Peter Martin, Steenberg Community Forum (SCF) chairperson
Human Rights Day, tomorrow, Thursday March 21, is a day when we, as individuals and communities, should seriously reflect on human rights.
The Constitution in chapter two, Bill of Rights, guarantees citizens a number of rights.
It states that the Bill of Rights is the foundation of democracy in South Africa and that the state must “respect, protect, promote and fulfill the rights in the Bill of Rights” (section 7).
Included in the Bill of Rights is people’s right to basic human rights. Basic human rights fulfil people’s basic needs, such as security, housing, food and water, and enable them to survive as human beings, and to live in dignity (“dignity” being also a right). Such basic human rights are laid down in sections 12, 26 and 27 of the Bill of Rights.
Firstly, the right to “freedom and security of the person” and to “be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources”.
Reflecting, do people in poor communities really enjoy freedom and security given the daily violence emanating from crime, and the associated loss of innocent lives? This while political representatives have personal security and immediate access thereto, and live in secure mansions paid from public money. Is the government really committed to ensure poor people’s freedom and security? The constant increase in violent crime tells a different story.
Secondly, the right to have access to adequate housing. Thirty years into democracy and still many people find themselves on the housing waiting list, 30 years and more, whereas others are lifelong backyard dwellers and renters in the country of their birth. When will this right to adequate housing become a reality for such persons?
Thirdly, the right to “sufficient food and water, social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance.” Despite this basic human right many children and elderly still suffer from hunger.
Social security and assistance remain way below the breadline. This when political representatives keep voting themselves hefty increases on top of their excessive salaries and perks from public (people’s) money (taxes). Not even talking about wasteful and fruitless expenditure and corruption.
Reflecting, does the government really care about people’s basic needs and human rights? If not, what is the solution? The solution is simple. It is found in section 19 (2) of the Bill of Rights which states that “every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections”. People should simply elect political parties and representatives into parliament who will respect, protect, promote and fulfil people’s basic human rights.