Human Rights Day Archives - Voice of the Cape

Human Rights Day: Three decades of democracy, more needs to be done to protect our human rights

As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, it is crucial to reflect on the strides made in protecting human rights. While significant progress has been achieved in areas like the right to vote, political participation, and access to healthcare and education since the end of apartheid, much remains to be done to ensure that all basic human rights are fully realized. In an interview with VOC News, Vanessa Le […]

21 March 2025

Local

Reflecting on Human Rights: 30 Years of Progress and Challenges in South Africa

By Ragheema Mclean Last week, South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day, reflecting on the progress made in the 30 years since the dawn of democracy. This day, which honors the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom and equality. With this year’s theme being "Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights," VOC News spoke to several activists […]

25 March 2024

Local

South Africa reflects on three decades of human rights progress

By Lee-Yandra Paulsen The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is currently hosting the National Conference on Human Rights in South Africa, commemorating “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights” until March 20th, 2024, leading up to Human Rights Day. In an interview with Ramadan AM on Tuesday, Deputy Director-General of Constitutional Development, Advocate Shireen Said, underscored the significance of this conference in light of South Africa's […]

19 March 2024

International

Gaza Ceasefire march takes place on 21st March coinciding with Human Rights Day

By Kouthar Sambo A march, themed Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage, is set to take place on 21st March coinciding with Human Rights Day. The march will commence at Simons Town station, and prospective protesters can meet up and start walking from this point. The march comes following the Israeli forces' latest brutal attack against Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan. Recent media reports indicated that the specialized surgery department at […]

18 March 2024

Local

SA commemorating Human Rights Day during a difficult time: Kodwa

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa says the country is commemorating Human Rights Day while enduring several service delivery challenges. The main Human Rights Day event is taking place in the town of De Aar, in the Northern Cape. The day is commemorated under the theme – Consolidating and Sustaining the human rights culture into the future. This year marks 63 years since the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre where 69 […]

21 March 2023

Local

Ramaphosa to deliver Human Rights Day commemoration address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at De Aar West stadium, in the Northern Cape province, as the country commemorates Human Rights Day. The day marks 63 years since the Sharpeville massacre where 69 anti-pass marchers were killed and 180 others injured by apartheid police. Residents of De Aar say they have nothing to commemorate, as they are still subjected to human rights violations, which include a lack […]

21 March 2023

Local

Mozambican nationals who fled civil war feel the basic needs are not addressed in South Africa

As the country celebrates Human Rights Day, hundreds of Mozambican nationals who have settled in the Malamulele area of Limpopo, feel the authorities have neglected them. They settled in the area after fleeing from the civil war in their home country more than 30 years ago. Apart from not being naturalised, their area, Rhulani village, does not have basic services such as water and sanitation. Community leader Giyani Mondlane says […]

21 March 2021

Local

Ramaphosa calls for united effort to battle Covid-19

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Human Rights Day called on all South Africans to unite behind national efforts to curb and combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. "We observe Human Rights Day at an extraordinary time for our country and the world, as we battle to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19," Ramaphosa said in a statement on Saturday. "Regrettably this year we are not observing this […]

21 March 2020

News

Protest march for land and housing on Human Rights Day

Human rights activists from a range of civil society groups will march on Human Rights Day on Wednesday 21 March for access to land, security of tenure and decent housing. Activists from the Social Justice Coalition, Reclaim the City, the District Six Working Committee and Ndifuna Ukwazi are demanding that government take bold steps “to break with the past” and advance the human rights of residents in Cape Town. The […]

20 March 2018

Human Rights Day

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