SA to mark Human Rights Day
20 March 2012
South Africans celebrate Humans Right Day on Wednesday - a day to reflect and honour the heroes and heroines who laid down a monumental foundation during the struggle for a rights-based, democratic and just society.
The day also celebrates the country's Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Marked on 21 March, Human Rights Day remembers the massacres in Sharpeville and other parts of the country. On that fateful day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws.
In recognition of the massacre, the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 declared the day International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - which is observed annually.
16th anniversary of the Constitution
This year's commemoration coincides with the 16th anniversary of the Constitution, a fundamental vision statement that gives full expression to South Africa's democratic ideals, guaranteeing the rights of every South African and guiding the policies and actions of the government.
The country is widely acknowledged for having one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world.
Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication
President Jacob Zuma will deliver the day's keynote address at an official event at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto, under the theme: "Working together to promote unity in diversity and human dignity for all".
The theme calls on all South Africans, in the spirit experienced during the drafting of the Freedom Charter, to rally together to realise the goals envisaged in the Constitution.
The President is expected to focus on the government's commitment to reinforce, protect and promote the human rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.