RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN JANJEVO
Among the fundamental rights are the right to individual freedom, the right to life, the right to self-determination, the right to religion, etc. As such the term “human rights” is a concept that has changed throughout history, with humanity’s efforts to improve rights so that we can enjoy all the rights that exist today.
Illustration by: Argjira Kukaj
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Therefore, human rights have to do with a right which is protected by law and for freedom and equality between people. Among the fundamental rights are individual freedom right, the right to live, the right to self – determination, the right of religion, etc. As such the term “human rights” is a concept that has changed throughout all history with human efforts to improve these rights in a way that we can celebrate as they are today.
Either way this does not mean that all the human rights are respected fully in every country. Somewhere freedom of expression is denied, somewhere else there is gender discrimination, and in another place you can find racial discrimination.
In Janjeva too we have cases when human rights are violated. Examples include women who are often restricted from expressing their opinions freely, are prejudiced if they move freely at night, and may even be barred from moving. Even in cases where women can move freely, they may not feel safe, as there is not enough lighting on the streets at night. We constantly say that each of us has the right to education and employment. However, these rights are not always respected, such as early marriages, in which case, among other things, girls are hindered by the right to education and employment.
Despite the fact that there are several non-governmental organizations operating in Janjave, which continuously carry out various awareness-raising activities, it is very important to make efforts to further engage the youth and the community, to raise awareness and to enable respect for human rights without distinction.
Janjevo is a place where different communities live such as Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, Turks, Croats and Albanians. For that, it is important that in such a place of different cultures, human rights are respected and a better life is enabled for all.
Although activities are not lacking, what is lacking is the greater presence of young men and women. It is not that there is no opportunity to do different things which would contribute to opening the mind and raising the level of tolerance. Activities on bullying, discrimination, prejudice, property inheritance among girls, early marriages and violence are some of the topics that have already been addressed. All of this has to do with the protection and promotion of human rights.
These topics are very important for each of us to become part of the daily discussions, from which we would learn how to put them into function, starting with respecting the basic rights of the other. In this form, the reduction of prejudices, the violation of the rights of the other, would gradually begin.
If each of us starts the change from ourselves, then we also contribute to the well-being of the whole society.
About the author: Erza Maloku, a 15-year-old from Janjevo, is middle school student.
