Counselling centre in Centurion celebrates Human Rights Day
“The event not only marked Human Rights Day but also World Down Syndrome day, which is also internationally celebrated on March 21.”
The Light from Many Lamps counselling centre and the Pretoria Legacy Foundation (PLF), celebrated Human Rights Day last week in Raslouw, Centurion.
“The Light from Many Lamps counselling centre provides counselling services and is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and the PLF is an NPO that is involved in social cohesion and community-based activities,” said PLF spokesperson, Ismael Abramjee.
He said the event not only marked Human Rights Day but also World Down Syndrome Day, which is also internationally celebrated on March 21.
The event had guest speakers who gave insight about Human Rights Day and World Down Syndrome Day.
National executive director of Down Syndrome South Africa, Ancella Ramjas spoke about the condition and its effects on children.
“Down syndrome is a genetic chromosome 21-disorder that causes developmental and intellectual delays in some children,” said Ramjas.
Constitutional Court judge and PLF vice-chairperson Justice Jody Kollapen, broke down the concept of Human Rights Day.
He traced it back to its beginnings and gave his thoughts about human rights in South Africa, as he is a former Human Rights lawyer who also chaired the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
“According to a recent international study, South Africa is reported to be one of the most unequal societies in the world,” Kollapen said.
Former chairman and commissioner of SAHRC, Mohamed Shafie Ameermia spoke about the challenges South Africans continue to face on a day-to-day basis.
He said the lack of proper service delivery and infrastructure in most parts of the country was a big challenge that had negative impact on the lives of South Africans.
Abramjee ascknowledged couple, Justin and Becca Tyvoll, who have travelled extensively in pursuit of their humanitarian work.
“In their individual speeches, they shared a lot of their experiences working in different countries,” said Abramjee.
Becca said human rights in Palestine were constantly violated every day by occupation forces.
Similarly, Justin touched on human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa and how they also have humanitarian challenges every day.
Abramjee said the programme involved a dialogue between the guest speakers and members of the audience.
“Several important inputs were raised and it was agreed to have more of these types of interactions,” he said.
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