Natalie Sonia Mukundane, acting executive chairperson of the African Youths Commission has described African Human Rights Day as significant for development of the youths.
“Human Rights Violation and Corruption are key barriers for youths to achieve the sustainable development goal,” she told The Voice in an exclusive interview at Paradise Suits Hotel.
She added: “Corruption is the biggest hindrance of youths not being at the centre table. The elders are not inviting the youths because they are afraid of us [the youth], I don’t know why that is happening because all what we [the youths] want is to have a say in decision making process”
She added: “We want to work with the elders so that by 2063 youth can be able to play key roles in decision making process to expectation. Imagine, if we can fight corruption at this moment then we will have leaders who fight corruption in the near future.”
She added that the African youths need to know that the continent should be ‘no go area’ for corruption in the future so that the continent will not have corrupt leaders citing Robert Mugabe and Yahya Jammeh.
Madam Sonia, a professional lawyer said because of corruption African youths are dying in heath facilities as a result of shortage of medication, and other social needs.
She called on African youths to unite and work hard to ensure that the continent is free from corruption saying this can be attained through appropriate advocacy by the entire African youths.
“Currently no African country is isolated; therefore no nation should fear of fighting corruption or human rights violation because the entire continent is connected to ensure the welfare of all Africans. If any leader wants to maltreat his or her people, other countries will react immediately to make sure no one rights is violated.
“However, I am urging African leaders to empower the youth and termed them as friends and partners in development. They [the leaders] should also teach the youths properly so that we [the youths] become good leaders’ tomorrow,” she stated.
She urged the young people to speed-up to contributing in the development of the continent, adding: “Is high time for the youth to stop blaming authorities and look for measures that could advance them because when we [the youths] come together, we can put mechanism in place to ensure the well being of Africa.”
Author: Sulayman Waan