South African Human Rights Day

[Colleen Friday]

As promised early in the year here are the facts as to why we celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March and not only on International Day 10th December.The story behind this day is one of the rather atrocious actions before democracy was born in our New South Africa.We are still in the baby stage of change but Thank God, we are changing.

21 March [Human Rights Day]
The Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution is the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa.
The Constitution further provides for the establishment of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) of which the aim is to promote respect for human rights, promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights, and to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in SA. The SAHRC was launched on 21 March 1996, 35 years after the fateful events of 21 March 1960 when demonstrators were gunned down by police:
The Native Laws Amendment Act of 1952 extended Government control over the movement of Africans to urban areas and abolished the use of the Pass Book (a document which Africans were required to carry on them to ‘prove’ that they were allowed to enter a ‘white area’) in favour of a reference book which had to be carried at all times by all Africans.
Failure to produce the reference book on demand by the police, was a punishable offence. The PAC proposed an anti-Pass campaign to start on 21 March 1960. All African men were to take part in the campaign without their passes and present themselves for arrest.
Campaigners gathered at police stations in townships near Johannesburg where they were dispersed by police. At the Sharpeville police station a scuffle broke out. Part of a wire fence was trampled, allowing the crowd to move forward. The police opened fire, apparently without having been given a prior order to do so. Sixty-nine people were killed and 180 wounded.
In apartheid South Africa this day became known as Sharpeville Day and although not part of the official calendar of public holidays the event was commemorated among anti-apartheid movements.

[Elly Rose]

Colleen,
I remember these events in 1960. I was horrified. I am so glad that your nation is changing. As I did when these events were unfolding, I will remember your country in prayer. Thank-you for sharing this with us. Is there any special way that this is remembered?
Love and Light
Elly Rose

[Colleen Friday]

Thanks for your interest Elly Rose. This day is remembered in various ways. A memorial service is held in main areas to commemorate those who lost their lives. Many churches hold services to commemorate the day and pray for a better future for our country.
I will try and follow up after the day with some stories from our press.

[Colleen Friday]

How true Virginia. We will continue this fight until all receive the just rights.

[Sabriyah Fatimah]

Colleen,
Thanks for posting this, even though I am reading it late and the events happened before my time (so I didn't know about them). I am glad to be more aware and I am glad that changes have taken place. Most of us from the states are not well informed about the events in your country, sadly. I do remember segregation in the states when I was growing up and the protests of the 60s and 70s and am glad that racism is no longer acceptable in the U.S. God willing it will be a thing of the past for all countries in the near future.