Two town hall meetings on human rights in Saba, Statia

 

Adriana van Dooijeweert.

SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS–Chairperson of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights Adriana van Dooijeweert will visit Saba and St. Eustatius April 9-13, to discuss human rights during town hall meetings with people on the islands.

During these meetings, Van Dooijeweert will explain why human rights are important in the relationship between citizens and the government and between citizens. She would also like to hear from residents which issues they are dealing with. Examples of current themes in the field of human rights are tackling poverty and the housing situation. Everyone is invited to actively discuss these important rights during the town hall meetings.

In Saba, the town hall meeting will be held at Sunny Valley Youth Centre on Monday, April 9. The town hall meeting on Statia will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at William and Christine Flanders Community Centre. Both meetings are scheduled from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Governments have a lot of power. Human rights exist to protect citizens from abuse by the government’s powers. Countries have agreed to guarantee these rights for all citizens so that everyone can live in human dignity, the Human Rights Institute explains.

Everyone, for example, has the right to hold an opinion and to express that opinion freely, and everyone has the right to a fair trial by an independent court. But also, the right to education, having enough to eat, health care and a roof over our head are important. These rights apply to everyone regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, political ideology, national or social origin, wealth and place of birth, or any other status.

Human rights form the basis for all government legislation and policies. During the town hall meeting, residents of Saba and Statia will be informed about the role of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. A discussion will also be held about which human rights topics are currently deemed relevant.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75295-two-town-hall-meetings-on-human-rights-in-saba-statia

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