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.

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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: GovernmentZA

This 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