This year’s Human Rights Day commemoration is held under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights” by recognising the Human Rights Activists and Defenders who fought for human rights.

The Commission remains concerned about the dangers faced by whistle blowers and human rights defenders in the country. In addition, challenges such as lack of access to water, crime, racism, climate change and the resultant disasters, and gender-based violence continue to affect people on a daily basis.  

In line with the national theme and challenges listed above, the Commission is embarking on a number of awareness activities to help empower communities to assert their rights. The Commission is also using the occasion of human rights month to honour the selfless work carried out by human rights defenders past and present.

Finally, the Commission is calling for all those who are responsible for service delivery at local, provincial and national levels to discharge their mandates from a human rights point of view. Greater emphasis on service delivery, protection of human rights and the creation of an enabling environment for human rights defenders to do their work will help address many of the ills the country is riddled with.  

SAHRC Chairperson Chriss Nissen will offer message of support at the National Human Rights Day to be held in Sharpeville.


Ends

For further information or inquiries, please contact Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission