“Apathy of the young” just a stereotype

16/09/2008

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission has received an overwhelming response to a human rights survey of young people - a sign that young people today, who are often portrayed as self-centred, lazy and disinterested, care about human rights and want their voices heard.

The survey, which is hosted on the youthcentral website until late September, has received one of the sites highest ever response rates.

The survey focuses on the theme of ‘participation’. It asks questions about whether young people feel there are barriers to their participation in public life, and whether they feel their voice is heard on issues they care about.

Commission Human Rights Youth Ambassador, Cassandra Devine, one of the many respondents to the survey, is passionate about human rights.

“Young people are a particularly vulnerable group within society… not all of us are old enough to vote to determine our future. The status of young people in the community is generally quite low and older people don’t always ask for our opinions,” says Cassandra. “Human rights are so important to young people in Victoria.”

Commission CEO, Dr Helen Szoke, said the Commission is focusing on the human rights of children and young people in 2008.

“Our 2008 report on the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities will have a children and young people focus,” she said.

“We also launched our Human Rights Youth Ambassador program in August, and our upcoming Human Rights Oration will be presented by Dan Adams,Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year and mastermind behind the youth-run Make Poverty History concert.”

The Charter came into full operation in January this year, and outlines special protections for children and young people, including protection from discrimination and the right to participate in public life.

If you are under 25, you can tell the Commission what participation means for you. Go to www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au and follow the links to the survey.