EXPERT OPINION: Human Rights for Social Justice: Reflecting on human rights day 2024
Written by Dr Irene Nyakagere Thomas, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Future Africa Chair in Global Equity in Africa at the University of Pretoria
The intrinsic connection between social justice and human rights is undeniable. Social justice encompasses the fundamental notion that everyone’s human rights must be respected, protected, and promoted. It involves efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, discrimination or exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, social protection as well as human rights in general.
Crucially, human rights provide a legal framework that empowers individuals and communities to hold those in power accountable for ensuring social justice. Conversely, the absence of social justice directly translates to failure in upholding human rights principles, and vice versa.
It is against this background that the adjoining of the International Social Justice Day and the Human Rights Day, both observed 20 and 21 March respectively, begs a critical reflection of this relationship. The protests in Langa on 21 March 1960, which tragically led to the Sharpeville Massacre, aimed at voicing social injustices of the apartheid regime particularly those that stemmed from Pass Laws. This historical context vividly illustrates the inseparable link between social justice and human rights.
For South Africa, Human Rights Day serves as a solemn reminder of the progress made since 1994, as symbolised by the Human Rights Month theme “Three Decades of Respect For and Promotion of Human Rights” launched by the South African Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, who declared that,
While the South African constitution is commended for being the most progressive in the world, challenges persist. That is why Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to take stock of areas needing improvement. These include those indicated in recent reports by organisations like the Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the World Bank, which highlight ongoing human rights issues, as well as persistent inequalities .
We recognise how fundamental rights and social justice contribute to Africa's progress globally, as both a recipient and a contributor in securing peace and prosperity.
Additionally, alarming increases in the murder rate further underline the imperative for greater respect and accountability for human rights, particularly the right to life and equality.
As part of the Future Africa Global Equity in Africa Chair's research focus, human rights play a vital role. As we mark Human Rights Month, we join South Africa and the world in observing International Social Justice Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, also observed in March. We recognise how fundamental rights and social justice contribute to Africa's progress globally, as both a recipient and a contributor in securing peace and prosperity.
