Amnesty International South Africa says with 30 years since the end of apartheid, the struggle for human rights and dignity persists.
South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on Saturday, the 27th of April.
A report by Amnesty International notes that despite the hard fought victories against apartheid, three decades later millions of people are still grappling with the denial of their fundamental human rights.
The annual ‘The State of the World’s Human Rights’ report assessed human rights in 155 countries.
Challenges that were highlighted include gender-based violence, the country’s high murder rate and access to safe drinking water.
"Thirty years after the end of apartheid, the right to life and dignity continues to be trampled on, and some lives are deemed more valuable than others,” Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said.
“No one is spared – from women and girls enduring high rates of GBV to courageous human rights defenders risking their lives to expose wrongdoing and corruption.”
“As we reflect on South Africa’s journey since the end of apartheid, it is a poignant reminder that the fight for freedom, dignity and human rights is far from over.
“This year, as South Africa heads to the polls on 29 May, we have the opportunity to collectively shape the future of the country and vote for human rights.
"To demand a reality where justice and equality are protected, and the right to live free from violence and have access to safe, sufficient and reliable water is realised for every person, no matter who they are, or where they live,” Mohamed said.
