Human Rights Day is a national holiday where we celebrate the struggles and bravery of those who fought for their rights in the Sharpville Massacre in  1960. Human Rights Day sheds light on human rights that all South Africans are entitled to.

Although Human Rights Day events will likely be cancelled this year, there are still ways to comemmorate the day while protecting yourself from COVID-19.

What are your rights?

It’s important to know what your basic human rights are. Here are 5:

1. Equality: Everyone is equal and has the right to equal protection
2. Human dignity: Everyone has the right to their dignity respected and protected. 
3. Freedom of movement and residence: Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and to reside anywhere in the country.
4. Language and culture: Everyone has the right to use the languages and to participate in the culture of their choice.
5. Life: Everyone has the right to life

Brush up on historical documentaries

Why not visit a local library or watch some historical documentaries to brush up your history knowledge? You can find resources at the library or short documentaries about the 1960 Sharpville Massacre online.

Educate yourself about the importance of human rights

Having knowledge of our rights and laws that protect us gives us the ability to defend and apply them in our daily lives. It helps us understand how we need to be treated as well as how we should treat others. It empowers us to be better people at home, school, work and even in our communities.

Get involved in social activism

There are many online campaigns that happen across all social media platforms. Most people choose to support hashtags and post videos and pictures that promote human rights. Why not use your social media to spread a positive message about human rights and what it means to you? It can be as simple as adding a hashtag to your photo or changing your profile picture to something that represents your rights as a young person in South Africa.

As we learn new ways to celebrate national holidays, it’s important to be present and celebrate these days in history while protecting yourself. Celebrating Human Rights Day is important as it reminds us that we are free and equal. We all have a responsibility as South Africans to ensure that our human rights and history are preserved and upheld for future generations.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).