Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sharpeville Massacre, which took place on March 21, 1960, in South Africa, was a tragic event where peaceful protesters were met with violence by the South African police. The incident resulted in the violation of several fundamental human rights. Here are some of the human rights that were violated during the Sharpeville Massacre, along with justifications:
1. Right to Life: The right to life was violated as 69 protesters were killed and over 180 were injured by the South African police. The protesters were unarmed and posed no immediate threat to the police or public safety. The use of excessive force by the police resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
Evidence: Numerous eyewitness accounts, photographs, and reports from the time document the violent response by the police, including the use of firearms against peaceful protesters.
2. Right to Freedom of Assembly and Expression: The right to freedom of assembly and expression was violated as the protesters were peacefully demonstrating against the apartheid pass laws. These laws restricted the movement of Black South Africans and were seen as discriminatory. The protesters were exercising their rights to gather and express their grievances, but they were met with violence instead of being allowed to peacefully assemble.
Evidence: Historical records and testimonies from survivors indicate that the protesters were gathered in Sharpeville to peacefully protest against the pass laws. The police response of shooting into the crowd clearly violated their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
3. Right to Freedom from Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment: The protesters were subjected to torture and cruel treatment during and after the Sharpeville Massacre. Many were beaten, injured, and even killed by the police. This treatment violated their right to be free from torture and inhumane treatment.
Evidence: Accounts from survivors and witnesses describe the beatings, shootings, and brutal treatment inflicted upon the protesters by the police. The injuries sustained by the victims serve as evidence of the physical harm inflicted upon them.
4. Right to a Fair Trial: Following the massacre, hundreds of protesters were arrested and detained without proper legal process. Many were held without charges or access to legal representation, denying them their right to a fair trial.
Evidence: Historical records indicate that numerous protesters were arrested and detained without due process, and they were denied the right to legal representation during their detention.
The Sharpeville Massacre stands as a stark example of the violation of basic human rights, including the right to life, freedom of assembly and expression, freedom from torture, and the right to a fair trial. The evidence available from the time, including eyewitness accounts and historical records, provides substantial support for these claims.