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WHAT ARE OUR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HOW CAN WE PROTECT THEM?


We are all born free and equal. Yet billions around the world are not treated as equals, given the same chances and respected for what they are. We can all do something about that…

The basic rights of all humans were officially recognised on 10 December 1948 when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. This date is celebrated every year as international Human Rights Day.

Many countries included human rights in their constitution. South Africa's Bill of Rights, drafted in 1996, is part of its constitution. Today, anyone who disregards or abuses human rights is breaking the law and will be punished.

The basics
South Africa’s Bill of Rights includes the following:
  • Equality. Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
  • Human dignity. Everyone has inherent dignity and should have their dignity respected and protected.
  • Freedom of movement and residence. Everyone has a right to move freely and live anywhere in the country.
  • Language and culture. Everyone has the right to the language and cultural life of their choice.
  • Life. Everyone has the right to life.

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But establishing rights isn't as simple as declaring them or enforcing laws. Billions around the world are still struggling for basic freedoms.

Human Rights Day on 21 March in South Africa is a reminder of that. On the date in 1960 police shot 69 people who were part of a peaceful protest march. The day is a chance to reflect on what people sacrificed for freedom and equality.

The fighters
People worldwide are following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King jr, Mohatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and many others, devoting their lives to fighting for fundamental rights.



Greta Thunberg from Sweden travels the world to draw attention to the climate crisis and the human right of a liveable environment. Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan nearly lost her life promoting education as a right. Nadia Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi, was abducted and held in sexual slavery for three years. After escaping, she began spreading awareness about human trafficking and refugees. Kamanda Bosco is a Ugandan activist fighting for gender and minority equality.

Raif bin Muhammed Badawi, a Saudi writer and activist, created the website Free Saudi Liberals where he wrote about free speech. He’s been imprisoned and at one stage was facing a death sentence.



What we can do
Every day, often in very small ways, basic rights are abused around us. When we notice this, we should not be silent. Here are some ways to promote and protect human rights.
  • Speak up for what you care about. If it’s important to you, make it known. Discuss it with others so they can understand. And respect their views as well.
  • Volunteer for or donate to a local or global organisation. What little free time or spare money you have can be a big help.
  • Buy fair trade and ethically made products. These are made according to strict guidelines for living wages, safe working conditions, dignified employment and environmental respect.
  • Listen to the stories of others. You can learn from them, about them and with them. One way to empower survivors and people facing injustice is to honour their histories.
  • Stay connected with social movements. Follow activists and human rights organisations on social media to find out how they are making a difference. They might have campaigns you can join.
  • Stand up against discrimination. Say something - and when you see someone else stand up, stand with them! When we have each other as support, we are more empowered.

Related article: Stand up against gender-based violence

Know your rights
It is important to educate yourself. If you know your rights, you’ll know when they’re being violated. People often suffer in silence or react violently when they are abused because they don’t know where to seek justice. If you are not sure what to do about a particular issue or situation, seek expert help. Don’t stay silent, don’t despair. There are organisations and activists everywhere who can support you.
  • Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/)
  • Download a copy of South Africa's Constitution or the Bill of Rights at www.justice.gov.za. If you are not sure what to do about an issue or situation, contact the South African Human Rights Commission for information (details at www.sahrc.org.za).



WHAT ARE OUR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HOW CAN WE PROTECT THEM? WHAT ARE OUR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HOW CAN WE PROTECT THEM? Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar on March 15, 2021 Rating: 5
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