Pupils at Edendale Primary School in Manenberg learnt about their human rights, thanks to a partnership between Youth for Human Rights International, Manenberg SAPS, and the Western Cape Police Band.
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Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) partnered with Manenberg SAPS and the Western Cape Police Band to educate youth about their rights.
Representatives from the organisation, SAPS and the band, have visited a few schools in Manenberg. On Tuesday March 11, they visited Edendale Primary School.
Manenberg SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, said bringing YHRI to schools is “a priority in fighting the scourge of gangs and gang violence”.
He added: “Gang violence has become more ruthless and heartless, leaving the youth paralysed in making good choices. March is Human Rights Month.
“Human rights is a sensitive matter, often only highlighted when one is in conflict with the law. We are all born free and equal, with the right to freedom of movement, education, and good living conditions.”
Unfortunately, these rights are violated daily, and it is essential for everyone to know their human rights, Captain Bennett said.
“Gangs and gang activity take away these basic fundamental human rights. We need our young people to stand up for themselves. They should not have to demand their basic human rights; it should be evident in the way we talk, walk, and treat each other as a community. We must celebrate human rights. Our young people often violate each other's human rights without realising it, through bullying and forming groups that become gangs. Gangs create divisions in areas as territories, which violates individual human rights. By choosing the barrel of a gun to bully the community into silence, gangs violate the rights to personal property, choice, and freedom of movement.”
Avi Kazansky, from YHRI said if everybody is aware of their rights, it will decrease crime.
“Our booklets demonstrate every human right. We do different campaigns in various communities and this one is specifically aimed at promoting human rights under the circumstances in Manenberg. After our initial presentation, we go back to the schools to see how they have implemented it. Everybody should know about their rights,” Mr Kazansky said.
Captain Bennett said if the youth know their rights, it will help them make better choices.
“Every man, woman, and child, including members of law enforcement, has human rights. It is the job of law enforcement to protect these human rights from birth to beyond the grave. We need our community to enforce human rights through the way they live and the choices they make. Let's hold on to our basic human rights and teach our youth how to truly be free by making good, principled choices,” he said.