Let Human Rights Day Inspire You

by Lionel Fynn · Published March 21, 2022 · Updated March 21, 2022

Lionel Fynn reflects on Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day, which we observe on March 21, has its roots in 1960 massacre of Sharpville when police shot people at a peaceful protested against the pass laws. In the event, 69 people died and 180 were injured. It has now come to be a reminder that all human beings have rights, and that these rights have come at a great cost. This is why these rights need to be respected and protected at all times, regardless of who we are, since “the state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the[se] rights”.

‘the exploitation of others for various kinds of reasons needs to come to an end. ‘ (Photo: Markus Spiske/Unsplash)

The rights that we possess are enshrined in chapter 2 of our Constitution under the Bill of Rights, which states that “the Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms that democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom”

Religion also explains that we are special as human beings, made in the image and likeness of God. “God said let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves” (Gen 1:26). Being made in Gods image, we possess an intrinsic dignity, regardless of who we are or what our social status is. With this intrinsic dignity in mind, every human being deserves to be respected, and always to be treated as an end in themselves and never just as a means to an end. Thus the exploitation of others for various kinds of reasons needs to come to an end.

Image of God

When we start to see in our fellow brothers and sisters an image of God, we can approach them with respect and have meaningful relationships with them and grow together with them as human beings.

Thus as the state and the Church acknowledge the dignity of human beings, we too need to start treating each other as brothers and sisters regardless of race, gender or creed. We need to show solidarity to each other, to love one another and assist one another in times of need.

As we are in this Lenten season, it is a very good idea to come out of our comfort zones and be charitable to each other. We all have needs, whether it be money, time, and even love. More often than not we believe that if we have no money that we cannot help each other, but this is not true. There is more value in spending time with someone than there ever can be in monetary value: a simple touch, a simple smile, a friendly visit.

This Human Rights Day, and beyond, may we have the courage to respect each as fellow human being, putting aside all our differences and focusing more on what we have in common. In our unique diversity we pray that we may all be one just as God is one (Jn 17:21).