Children urged to stand up for their rights

Children have been called upon to know and fight for their rights. The call was made during celebrations of the United Nations Declarations of Human Rights (UNDHR) Day at Les Enfants de Dieu Rehabilitation Centre in Ndera, Kigali city. The Project Manager at the rehab centre, Callixte Rafiki, advised children to always be aware of their rights and speak out whenever their rights are infringed upon. He said that this year’s UNDHR celebrations in Rwanda are focusing on children, a demonstration that the country recognises children rights. “The focus on children’s rights this time round is a sign that they are loved, cared for and appreciated. This will boost their self-esteem and restore their pride as children,”Rafiki said. Rafiki further called upon children to respect their obligations and always look for positive solutions to challenges instead of resorting to drug abuse. He further urged parents and guardians to respect children’s rights and act with integrity so as to be exemplary to children. The UN representative, Chris Mburu, who attended the celebrations, said that it was an important milestone for Rwanda to honour children during the 63rd UNDHR anniversary. He stated that the Rwandan government had shown a lot of commitment in the human rights promotion process. Mburu pledged UN’s support to Rwanda in its promotion of human rights since the country had also successfully taken part in the Universal Periodic Review of People’s Rights. The Universal Periodic Review is a process of the Human Rights Council assesses human rights progress in different countries. A 14 year-old teenager, Brenda Mukashema, called upon parents to realise that human rights are meant for all people including children. She said that children should not be used as house-helps, handed heavy household chores, or treated in any way that violates their rights. maria.kaitesi@newtimes.co.rw

National

Children urged to stand up for their rights