Pupils from Mountview Secondary School’s grade 8 and 9 classes recently commemorated Human Rights Day by crafting sculptures of renowned human rights activists throughout history.
Human rights are fundamental rights inherent to every individual, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background. The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, outlines 30 articles that establish universal human rights based on humanity, freedom, justice, and peace.
South Africa has incorporated indivisible human rights into its own Bill of Rights, enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Constitution’s articles can only be amended by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, ensuring that the basic rights of citizens are safeguarded.
Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked to the events of Sharpeville on 21 March 1960, where 69 people lost their lives and 180 were injured during a peaceful protest against the Pass laws.
Following South Africa’s first democratic election, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as the country’s first democratic President, 21 March was officially declared Human Rights Day.
On this day, South Africans are encouraged to reflect on their rights, protect their rights, and uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, religion, or nationality. Human rights apply equally to everyone.
