Parliament, Friday, 21 March 2025 – Parliament joins the nation in commemorating Human Rights Day under the theme: “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights.”
South Africa’s Human Rights Day traces its history to the Sharpville massacre of 21 March 1960, where apartheid police shot and killed 69 unarmed protesters, leaving 180 wounded during a peaceful protest against Pass laws. Human Rights Day is in honour of all those who participated in peaceful protests in South Africa’s townships to stand up against injustice.
This day reminds us of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today and calls upon all South Africans to reaffirm their commitment to upholding human dignity, equality and justice for all.
As we mark this occasion, the 7th Parliament reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that human rights are not just ideals but lived realities for all South Africans. In line with the priorities of the 7th Parliament, we are committed to strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure that government policies and programmes effectively promote social justice and human rights. Effective oversight is essential in holding the executive accountable. As Parliament, we commit to intensify our scrutiny of state institutions to guarantee that they remain accountable and transparent in the fulfilment of their constitutional mandate.
Through enhanced legislative processes and increased public participation, we also commit to refining the laws that safeguard human rights, address socio-economic inequalities and promote inclusive development. A strong legislative framework is a cornerstone of human rights protection. On this Human Rights Day, Parliament remains committed to passing laws that promote equality, dignity and access to justice – while deepening public participation in the law-making process to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of all citizens.
Democratic South Africa’s Constitution is lauded globally for its commitment to human rights, serving as a model for emerging democracies. Notable Constitutional amendments promoting human rights include recognising South African Sign Language as the twelfth official language, thereby enhancing inclusivity for the deaf community. The 2013 Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution redefined the judiciary’s structure – establishing the Chief Justice as the head of the judiciary and creating a unified High Court system, thereby strengthening judicial oversight.
Furthermore, improved representation in public appointments and international engagements remains at the core of our mission as the 7th Parliament. We commit to taking the necessary steps to ensure that our democratic institutions reflect all South Africans’ diverse voices and aspirations. Our commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment and the inclusion of marginalised communities in decision-making processes underscores our dedication to the principles of fairness and justice.
The theme for 2025 underscores the importance of continuous efforts to entrench a human rights culture in all facets of society. Parliament calls on all sectors – government, civil society, business and communities – to work collaboratively to advance social justice, eliminate discrimination and build a nation founded on dignity, freedom and equality.
As the host of the P20 Summit, under the theme, “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” Parliament acknowledges its role in fostering international cooperation. Parliamentary diplomacy is vital in advancing human rights and addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change. By strengthening partnerships with global counterparts, we reaffirm our pledge to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
As we commemorate this day, let us renew our resolve to deepen a culture of social justice and human rights and to build a society where no one is left behind. Let us honour the legacy of our struggle heroes by working together to create a society where freedom, dignity and equality are not just ideals but lived realities for all.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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