TABLE OF
CONTENT
19th Episcopal
District
Welcome Message 3
Introduction 4
What are Human Rights? 5
Historical Context 6
Why Human Rights Matter Today 7
WELCOME MESSAGE
On behalf of the Office of the 3rd Vice President, it is my privilege to
welcome you to this Human Rights Day booklet. This is designed to
inform you as we reflect on the significance of March 21st- a day
that honors the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing
pursuit of justice and equality in South Africa.
Human Rights Day is more than a commemoration of the Sharpville
Massacre; it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect
and uphold the rights and dignity of all people. As we turn these
pages, let us remember that every voice matters, and each of us
plays a vital role in shaping a society where freedom, equality, and
human dignity are not just ideals, but realities.
In Christ’s Service,
Sis. Karabo Molete
19th ED 3rd Vice President
INTRODUCTION
Human Rights Day is an important observance in South
Africa, honoring the brave struggles and sacrifices
made by the people in their fight against Apartheid.
Celebrated annually on the 21st of March, this day holds
great historical significance as it marks the Sharpville
massacre of 1960.
In 1994, after the end of Apartheid and the
establishment of democracy in South Africa, the newly
elected government designated Human Rights Day as
a public holiday. This day serves as a reminder of the
country’s difficult past, the ongoing struggle for
freedom, and the commitment to uphold human rights
for all citizens. It is a moment to reflect on the progress
made in protecting human rights and to recognize the
work that still lies ahead.
Today, Human Rights Day is commemorated with a
variety of events, ceremonies, and political discussions
aimed at promoting equality, justice, and inclusivity. It
serves as a platform to educate and raise awareness
about human rights, encouraging individuals to speak
out against discrimination and advocate for the rights
and dignity of everyone.
WHAT ARE
HUMAN RIGHTS?
Human rights are essentially the entitlements
that every individual possesses simply by
being human. These rights are safeguarded by
legal frameworks, spanning from local to
international law. Human rights are universal,
meaning they apply everywhere and at all
times.
These are fundamental rights that every
individual possesses simply by virtue of being
human. They are not something that needs to be
earned, nor are they privileges bestowed by any
person or government. You are granted these
rights from the moment of your birth, and they
cannot be revoked.
HISTORICAL
CONTEXT
The Sharpville Massacre occured on March 21st, 1960, in Sharpville. a
township in South Africa, during the apartheid era- a system of
institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by
the National Party government from 1948 to 1994.
in the 1950s and 1960s, the South African government implemented
pass laws, which required Black South Africans to carry passbooks
(dompas) at all times. These passbooks restricted their movement,
controlled where they could live and work, and subjected them to
police harassment if found without them.
In response, the PAC, a breakaway group from the ANC, organized a
peaceful protest against the laws. On March 21st, 1960, thousands of
unarmed Black South Africans gathered outside the Sharpville
police station, offering themselves for arrest without their passbooks
in a non-violent demonstration.
The protest turned tragic when, South African police opened fire on
the crowd, killing 69 people and injuring over 180, including women
and children- many shot in the back while fleeing. The massacre
sparked international outrage, increased anti-apartheid activism,
and led to the banning of both the PAC & ANC. It also prompted the
UN to condemn apartheid and played a role in the eventual fall of
the apartheid regime decades later
March 21st is now commemorated as Human Rights Day in South
Africa to honor the victims and promote human dignity and
freedom.
THE BILL OF
RIGHTS
This section outlines the key rights enshrined in the 1996 Constitution, which
guarantees freedom and dignity for all. Included are the these core rights:
1.
Every person is equal before the law, regardless of race,
gender, religion, or social status. No one should be
discriminated against.
Every individual has the right to dignity and to be treated
with respect.
People have the right to express their opinions and share
information without censorship- while respecting the
rights of others.
Everyone has the right to basic education in a language
of their choice where reasonably practical.
Everyone is free to follow and practice their religion or
belief system without interference
WHY HUMAN
RIGHTS MATTER
TODAY
PROTECTING VULNERABLE
GROUPS
Human rights are supposed to ensure
that marginalized groups receive equal
protection.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Access to basic services- like housing,
water, and healthcare- are human
rights that are still being fought for
today.
ADRESSING INEQUALTIY
SA remains of the most unequal
societies in the world. Human rights are
vital to bridging this gap.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND
PROTEST
Citizens have the right to criticize the
government and peacefully protest to
demand change.
19th Episcopal District YPD
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR
ATTENTION
