(Minghui.org) On the morning of March 21, 2012, many organizations and groups in South Africa held various events to call attention to human rights issues. Falun Gong ractitioners demonstrated the exercises on the square in front of Durban city hall, introduced Falun Gong to passersby, and exposed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s 12-year-long persecution of Falun Gong.

March 21 is South Africa Human Rights Day, in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre which happened on March 21, 1960. This massacre occurred as a result of protests against the Apartheid regime in South Africa.

People view Falun Gong posters in front of Durban city hall

Several banners and posters introduced Falun Gong and exposed the CCP’s atrocities in the persecution. Practitioners distributed flyers to passersby and explained the facts of the persecution. Many stopped to view the posters and ask questions about Falun Gong.

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical, mental, and spiritual health, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced by over 100 million people in 80 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners throughout the world have been constantly speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP's crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution.