Media Statement: SAHRC urges an end to Homophobia, Xenophobia, Child labour, and Human Trafficking in Africa

Attention: Editors and Reporters
Tuesday, 10 December 2024

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) joins Africa and the global community in commemorating International Human Rights Day. Celebrated annually on 10 December, this day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948- defining moment in history that enshrined the inalienable rights of every human being, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or social status.

The UDHR, hailed as a cornerstone of global human rights, has inspired over seventy human rights treaties, shaping normative frameworks at both global and regional levels. Similarly, South Africa’s Constitution, respected worldwide, embodies the principles and values of the UDHR, serving as a beacon for justice, equality, and human dignity.

This year, under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” the world reflects on the enduring importance of human rights in shaping inclusive and equitable societies. This theme underscores how the recognition and realisation of human rights today can unlock a future free from inequality, oppression, and prejudice. It seeks to inspire action, foster understanding, and dismantle harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.

The SAHRC calls on all Africans to harness the spirit of this day to confront urgent human rights challenges, including homophobia, xenophobia, child labour, and human trafficking, which continue to undermine the dignity and freedoms of countless individuals across the continent. These violations are not merely crimes against individuals, they are affronts to the universal values of humanity.

This is line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063, which require that every State should produce and use high-quality, timely and disaggregated data to shape development policies that leave no one behind and to fulfil reporting commitments.

The SAHRC firmly believes that human rights are not just aspirational ideals, they are the foundation of a just and prosperous future. It is only by working collectively to uphold these rights that we can create a continent where every individual is free to live with dignity and security. This International Human Rights Days, let us renew our commitment to “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” and take bold steps to ensure that the promise of human rights is a lived reality for all.

In the month of December, the Commission is holding a number of activities aimed at empowering communities in line with International Human Rights Day theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”

Office	Event Details	Time & Venue	External Partners (if any)
Head Office	Two-part panel discussion of experts and activists to be broadcast on SABC TV on Asikhulume, focusing on youth and gender-based violence.	SABC Auckland Park Studios 21h00-22h00	UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Dept of Justice
Gauteng	Dialogue and showcasing a reflective video of interviews of families/ communities who were part of landmark precedent cases in SA over the last 30 years of human rights.	Southern Sun, Sandton 17h00	Civil society
Mpumalanga	Community Dialogue (also, stakeholder dialogue on international day for Persons with Disabilities in Mbombela during Comm Khwinana’s provincial visit – 03/12/2024)	Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality	Community-based organisations, ordinary community members, and stakeholders
Limpopo	Capacity building workshop for Community Based Organisations on the significance of IHRD and human rights	Maruleng Local Municipality	CBOs and SAPS
KwaZulu-Natal	Community dialogue Human Rights Lecture	Port Dunford Thusong Service Centre Hall UniZulu	KwaDlangezwa Advice Office GCIS, PPSA, UniZulu
Eastern Cape	10 Dec: Closing ceremony to mark the end of 16 Days of Activism Campaign 11 Dec: Cocktail event on technology as a conduit of the right to education	DBE, LPC, The Judiciary DOJCD, WSU, UFH and legal fraternity 18h00	East London
Free State	5 Dec: Information session to empower the youth on the challenges they face	Viljoenskroon	NYDA, Dept of Labour, PPSA, DOJCD and Moqhaka Municipality
Western Cape	Information session and exhibition was held on 1 Dec at the annual DSTV Mitchells Plain Festival – the public in attendance were educated on their rights and responsibilities in the context of the UDHR. Copies of the Constitution and SAHRC information brochures / pamphlets handed out.	10h00-15h30, Mitchells Plain Festival, Westridge Gardens Mitchells Plain	None

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

For further information or enquiries, please contact: Mr Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

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