Incoming govt urged to prioritise youth and human rights

Amnesty International South Africa is urging the incoming government to prioritise the youth and human rights.

The organisation made the call in its Youth Day statement, which is being observed in South Africa today.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, says the commemoration of the 1976 youth revolt against an oppressive government serves as a captivating reminder of the significance of safeguarding the freedom and rights of the youth, whom she feels are the nation’s future cornerstone.

“Thirty years after gaining independence, young people continue to confront significant challenges such as high unemployment, sexual violence, and inadequate access to quality basic education, among others. Since the youth represent the future of our nation, it is imperative to address these issues with dedicated focus.”

Following the swearing in of new Members of Parliament on Friday, the organisation urges political parties represented in the National Legislature to fulfill promises they made to voters during campaigning and take decisive action to address critical issues affecting young people across the country.

The organisation says although progress has been made, the government still needs to provide quality basic education and also invest, in infrastructure and resources, in order to provide a safe learning environment.

The 2023 report from the 2030 Reading Panel revealed that 82% of Grade 4 learners are illiterate, while the Department of Basic Education’s 2023 Education Facilities Management report indicates that approximately 4 000 schools still use pit latrines.

The human rights organisation say progress is too slow, and goalposts are continuously being shifted.

It believes the incoming government must also focus on providing quality education in a safe environment, in order to combat youth unemployment in the country.

“Quality education is one of the most powerful ways to give our children a bright future. If the government wants the youth to participate in the economy, it needs to ensure that every child, no matter their background, is given access to quality basic education,” says Mohamed.

The right to access safe, sufficient, and reliable water is another bone of contention for the organisation.

Amnesty International SA says it will continue to be threatened unless the government prioritises investment in and maintenance of infrastructure; implements climate friendly policies, and tackles corruption and the mismanagement of public funds.” Written by Odirile Rabolao