Today we again celebrate Human Rights Day and introspect what it means to be free in a democratic South Africa. Do you know your rights?
The constitution states that all persons have a right to citizenship and security. People and groups are entitled to freedom of assembly, association, belief and opinion, and expression. You have the right to demonstrate, picket and petition; everyone has the right to be free from forced labour, servitude and slavery!
As a citizen, you have a right to privacy and to exercise political rights; all have a right to access to information and just administration action. You have rights when arrested, detained and accused, and must have access to courts.
You 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. You 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.
Protected rights include a healthy environment; housing, health care, food, water and social security.
