Labone School wins debate on human rights

Published in the Daily Graphic 11th December, 2009 on pg 11

Story: Matilda Attram

AS part of its contribution towards the 2009 United Nations (UN) human rights celebration, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised an inter-schools debate in Accra to promote human rights.
The debate was on the topic: “Discrimination: A Threat to Child Development”. Labone Senior High School (SHS) spoke in favour of the topic and emerged winners, whilst Accra Girls Senior High School (SHS) was against the motion.
Labone SHS was presented with a 29-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials, while Accra Girls SHS which placed second had 25-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials.
Participating students were also awarded certificates and a cash prize of GH¢500.00 each
The debate was aimed at educating the youth on basic human rights and their responsibilities as citizens of the nation.
It was also to give the youth an opportunity to interact with officials of CHRAJ on issues concerning human rights.
The programme sought to create awareness on the need to avoid discrimination in societies.
Established in 1983 for human rights promotion, CHRAJ has three mandates which are enshrined in Article 218 of the CHRAJ Acts including the promotion of human rights, the right to sponsor public education programmes and the right to protect and promote administrative justice to ensure transparency and accountability of government and public officials.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Emile Francis Short said there was the need to promote human rights education in societies because the effects were fundamental to all persons irrespective of one’s nationality or tribe.
He said human rights education aimed at developing a comfortable environment for all as well as individual freedom to the environment.
Human rights education forms part of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the commission to educate the public on its principles, he stated, adding that the commission had always worked to widen human rights principles and values which have benefited many individuals and organisations.
Mr Short said as part of its duties, the commission had initiated plans to intensify human rights education in schools to promote tolerance among the youth.
He said human rights education would be an immense value to teachers and students since that would enable them gain better understanding of their basic rights and responsibilities.
“The Commission in April 2003 initiated plans to intensify the promotion of human rights activities in schools. The Commission identified activities such as quizzes and debates to educate school children on human rights. This has therefore led to the establishment of about 200 human rights clubs in basic and senior high schools,” he stated.
The Principal in charge of Public Education at CHRAJ, Mr Mawuli Avutor, noted that the topic for the debate was chosen with regard to the theme set world-wide by the UN to commemorate the universal declaration of human rights.
The Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, and Chairman for the occasion, Mr Richmond Quayson, entreated the students to be tolerant to promote national unity for development.