“Your Rights, My Rights, Our Rights: Stand for Human Rights”. That’s the theme chosen for Youth Month 2019 and according to Eric Evelyn, Minister of Youth in the Nevis Island Administration, throughout the month of April, the Department of Youth will bring to focus the human rights through various activities that will see the participation of the island’s young people.
“Annually, the Department of Youth, within the Ministry of Social Development observes Youth Month in April and the observance is specially used to celebrate all young people. Throughout the month of April, the Department of Youth will bring to focus the human rights through various activities that will see the participation of our young people from across the island including: Youth Day of Prayer, Youth for Human Rights March, Easter Camp dubbed “Camp Rights,” Youth in the News, Youth Impact 12, Be a Career Choice Day and visit to Her Majesty’s Prison. The events are varied, planned with young persons in mind and will therefore try to reach as many young persons as possible. I am admonishing all young people to take advantage of the offerings of the department throughout this month and to participate in as many activities as possible.”
Minister Evelyn said guided by its mission statement, the Department of Youth aims to provide quality experiences for youth between the ages of 11 and 30 necessary for positive growth and development that will lead to well-adjusted and civic-minded citizens.
“The Department of Youth, through its programs, seeks to inspire and empower our young people to take leadership roles in their communities.
The chosen theme for this year’s celebration is a call for all young people to raise awareness on the UNESCO sanctioned human rights. It is also a call for all youthful citizens to facilitate the creation of a world where people treat each other with respect and dignity; where peaceful solutions are sought between individuals, groups and nations. Ultimately, men, women, boys and girls should be given the opportunity to enjoy their human rights.”
He said the path to enjoying those human rights begins with education, while noting the 30 UNESCO sanctioned human rights, which include freedom of thought, freedom of expression, the right to democracy, the right to privacy, and a fair and free world.