Human Rights Day commemorated throughout the country today
Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked to March 21, 1960, and the events of Sharpeville
Today (March 21) is Human Rights Day, which is a public holiday in South Africa.
This year, the country commemorates Human Rights Month under the theme “The Year of Indigenous Languages: Promoting and Deepening a Human Rights Culture”.
Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked to March 21, 1960, and the events of Sharpeville.
On that day, 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws.
This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It became an iconic date in our country’s history so that today, we commemorate Human Rights Day as a reminder of our rights and the price paid for our democracy and freedom.
Human rights are rights that everyone should have, simply because they are human.
Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and commemorate your rights in the “Rainbow Nation”.
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