Page 4 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 17 March 2006 A sharp lesson from

our past ABOVE: Burying the dead after Sharpeville. The massacre claimed the lives of 69 and focused world attention on RIGHT: A policeman inspects an African’s pass book. Anger over OUTH Africans will proposed an anti-pass commemorate campaign, to start on 21 the pass system sparked protests, including the one at the Human Rights Day, a March 1960. All black African Sharpeville police station which ended in tragedy historically and men were to take part in the politically significant campaign without their Sday on the national calendar, passes, and present on Tuesday, 21 March. themselves for arrest. On 21 March 1960, the Campaigners gathered at apartheid government’s police stations in townships police killed 69 people in near Johannesburg, where Sharpeville. They were they were dispersed by among the many who were police. participating in a protest against the pass laws. Many Sharpeville were shot in the back. The carnage made world At the Sharpeville police headlines. station, a scuffle broke out. Four days later, the Part of a wire fence was PROGRESS: A rainbow nation of Bok government banned black trampled, allowing the crowd fans enjoy the France-SA Test in Durban political organisations, and to move forward. The police many leaders were arrested opened fire, apparently or went into exile. without having been given a The Native Laws order to do so. Sixty-nine Amendment Act of 1952 had people were killed and 180 extended government wounded. control over the movement of In apartheid South Africa black Africans to urban areas this day became known as and abolished the use of the Sharpeville Day and, Pass Book (a document although not part of the which black Africans were official calendar of public required to carry on them to holidays, the event was LOOKING FORWARD: For today’s “prove” that they were commemorated by anti- children, perhaps, a colour-blind future LEST WE FORGET: Durban’s Freedom Wall Pictures: PETER BENDHEIM allowed to enter a “white apartheid movements. area”) in favour of a reference It is now a public holiday in book which had to be carried the post-apartheid, South Africa are aware of South Africa. The promote the protection, 1996, 35 years after the at all times by all black democratic South Africa. their human rights, and to Constitution further provides development and attainment . Africans. During the apartheid era, ensure that such abuses for the establishment of the of human rights; and Failure to produce the there were human rights never again occur. South African Human Rights monitor and assess the • Sources: South African reference book on demand abuses by all sides. Human The Bill of Rights contained Commission (SAHRC), the observance of human rights Government Information by the police was a Rights Day is but one way to in the Constitution is the aim of which is to promote in South Africa. The SAHRC website and African History punishable offence. The PAC ensure that the people of cornerstone of democracy in respect for human rights; was launched on 21 March website. Church group celebrates 30 years’ service

DURBAN-BASED is involved in human rights Peters & Friends. ecumenical organisation, the issues, will introduce the There will also be a human Diakonia Council of film. Entry is free. rights seminar at 8.30am at Churches, will turn the Tuesday, 21 March: the Durban City Hall. spotlight on human rights Human Rights Day Open The title is “Ethekwini issues as part of its 30th Day, from 10am to 3.30pm. Municipality Striving anniversary celebrations There will be a series of Towards Progressive next week. activities for adults and Realisation of Social The organisation’s week- children in and around the Economic Rights for All”. long programme is as Diakonia Centre. There will Thursday, 23 March: follows: be a tree-planting ceremony The “Oikos Journey: A Sunday, 19 March: at noon, followed by an hour Theological Reflection on the Thanksgiving service at of music by groups like the Economic Crisis in South 2.30pm at Emmanuel KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Africa” will be officially Cathedral. Band, SANDF Band, and launched at 4pm in the Monday, 20 March: Steel Band Foundation. Denis Hurley Hall at the The acclaimed Diakonia Centre. international film Red Dust Charter The research document will be screened at the focuses on poverty, how the Diakonia Centre in St There will also be a human lives of South Africans have Andrew’s Street at 7pm. rights march in Church Walk changed economically since The movie, based on the at 11am, with the signing of a 1994, and future challenges. novel by , is human rights charter at Friday, 24 March: about the Truth and Durban City Hall. There will be an HIV/Aids Reconciliation Commission, Wednesday, 22 March: forum at 4pm at the Dennis opening a window on to The Durban Art Gallery is Hurley Hall. South Africa’s bloody past hosting an exhibition at 6pm Saturday, 25 March: An and the healing of a entitled Never Again, which invitation-only celebratory NEVER AGAIN: Bishop Rubin Phillip, chairman of the Diakonia Council of Churches, wounded country. Ilan Lax, will include an evening of gala dinner. at the exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery Picture: LIANA TURNER who worked for the TRC and jazz and poetry with Melvin Call 310 3511/12/30.