Media Statements

South Africa celebrates International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2018

10 December 2018

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development joins the international community in celebrating International Human Rights Day.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which, along with the Freedom Charter, forms the basis of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution.  Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third session on 10 December 1948, the UDHR maps out a vision of a world where all people across the world live in conditions of justice, equality, peace and dignity.  These are fundamental values that form the cornerstone of the South African Constitution.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was last week joined by Justice and Correctional Services Minister Advocate Michael Masutha, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and various stakeholders in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR. 

South Africa also commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the signing by President Nelson Mandela into law of South Africa’s Constitution and the 20th anniversary of the handing over of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to government.  These commemorations are particularly significant as they coincide with the year in which South Africa celebrates the centenaries of struggle stalwarts and human rights activists, Mr Nelson Mandela and Mrs Albertina Sisulu.

“This commemoration of International Human Rights Day in South Africa is significant as it shows how far we have come since 1948 when apartheid South African refused to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  We are particularly pleased that the founding president of our country, President Nelson Mandela, chose to symbolically sign the constitution of the new South African into law on such a momentous day,” said Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Michael Masutha.

Enquiries:      
Steve Mahlangu 
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
079 878 7587
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za