Nevis Youth Minister delivers address in observance of Youth Month 2019

in NIA

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 1, 2019) –The following is an address by Hon. Eric Evelyn Minister of Youth in the Nevis Island Administration on the observance of Youth Month 2019.

Fellow citizens and residents, it gives me great pleasure to address you on the occasion of Youth Month 2019. 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. Guided by its mission statement: “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 programmes, seeks to inspire and empower our young people to take leadership roles in their communities.

The chosen theme for this year’s celebration is: “Your Rights, My Rights, Our Rights: Stand for Human Rights.” It 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.

The path to achieving this goal begins with education. Therefore, in the spirit of raising awareness, kindly permit me to use this opportunity to highlight the 30 Human Rights and they are:

  1. We are all born free  and equal.
  2. Don’t discriminate.
  3. The right to life
  4. No slavery
  5. No torture
  6. You have rights no matter where you go.
  7. We’re all equal before the Law.
  8. Your human rights are protected by Law.
  9. No unfair detainment
  10. The right to trial
  11. We’re always innocent till proven guilty
  12. The right to privacy
  13. Freedom to move
  14. The right to seek a safe place to live
  15. Right to a nationality
  16. The right to marriage and family
  17. The right to your own things
  18. Freedom of thought
  19. Freedom of expression
  20. The right to public assembly
  21. The right to democracy
  22. The right to Social Security
  23. Workers’ rights
  24. The right to play
  25. Food and shelter for all
  26. The right to education
  27. The right to copyright
  28. A fair and free world
  29. The right to responsibility
  30. No one can take away your human rights.

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.

I take this opportunity to wish all our youth in Nevis a Happy Youth Month! This is your time to shine so make the best during the month of April.  I also ask that all our citizens support the Department of Youth in their quest to empower our nation’s youth.

I now take pleasure in declaring Youth Month 2019 officially open.

May God continue to bless our young people and all of us.

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