Human rights at work

AS South Africans observe Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the fundamental freedoms and protections enshrined in our Constitution.

- DEVAN MOONSAMY

While we celebrate these rights, we must ask ourselves a difficult question: are businesses truly upholding human rights in the workplace, or are we merely paying lip service to the idea of equality and dignity at work?

Human rights violations in the workplace do not always take the form of overt discrimination or physical harm. Sometimes they manifest in more insidious ways such as unequal pay, toxic work environments, lack of access to career development and the exclusion of persons with disabilities from meaningful employment opportunities.

Disability bias

South Africa has one of the most progressive legislative frameworks for employment equity, yet unemployment rates remain alarmingly high — especially among marginalised groups. For example, persons with disabilities face enormous barriers when seeking employment. Despite incentives, many organisations still fail to create inclusive workspaces, often citing logistical or cost-related challenges.