These rights are not only on paper but have been invoked successfully through our judicial system Given the need to redress the injustices of the past, the post-apartheid Constitution contains an imperative that legislative and other measures are taken to promote equality and advance persons who may have been adversely affected by unfair discrimination. Consistent with international human rights law, South African affirmative action policy places an obligation on state institutions and businesses to give preference to members of previously disadvantaged groups (inter alia blacks, Indians/Asians, coloureds, women, and persons with disabilities). National legislation is fully consistent with the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Article 1.4) to eliminate the structural discrimination that was prevalent during the apartheid era and to reflect the demographics of our society through this policy.