Why do we celebrate Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day in South Africa is commemorated on March 21 and is celebrated as a public holiday in honour of human rights and to commemorate the Sharpeville massacre.
On March 21, 1960, 69 people were killed and 180 were wounded in Sharpeville when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered at the police station to protest against the Pass laws.
What are your rights?
In terms of the Bill of Rights everyone has a right to life, equality and human dignity.
All persons have a right to citizenship and security.
Persons and groups are entitled to freedom of assembly, association, belief and opinion, and expression.
They have the right to demonstrate, picket and petition; everyone has the right to be free of forced labour, servitude and slavery.
All persons have a right to privacy and to exercise political rights; all have a right to access to information and just administration action.
They have rights when arrested, detained and accused, and must have access to courts.
Protected rights include a healthy environment; housing, health care, food, water and social security.
All have a right to freedom of movement and residence and of trade, occupation and profession.
In the workplace everyone has a right to engage in trade unions and labour movements.
Anyone has the right to purchase property anywhere, and to a basic education.
They have a right to language and culture and communities; and not least, freedom of religion and belief.
The Bill of Rights also specifies the rights of persons belonging to cultural, religious or linguistic communities and the rights of children.
In addition, there are specific laws to safeguard women and protect children.
