(ANS – Madrid) – Ahead of Human Rights Day, to be celebrated next Monday, 10th December, the Procurator of Salesian Missions of Madrid has launched an appeal to respect the fundamental rights for all. Below is the text of the press release.

"Many families from my city don't have a bathroom in their homes. We talked about it in the Children's Parliament and we are seeking funds to build them. So, many of these families now are already equipped with proper toilets", said Bhavani, a child of 11 years from Chittipalem, India, which participates in the "Children’s Parliaments"programme, an initiative of the Salesian Bosco Seva Kendra organization committed to getting young people involved in their community's problems.

The rights to participation and expression are laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Children's Parliaments in India are one of the projects in which the Salesians have pledged to ensure that the voices of children are to be heard. Over 7600 children participate in the Andhra Region Parliament, part of the Tsunami Project which aims to improve education for the most vulnerable children. The objective of this Parliament is that young people know their rights and reduce inequalities and injustices.

According to young Kokkiligadda, the Children's Parliament of his hometown, Prakasam, was crucial because it enabled them to continue their studies. “When I was attending my seventh year of school my father wanted to send me to work in a brick factory in Hyderabad. Thanks to the Children's Parliament, I'm still studying. I convinced my Dad of the importance to continue my education”.

Ahead of the World Day of Human Rights, the Department of Salesian Missions of Madrid asks the international community to work hard to ensure that Human Rights are respected. Education, participation, freedom of expression, of religion, the right to life, to a home, to health ... Millions of people around the world do not enjoy these rights. Education is the first necessary step to make citizens assert their rights and to ensure that participation is a reality.

Published 07/12/2012