Human Rights Day (South Africa)

Human Rights Day is a public holiday in South Africa, observed on March 21 each year. The holiday is historically linked with the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21, 1960.

Black Africans were restricted from entering urban areas in South Africa since the eighteenth century. In 1952, the updated laws under the National Party government narrowed the definition of black residents in urban districts. They were required to carry Pass, also called the Reference Book, which includes detailed personal information, such as the place of origin, employment record, tax payments, etc. It was a punishable offense if they did not carry their passbooks and could result in arrest.

On March 21, 1960, the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) proposed an anti-Pass campaign, and campaigners gathered at the local police station. Situations worsened when more people gathered, and the Sharpeville police opened fire. On that day, 69 people died, and 180 were wounded.

Human Rights Day has been a holiday in South Africa commemorated on March 21 since 1994.

The following is the list of Human Rights Day from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in South Africa: