So often, in the times we live in, the words “it is my right” are bandied about.
The phrase seems to have become the answer to many complex situations and may even start to lose its meaning as generations change.
Today is Human Rights Day, but many of our youth are unaware of the day’s rich history or what it stands for.
Human Rights Day commemorates the events of March 21, 1960 also known as the Sharpeville Massacre.
On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered to protest against the Pass laws.
It was more than a protest against the Pass Laws of the apartheid regime. It was an affirmation by common people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights, and it became an iconic date in our country’s troubled history.
Today South Africans are meant to reflect on their rights listed in our Constitution and remember those who suffered, even laid down their lives, for us to have these rights.
The basic human rights enlisted in chapter two of our Constitution (The Bill of Rights) include the right to:
- Equality
- Human dignity
- Life
- Freedom and security of the person
- Privacy
- Freedom of religion, belief and opinion
- Freedom of expression
- Assembly, demonstration, picket and petition
- Freedom of association
- Political rights
- Citizenship
- Freedom of movement and residence
- Freedom of trade, occupation and profession
- Environment
- Housing
- Health care, food, water and social security
- Education
- Language and culture
- Access to information
- Access to court and justice
We asked some of our readers what the most important right to them was. Here is some of what they had to say:
Marcelle du Plessis: Safety and security
Summer Hill House: A decent education
Marita Bezuidenhout: Definitely to be safe in our own country
Andrew Pillay: The right to live safely and happily.
What right are YOU thankful for today?
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