Human Rights Day is an extremely special and important day in South Africa’s annual calendar as it recognises the dignity and human rights that every person in the country has a right to in terms of the Constitution.
While Youth Day is celebrated on June 16, to commemorate the sacrifice made by the youth of this country during the dark days of apartheid and especially in the uprising of 1976, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is adamant that Human Rights Day should also take into account the rights, hopes and aspirations of the young people of South Africa.
Unfortunately, it is the youth who bear the brunt of much of South Africa’s unemployment and poverty. Their rights need to be seriously analysed and considered on Human Right Day as they are indeed the future of the country – the future leaders, employers, employees, parents and voters.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa entrenches the Bill of Rights which is a cornerstone of our democracy. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the right to human dignity, equality and freedom. In realisation of the right to dignity, the NYDA will continue to facilitate and fight for the emancipation of all young people from the everyday challenge of unemployment and underdevelopment. We will continue to strive for youth access to opportunities, including the creation of employment because we recognise that with a job comes meaningful participation and with participation comes dignity.” says NYDA Chairperson Andile Lungisa.
It is also fitting to remember on Human Rights Day that many of people brutally killed on March 21, 1960 at Sharpeville were young people, trying to exercise their legitimate rights for a better life. They should be remembered on Human Rights Day for the role they played in bringing justice and democracy to this country.
Enquiries:
Siyabonga Magadla
Cell: 083 686 9016
E-mail: smagadla@nyda.gov.za
NYDA stresses important role of youth in Human Rights Day celebrations
