Is government upholding your human rights?

YESTERDAY most South Africans took the day off for Human Rights Day.

Did you take a moment to remember the events of March 21, 1960?

The day 69 people were gunned down by apartheid forces during a peaceful protest against pass laws in Sharpeville?

A tragic flashpoint in the history of South Africa, but that shouldn’t be the only reason to observe Human Rights Day.

South Africans should also use the occasion to be reminded of their human rights, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

The Constitution of South Africa is truly a world-class document, an exemplary body of fundamental laws.

It guarantees all manner of rights and liberties, covering almost every aspect of life: From the basic right to life, equality and human dignity to citizenship and security.

It covers freedom from slavery and forced labour, the right to protest, the right to privacy, the right to political activity, access to information, recourse to the courts and a fair trial.

Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, trade and occupation, and participation in unions.

It includes the right to buy property in any area.

There is freedom of religion and belief; the right to practise your culture and to use your native language.

On the most basic of levels, South Africans have a right to a healthy environment, education, healthcare, food, water and social security.

The Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution is the principle framework that guides the work of Parliament.

Parliament’s constitutional duties include ensuring that all these sacred rights are duly upheld – and not mere words in a little pocket book.

South Africa’s Constitution is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world and enjoys high acclaim internationally.

Make Human Rights Day about remembering your human rights, and evaluating how well the government is doing at fulfilling their constitutional mandate of protecting your rights and freedoms.

And if you are not satisfied, exercise your democratic right to voice your disapproval to your publicly elected representative, and at the ballot box.