Human Rights Day 2022
The importance of Human Rights Day
21 March, a date which is monumental to South Africa’s history, this day commemorates the horrific day of the Sharpeville massacre of 1960. On this day we pay tribute to the fight for a democratic South Africa. Therefore, The Bill of Rights can be seen as synonyms to Human Rights Day, it serves to protect all the people living in South Africa. Everyone should make it a priority to know their rights, it can be found in Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa.
What does the Bill of Rights stand for?
As Human Rights Day is an iconic moment for South Africa, the Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa and owes its origin to this day. It sets out the rights of all people in our country and defines the democratic values of human dignity.
The state must respect and do everything in its power to protect and fulfil the Bill of Rights, as well as to promote it to the rest of the country, as the Bill protects the rights of all people in South Africa, not only citizens.
It is important for the people residing in South Africa, to understand and reflect upon the Bill of Rights, as these important human rights were chosen for a reason, it defines our fundamental human rights, as people living in South Africa.
A recap of Human Rights
It is important for you to understand what your human rights are, so that you can easily recognise if you are becoming the victim of an injustice against your Basic Human Rights.
Everyone is equal
Before the law every single person is seen as equal and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. Equality is one of the most important focus areas identified by the South African Human Rights Commission to effectively fulfil its Constitutional mandate of promoting human rights in South Africa.
Human dignity
Human dignity acknowledges that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, simply because they are human beings. It serves as the base for good ethics and is firmly committed to the belief that human dignity is an inherent quality in all human beings.
To live is a right
Everyone has the right to life and is always protected by the law. No person’s life will be intentionally taken away from them, this means that nobody, including the Government, can put an end to your life. This also means that the Government should make sure that your life is protected.
Freedom and security of the person
To be free is a human right, and thus creates human security. This includes
· the right to not be deprived of freedom arbitrarily or without just cause
· to be free from all forms of violence, whether it may be public or private
· not to be tortured in any way
· not to be treated or punished in a cruel manner
Slavery, servitude and forced labour
No one may be subjected to slavery, servitude or forced labour. Prohibition against slavery is a law from which there is no exception whatsoever. It prohibits people being held in conditions in which the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised.
Privacy
Everyone has the right to privacy, which includes the right to not have
· their person or home searched
· their property searched
· their boundaries being respected
The freedom to practice religion, belief, and opinion
Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion. This right includes the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of your choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private.
“It is important for the people residing in South Africa, to understand and reflect upon The Bill of Rights”
Women, children, and men should be able to live in peace, to live without fear and to have equal opportunities to thrive. If you feel that your Human Rights are being violated, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
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