Africa's past and foster national unity. Concepts of resiliency, independence, and social change are highlighted in theater plays, dance performances, and music concerts, encouraging viewers to consider the value of human rights in society.
Workshops and educational programs are planned to get the youth and the general public talking about human rights issues. These programs seek to develop critical thinking skills, tolerance, and understanding, and empower people by educating them about their rights and duties.
People can unite, show support for one another, and promote social change through community outreach events like marches, peace walks, and open forums. Communities are mobilized by these grassroots efforts to confront urgent human rights issues like socioeconomic disparity, gender-based violence, and discrimination.
On Human Rights Day, many individuals visit historical places, museums, and memorials associated with the fight against apartheid as a means of introspection and remembering. These visits shed light on the nation's previous difficulties and motivated South Africans to recommit to defending their human rights.
History of Human Rights day
On March 21, 1960, South Africa observed Human Rights Day in remembrance of the horrific Sharpeville Massacre. Thousands of black South Africans came together in the Sharpeville township on this day to peacefully protest the harsh pass rules that the apartheid government was enforcing. But as police opened fire on the unarmed crowd, the protest descended into violence, leaving hundreds more injured and 69 dead. The slaughter provoked protests throughout the world and at home, highlighting the horrors of apartheid and igniting the anti-apartheid movement.
Witnesses reported that they witnessed police holding weapons and knives in the hands of deceased victims in an attempt to create the impression that the protesters were armed and violent. Some even said that wounded people were slain by police while they were on the ground.
People in Sharpeville were reluctant to discuss the tragedy after the arrests. "Nothing happened in the days following the shootings."
The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st to be International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in reaction to the Sharpeville Massacre. This day, observed as Human Rights Day in South Africa, honors the nation's dedication to democracy and human rights while also serving as a memorial for the victims of apartheid.
Since apartheid ended and democracy was established in South Africa, Human Rights Day has developed into a day for introspection, commemoration, and celebration of the advancements made in the field of human rights. It is a call to continue the fight for equality, decency, and social justice, as well as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by those who opposed oppression and injustice.
The sad event led to the creation of something really beautiful that is widely recognized all over the world. Human Rights Day is celebrated today with a range of events and activities that pay tribute to the anti-apartheid movement's heritage and advance human rights activism, education, and awareness. People from all walks of life should gather together, consider the history of the nation, and reaffirm their commitment to establishing a society founded on the values of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity.
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