Human Rights Day is finally upon us! The excitement among my family, friends and colleagues has been growing, as the prospects of having a relaxing long weekend grew closer and closer.
Although I myself have also been looking forward to having a braai and spending time with loved ones, I could not help but wonder how many people actually know what Human Rights Day is all about?
When we braai and enjoy a couple of ice cold beers do we truly celebrate and contemplate the sacrifices that were made or the struggles that were overcome? Or is it just an opportunity for us to drink, party and get away from our desks?
For most South Africans who know their history, 21 March commemorates the 1960 Sharpville massacre, where police opened fire on a crowd protesting at the Sharpville station against laws that stipulated that Africans were required to carry ID books and produce them for law enforcement officials on request. On that day, 69 of the protestors were killed, and 180 were injured. After the inauguration of former president Nelson Mandela in 1994 the day was declared a public holiday.
Thus, for most, it is a day to celebrate the struggles against apartheid, but for me it is much more than that. I believe Human Rights laws strive to prevent far more than the discrimination against race.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects everyone rights such as; the right to freedom, the right to live, the right to their own opinion, the right to privacy, the right to marriage and family, the right to not be discriminated against (race, gender, age etc.), the right to education and health, the right to work and play, the right to democracy and the freedom of thought and religion. There are a total of 30 human rights.
As a woman, I can appreciate the fact that I enjoy far more rights and privileges than my mother, grandmother or great-grandmother ever could. I can vote, earn an income, make decisions pertaining to my body, I am, to some extent, sexually liberated and can decide for myself who I want to love and marry. As a romantic this is a right very dear to my heart.
Today, we take so many things for granted, and I hope that when we relax with friends and family on Friday that we will take a moment to remember and celebrate all of the people who have made sacrifices so we can enjoy these rights, and also spare a thought for those who still do not have the privilege of the rights we so leisurely take for granted.
Many homosexual individuals, people with disabilities and women are still being discriminated against, despite laws and encouragement of tolerance.
Gender violence and discrimination are still very prominent in South Africa. Children, the most innocent citizens, are still being abused and murdered at an alarming rate.
How do we accept this and celebrate this day when everyone is clearly not enjoying basic human rights?
