One of the cornerstones of South African democracy is the Bill of Rights which is contained in the Constitution. The Constitution provides for the establishment of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The aim of the Commission 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 massacre in Sharpeville when police gunned down demonstrators in Sharpeville.

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 Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) proposed an anti-Pass campaign to start on 21 March 1960. All men affected were to march without their passes and present themselves for arrest.

Campaigners gathered at police stations in townships near Johannesburg where police dispersed them. 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 orders  to do so. Sixty-nine people were killed and 180 wounded.

In apartheid South Africa, this day was known as Sharpeville Day and although not part of the official calendar of public holidays, the event was commemorated among anti-apartheid movements.

It was in the spirit of Sharpeville that the 21 March was chosen for Human Rights Day. People marched, fought for, and died that day for rights which are now an intrinsic part of our identity.

These include Equality, Human dignity , Freedom of Expression, Assembly, Demonstration, Picket and Petition, Freedom of association and Freedom of movement and residence.

Sources:

• South African Human Rights Commission
• South Africa Info
• South African Constitution

Page Updated: 17 March 2011