South African Human Rights Training Workshop for UNIZULU  Student Human Rights Champions

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) as part of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) hosted a workshop for Student Human rights champions.

The training facilitated by the members of the South African Human Rights Commission In attendance was the students from the Department of Law and Department of Criminal Justice. The workshop aimed to empower students to become Human Rights Champions within their communities. The academic from the Department of Criminal Justice, Dr Kanagie Naidoo said, “There were twelve students from the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law (FCAL) and eight from the faculty oof Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The initiative is just one of the initiatives included in the MoU between UNIZULU and SAHRC.” Explained Dr Naidoo.

The workshop covered: The South African Bill of Rights and its fundamental principles. Specific human rights issues relevant to South Africa, such as access to education, healthcare, and housing. Strategies for advocating for human rights change at the individual and community level.

Professor Lizelle Calvino from the Department of Law applauded the initiative by SAHRC and said that this training will empower students with knowledge of Human Rights so that as champions they will be able to promote human rights amongst communities.” The students will be able to go out to their communities and share information with community members to increase awareness of human rights and correlating duties and responsibilities that come with these rights.” Said Prof Calvino

The role of the SAHRC and other human rights organizations. Increase knowledge and understanding: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of human rights concepts, enshrined in the South African Constitution, and relevant international frameworks.

The students will in attendance said that they will develop practical skills in areas like human rights advocacy, communication, conflict resolution, and community engagement.

The workshop fostered connections between students, allowing them to share experiences, learn from each other, and build a network of like-minded individuals.

Participants were empowered to act and advocate for human rights in their communities, contributing to a more just and equitable South Africa.

By participating in this workshop, students gained valuable knowledge and skills to become effective Human Rights Champions and contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

• Precious Shamase