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SAHRC Commemorates Human Rights Day and Calls on All South Africans to do the same
21 March 2018
Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on 21st March to honour the sacrifice of those who fell during the Sharpeville massacre on this day in 1960. This massacre claimed the lives of many people protesting against the Apartheid pass laws, including children, and left in its wake the abiding memory of its horror. National Human Rights Day holds immense significance for the South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or Commission), tasked by the Constitution to monitor, promote and protect human rights. The Commission has planned a range of activities throughout the country during human rights month and will be commemorating the day with various activities across South Africa, to emphasise the value of respect for human rights in a democratic country.
Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on 21st March to honour the sacrifice of those who fell during the Sharpeville massacre on this day in 1960. This massacre claimed the lives of many people protesting against the Apartheid pass laws, including children, and left in its wake the abiding memory of its horror. National Human Rights Day holds immense significance for the South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or Commission), tasked by the Constitution to monitor, promote and protect human rights. The Commission has planned a range of activities throughout the country during human rights month and will be commemorating the day with various activities across South Africa, to emphasise the value of respect for human rights in a democratic country.
The Commission will be participating in an exhibit at the National Human Rights Day event at George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville, organised by the Office of the Presidency, the Department of Arts & Culture, the Department of Justice, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Ekurhuleni Metro, the Sedibeng District Municipality, other sister Chapter 9 and 10 Bodies. Deputy President David Mabuza is expected to address the event and the Chairperson of the SAHRC, Commissioner Jonas Sibanyoni, will be delivering a message of support from the SAHRC at this commemoration, held under the theme: The year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: promoting and deepening a human rights culture across society”, to coincide with the centenary of former President Nelson Mandela.
The Commission, with the support of Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and in partnership with Jozi Cats Rugby Club, will also be participating in a tag rugby tournament and exhibition full contact rugby match, to celebrate human rights and promote the values of the Constitution. The match at Digger’s Rugby Club in Randburg, Johannesburg, is intended to raise awareness of inequality on and off the rugby field, educate against homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) and advocate for acceptance and respect for human rights in general. In November 2017, with the support of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), the Commission hosted an in-country meeting with the participation of civil society, other Chapter 9 Institutions, the academia and government, with a specific focus on the promotion, observance and protection of SOGIE rights.
Other events the Commission will be participating in at national and provincial level are outlined below.
A complete schedule of the Commission’s activities on the day and throughout Human Rights Month can be viewed by clicking on the link here.
Members of the media and the public are invited to participate in all the various activities the Commission will be participating in.
Source: Newseveryday
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Understanding PAIA
The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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