By Gil Harper

March is a significant month for South Africans, as it marks Human Rights Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy and the ongoing strides for human rights. Central to this observance is Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on March 21, which commemorates the tragic events of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960. This date serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom and equality.

The 2025 theme for Human Rights Month, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” urges us to take stock of our progress and the work that still lies ahead. The 1960s were a crucial period, marked by widespread resistance against apartheid and deep-rooted racism. On that fateful day in Sharpeville, police opened fire on peaceful protesters who were opposing the oppressive pass laws, killing 69 individuals – many of whom were fleeing. This brutal act exposed the apartheid government’s blatant disregard for human rights and highlighted the urgent need for change.

In a testament to the sacrifices made and the struggles endured, our democratic government instituted Human Rights Day to honour those who fought for liberation and the freedoms we cherish today. As we commemorate this day, it is vital to reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, which includes:

• Equality – Every individual is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection.
• Human Dignity – Each person has inherent dignity that must be respected and protected.
• Freedom of Movement – All citizens have the right to move freely and reside anywhere within the country.
• Language and Culture – Everyone has the right to express their cultural identity and use their language of choice.
• Right to Life – Every individual’s right to life is paramount.

As we navigate our daily lives – whether in workplaces, schools, communities or places of worship – we are called to embody the values we wish to see reflected in our society. This Human Rights Month presents an opportunity for all South Africans to work toward greater social cohesion, nation-building, and the cultivation of a shared identity. It is our collective responsibility to promote inclusive socio-economic development and combat societal challenges like racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and gender-based violence.

The concept of human rights is often seen in opposition to religin but it is actually akin to the notion of human dignity. In the Interfaith Statement developed by the Faith Action to End GBV and We Will Speak Out, we state: “We recognise the great diversity and uniqueness we possess in light of our many faith traditions. Even though we disagree at times, we also recognise our humanity, and family resemblances. These differences and resemblances are reflected in our beliefs about the Divine, the sanctity of our sacred texts, our religious practices, our holy days, our ethics that guide us to live honourably, our prayers, worship and service.”

The Statement outlines common values and ideals which guide us and which are aligned with human rights notions:

• LOVE is the Golden Rule which is lived out as the basic ethic that we should treat all with empathy, care and

understanding for all is the shared foundation of all faiths.

• ONENESS: we need each other in order to survive and thrive;
• EQUAL DIGNITY of all God’s creation requires an intentional focus on EQUITY;
• PEACE requires both JUSTICE and MERCY in order for restorative healing to take place.

In an Interfaith Brief on Gender-Based Violence led by Faith to Action and Act Ubumbano,31 faith leaders from five religious traditions in Southern Africa agreed that the faith sector has not been as proactive in responding to GBV noting that ‘…we can no longer remain silent, nor assume that gender-based violence is a ‘private issue.’ It is in many instances a matter of life and death; a matter of human security, dignity, faith, human rights and is key to the prosperity of entire nations.’

This is the foundation of the Faith Action Collective’s Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024-2030 which has specifically adopted a human rights framework because of its direct link to the religious notion of human dignity. (Pg 22 of the Strategy)

Therefore, the faith sector is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in advocating for human rights.

By engaging in various activities, faith communities can support marginalised individuals, speak out against injustice, and collaborate with organisations committed to justice and equality. We strive to nurture mutual respect, to act justly with compassion and humility, and to speak the truth even if it is costly. Our beliefs sustain the dignity and equality of all human beings. Therefore, any form of harm, injury, discrimination or violence including gender-based violence and femicide have no support or justification in any of our faith values.

Here are some ways the Faith Action to End GBV Collective and We Will Speak Out SA, are contributing to human rights in the context of the GBV pandemic:

• Advocacy and Empowerment: The Collective actively raises awareness and demands accountability, equipping individuals from eight faith groups to champion human rights  and gender justice initiatives,
• Service and Care: Numerous faith-based organisations in the movement provide crucial support services to those affected by human rights violations, offering shelter, food, healthcare, and counselling for survivors of trauma related to gender-based violence.
• Promoting Human Dignity: The Collective’s Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy underscores the intrinsic dignity of all individuals, laying a foundation for robust human rights and gender advocacy.
• Collaboration with Government: Both WWSOSA and the Collective are recognised by the South African government for its leadership and achievements in the faith sector to implement initiatives that address human rights issues and promote gender justice. Our efforts contribute to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

• Religious Freedom: Advocating for the right to practice one’s religion without coercion remains a core aspect of human rights, and the Collective is committed to upholding this essential right.
• Reflecting on Religious Interpretations: The Collective’s Faith Leaders Gender Transformation Programme encourages participants to reconsider religious narratives that may perpetuate gender inequality or violence, ensuring that faith teachings promote justice and equity for all.

As we engage with the theme of Human Rights Month, let us embrace the call to action within our faith communities. Together, we can deepen our commitment to human and gender rights and promote a just, inclusive society for all South Africans.