By Wendy Kaizer-Philander
Human Rights are the fundamental principles that guarantee dignity, freedom and equality - commemorated globally as renewed commitment to justice and respect for all. As South Africa prepares to mark Human Rights Day on March 21, it is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of upholding the values embedded in our Constitution. As we commemorate this day in the Western Cape it is impossible to ignore the glaring contradictions between the ideals we celebrate and the daily violation of basic human rights, in the realm of gender-based violence.
Crime statistics
The recent crime statistics by the South African Police Service paints a harrowing picture of the state of safety and human dignity. In the last quarter of 2024, a staggering 1 353 rape cases were reported. That is an average of 14 incidents of rape every single day. For the same period 1 957 sexual offences cases were reported. That is approximately 21 per day! These figures are not just statistics, they are a chilling reminder that as we commemorate the right to freedom and security that many people, especially women and children, continue to live in constant fear of violence.
The ongoing widespread gender-based violence pandemic demonstrates that we are far from achieving the vision to uphold the dignity of every individual. The violation of this fundamental human right is occurring daily, with women and children suffering from a constant threat.
The non-negotiables
The right to human dignity, freedom from violence and protection from abuse are non-negotiable. Article 10 of the South African Constitution guarantees the right to dignity for all, stating that "everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected". Looking at the rape and sexual violence statistics it is however evident that the dignity of countless men, woman and children are being violated every day.
Similarly, the right to freedom and security as outlined in the Constitution asserts that every person should be free from all forms of violence. This is further underlined by the state's obligations to protect children from abuse and exploitation. We however continue to witness horrifying levels of violence against children.
As we reflect on these statistics, we must recognise that human rights are not just about laws and policies. They are about the actions we take every day in our homes, workplaces, communities, and schools. Human rights are something we must all protect and respect in our daily interactions. Whether at the workplace, within communities, at schools, or with our partners and children, we each have a responsibility to uphold the values that would lead to a safer and more just society.
It is critical that we consider the reality of gender-based violence in the context of our broader fight for human rights. How can we celebrate human rights when millions of women and children are denied the right to safety, dignity, and security? How can we build a nation where everyone is free from violence if we do not take concrete steps to address the crisis of GBV?
Social cohesion
Human Rights Day and month must be an opportunity not only to reflect on the rights we enjoy but also to consider the rights we have yet to guarantee for all South Africans. It is a time to foster greater social cohesion, nation-building, and a shared national identity based on mutual respect and equality. However, it is also a time to recognide that the struggle for human rights is ongoing, and it will only be meaningful when all people—particularly women and children—can live without the fear of violence.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day on March 21, let us also pledge to take action. Let us work together to break the silence surrounding gender-based violence and to ensure that the rights to dignity, safety, and freedom are protected for all, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. Human rights is not a celebration, it is a call to action, that demands we do better, every day.
*Kaizer-Philander is the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.
Weekend Argus