Human rights Month 2024 highlights ''Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services launched Human Rights Month 2024 at the Kgosi Mampuru 11 Correctional Facility, in Pretoria. Human rights month is observed to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa, especially that we are 30 years in democracy.
‘’It is befitting that we gather in this facility as we
launch the Human Rights Month, given the history and the role this place played
in the violation of human rights in the past. It is my pleasure that we are
meeting under different circumstances and in the process recognising this place
as part of the liberation heritage so that the history can be passed to future
generations,’’ said Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
National Human Rights Day, commemorated on 21 March, is to
honor the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 where peaceful protestors marched
against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police.
‘’The Sharpeville massacre stands as a potent symbol of the
brutal realities of apartheid. Sharpeville's historical significance extended
beyond its national borders, receiving global attention which culminated in the
United Nations (UN) Security Council passing a resolution condemning the
killings and calling for the South African government to abandon its policy of
apartheid and the UN General Assembly declaring apartheid as a violation of the
UN Charter. Six years after massacre, the UN declared March 21 to be the
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.’’
‘’The Sharpeville massacre galvanised the anti-apartheid
movement both within South Africa and internationally. It energized resistance
efforts and led to increased solidarity among activists and organizations
working towards the dismantling of apartheid.
The massacre served as a catalyst for global awareness of the oppressive
nature of apartheid and prompted increased international pressure on the South
African government. Over the following
decades, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum, ultimately contributing
to the dismantling of the apartheid in the early 1990s,’’ added Kodwa.
To coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 3 decades of
democracy, this year’s human Rights Day will be commemorated at the George
Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville, Gauteng, under the theme “Three Decades of
Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
‘’The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises
government’s commitment to honour sacrifices made by those who fought and died
for our liberation in Sharpeville and other townships across the land. It makes sense that we take the commemoration
of the day to the place where it originated.’’
‘’The year 2024, including National Human Rights Day,
coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for
fundamental human rights and freedoms. South Africans from all walks of life
will be participating the 7th National Elections since the dawn of democracy
and the country, in April, will be celebrating 30 years of democracy in South
Africa.’’
‘’From 1994 to date, South Africa underwent a radical
transition from the oppressive apartheid regime, with its system founded on
parliamentary sovereignty, to a constitutional democracy committed to the
creation of a society based on democratic values, social justice and
fundamental human rights,’’ added the minister.
Know your rights - visit https://t.co/vb3CnuSgks #HumanRightsDay pic.twitter.com/SftyO0QfIB
Kodwa highlighted the importance of setting aside the
entire month of March to Human Rights.
‘’Human Rights Month is a time designated to raise awareness
and promote the importance of human rights. Some of the key significances of
Human Rights Month include:
·
An opportunity to educate people about their
rights as outlined in various international human rights documents such as the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
·
Providing a platform for advocacy and activism
on human rights issues. Organizations and individuals often use this time to
highlight specific human rights violations, advocate for policy changes, and
promote social justice initiatives.
·
Commemorating significant historical events
related to human rights, to reflect on progress made and challenges ahead in
the realm of human rights.
·
Celebration of the diversity of humanity and
promotion of the inclusion and equality of all individuals regardless of race,
religion, gender, nationality, or other characteristics. It emphasizes the
importance of respecting the inherent dignity and worth of every person.
·
By raising awareness about human rights, Human
Rights Month empowers individuals to stand up for their own rights and the
rights of others. It encourages people to become active participants in
promoting and defending human rights within their communities and beyond.
·
Human Rights Month fosters a sense of global
solidarity by highlighting the interconnectedness of human rights issues across
borders. It encourages collaboration among governments, organizations, and
individuals to address systemic human rights challenges on a global scale.
·
Overall, Human Rights Month serves as a
reminder of the ongoing work needed to uphold and protect human rights for all
individuals worldwide. It encourages reflection, action, and solidarity in the
pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
PHOTO: GovernmentZAThis year’s National Human Rights Day, says Kodwa, will be
preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing
together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government
departments, to assess progress, he says, on the advancement of human rights
since 1994.
‘’The Conference will be hosted by the Department of
Justice and Constitutional Development from the 18th to 20th of March 2024 and
is premised on the Department’s core mandate to uphold and administer the
Constitution, deepening constitutional democracy, and promoting the values of
human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms. Through
this Conference, South Africa will conduct critical assessment of its state of
human rights almost three decades into its constitutional democracy,’’ said Zizi
Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Kodwa says other activations across the country, will also
be conducted amongst others, the Social Cohesion Dialogue to be hosted by the
Eastern Cape Province in Gqeberha on the 20th of March.
‘’Panellists in this programme include leaders who have
demonstrated a commitment to building bridges across diverse communities.
Amongst them will be Dr Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of IEC and Dr Bonisile
John Kani and Ms Rochelle de Kock from Herald Newspaper.’’
The Minister called on all South Africans to participate in
these events as part of recognition that despite South Africans coming far as a
nation, there is still a long way to go.
Done By: Mitchum George
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