South Africa Commemorates Human Rights Day With Renewed Commitment

As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day on March 21, 2025, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) asserts its unwavering commitment to upholding human rights, emphasizing the importance of ensuring these fundamental freedoms are a reality for all citizens. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament, stated, "This day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for justice, equality, and dignity in our country." As part of their mission, the UDM remains focused on creating a South Africa where human rights are not merely written in law but realized in the daily lives of the people.

The UDM's commitment extends to advocating for comprehensive measures against pressing issues such as gender-based violence, crime, and human trafficking. According to their election manifesto, the party seeks reforms to the justice system, wishing to establish a safer environment for all South Africans. This day also serves to recognize the need for legislation that enforces the rights to freedom, dignity, safety, and equal opportunities, ensuring that all individuals can thrive.

While the UDM continues to spotlight individual rights, there is a growing movement in South Africa towards expanding the definition of human rights to encompass group rights as well. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is leading this initiative, aiming to create a home for groups and minorities within the framework of human rights. This perspective indicates a shift towards recognizing that people are not just individuals, but also part of communities enriched by shared languages, cultures, and histories.

As the discourse on human rights deepens, the challenge remains to protect the rights of minorities and groups, which are equally crucial in a truly democratic society. The essence of modern democracy, as noted by advocates, lies not only in the principle of one person, one vote but also in ensuring that the rights and voices of marginalized communities are not silenced by majority rule.

The UDM's focus includes a commitment to fighting poverty, inequality, and unemployment, emphasizing policies that promote economic inclusion, land reform, and fair wages. Their stance reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing social justice and ensuring that the benefits of democracy are accessible to all citizens.

While Human Rights Day is a national observance, the international community marks a similar occasion on December 10, commemorating the United Nation's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The UN further acknowledged group rights in 1992, signaling a global recognition of the complexities inherent in human rights issues. Yet, in South Africa, the legacy of apartheid still influences the discourse, often putting individual rights as a priority, overshadowing the need for group rights.

With South Africa being a nation rich in diversity, represented by twelve official languages and varying cultural backgrounds, it is essential that the understanding of human rights is broadened. Such an expansion will facilitate equitable representation and accommodation of all communities in the human rights framework, ensuring that a collective identity does not conflict with individual rights but enhances it.

As we observe this Human Rights Day, the calls from both the UDM and VF Plus resonate with the aspiration for a society where freedom, fairness, and dignity are not just ideals but foundational elements of South African democracy. In a world where human rights are frequently contested, national leaders must not only vocalize their commitments but also take tangible actions to fulfill them.

The UDM's Kwankwa concluded that the fight for human rights is a continuous journey aimed not just at protecting individuals but also recognizing and protecting the collective rights of various communities. "Let us honour the past by working towards a better future, i.e., a South Africa where freedom, fairness, and dignity are the cornerstones of our democracy," he said, reaffirming the poignant message of this day.