21/03/2026
21 March – National Human Rights Day.
CoRMSA says: “Human Rights Know No Borders.”
The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), a national network of 33 member organisations working to promote and protect the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in South Africa, the region and internationally, joins all people in South Africa in observing and celebrating Human Rights Month in March, culminating in Human Rights Day on 21 March.
Human Rights Day is commemorated nationally to honour the 69 unarmed protesters who were killed by apartheid police during the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960. Instituted in 1994 by President Nelson Mandela, this day pays tribute to all those who fought for freedom, dignity, and equality. It also affirms South Africa’s commitment to its democratic values, as enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This background resonates very well with this year’s theme of “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real.”
As we commemorate and celebrate this important day, we are reminded that human rights are universal and inherent. They are not privileges granted by governments, but fundamental entitlements that belong to every person simply by virtue of being human. Yet, in recent weeks and months, South Africa has witnessed deeply concerning actions by anti-migrant social movements, including harassment, intimidation, unlawful practices, and the exclusion of migrants from accessing basic services such as healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. These actions undermine human dignity, erode the rule of law, and stand in direct contradiction to the values we honour on Human Rights Day.
CoRMSA further reiterates that the protection of human rights must extend to all who live in South Africa, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Upholding human rights for asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and locals is essential to building a just, inclusive, and equitable society. We should note that Human rights are not a gate that opens for some and closes for others; they are a sky that stretches over us all. When we deny one person their dignity, we cast a shadow that darkens the freedom of everyone.
In light of the above, CoRMSA strongly believes that Such violations are inconsistent with the spirit of this day and the legacy of the Sharpeville Massacre, which reminds us of the consequences of discrimination and exclusion.
CoRMSA reiterates that human rights know no borders and must be upheld for all who live in South Africa, regardless of nationality or immigration status. We call on the government, especially the law enforcement agencies, Chapter 9 Institutions, civil society, and communities to reject xenophobia and related intolerance, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and locals are protected equally, as an essential part of building a just, inclusive, and equitable society.
For more information, contact email [email protected], Tel: 011 403 0033.
