Human Rights Day is observed in South Africa on March 21, commemorating the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, when police opened fire on a peaceful protest against the Pass laws, resulting in the deaths of 69 individuals, including women and children. This day has been an official public holiday since 1994, established to honor the victims and promote human rights. The massacre occurred at a police station where a crowd of 5,000-10,000 demonstrators had gathered. Notably, the location of the massacre, Sharpeville, was chosen by then-President Nelson Mandela for the signing of the South African Constitution in 1996. In 2002, a memorial was opened on the anniversary of the massacre to further recognize its significance.