As South Africa observes Human Rights Day, AWARE.org is calling on the whole-of-society to recognise that the right to life, health, and safety is fundamentally linked to responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction efforts.
Whether it’s protecting underage youth from the dangers of alcohol, making roads safer by preventing alcohol-related crashes, or ensuring safe pregnancies, harm reduction is a collective responsibility that demands urgent action.
South Africa faces one of the highest rates of alcohol-related harm globally, affecting families, communities, and the most vulnerable members of society. From underage drinking, to the devastating impact of drunk driving and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the misuse of alcohol continues to violate the fundamental rights of those it affects.
“A child’s right to a safe, healthy future is non-negotiable. Yet, underage drinking remains a crisis in South Africa, exposing young people to ills such as academic failure, mental health issues, and increased vulnerability to violence and addiction,” says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. “On this Human Rights Day, we urge parents, educators, and communities to stand firm in saying #NoToUnder18 and to work together to prevent access to alcohol among minors. Because it is avoidable.”
With South Africa having the highest reported prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the world, AWARE.org is driving awareness around the importance of zero alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is 100% preventable, yet its effects are lifelong and irreversible, impacting a person’s cognitive development, behaviour, and ability to thrive.
“No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, and every child has the right to be born free of preventable harm,” adds Thulo. “As a society, we must empower and support expectant mothers with the right information and resources to make healthy choices for their babies.”
Every year, thousands of South Africans lose their lives due to alcohol-related road crashes, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning. Drunk driving is not just reckless—it’s a human rights issue that endangers innocent lives.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility. Choosing not to drink and drive is choosing to respect the right to life of every road user," says Thulo. "Human Rights Day is a reminder that the right to life begins from the moment we enter the world. Protecting this right also means safeguarding children from underage drinking, ensuring alcohol-free pregnancies to prevent FASD, and promoting responsible alcohol choices. As we mark this day, we call on every South African to make the right choice—never drink and drive, say #NoToUnder18, and support zero alcohol during pregnancy."
AWARE.org remains committed to working alongside government, industry stakeholders, and communities to create a safer, healthier South Africa through responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction.
On this Human Rights Day, let’s recognise that protecting human rights starts with the choices we make every day—for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
Human Rights Day is a powerful reminder that protecting human rights begins with individual and collective action. Choosing responsible alcohol consumption, saying #NoToUnder18, supporting zero alcohol during pregnancy, and never drinking and driving are all ways we can uphold the right to life and safety. Together, we can create a safer, healthier South Africa.
