Hundreds of young people in Rumbek East, Lakes State, are championing human rights and call for an end to early marriage, forced marriage and gender-based violence.
For the past few years, many families across the country have continued to grapple with the devastating effects of forced marriage and gender-based violence, practices that rob women and girls of their rights, education and future prospects.
However, through the #HakBetana that loosely translates “Our Rights” campaign in Rumbek East this year, the Rumbek Youth and Sport Association (RYSA), empowered young people to understand, protect and advocate for their fundamental rights.
In many communities across Lakes State today, conversations about human rights, gender equality and the protection of girls are becoming more than awareness campaigns as youth champion efforts to challenge harmful social norms and become agents of change.
Speaking during the event, Meen Majok, a participant during the nonviolent civic engagements on basic human rights emphasized that promoting human rights begins with knowledge and community participation.
“Every young person deserves to know their rights and responsibilities. When young people understand the Bill of Rights, they become better equipped to protect themselves, respect the rights of others and contribute to peaceful and inclusive communities,” he explained during the campaign.
“Ending harmful practices such as early and forced marriage requires all of us to work together, understand each other and protect the future of young people,” Majok added.
The campaign attracted about 750 young people, including 400 males and 350 females from communities in Rumbek East County.
Additionally, 800 secondary school students, comprising 500 boys and 300 girls, participated in awareness sessions on basic human rights principles and the Bill of Rights.
The campaign encouraged participants to view human rights not only as legal principles but also as everyday values that promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
Through interactive discussions and civic education sessions, young people explored how discrimination and violence affect girls’ education, health, and future opportunities.
Cholhok Gabriel Majak, a female participant, said the discussions provided a renewed sense of purpose.
“Before attending this session, I did not fully understand how human rights relate to our daily lives. Today, I have learned that protecting girls from violence and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone is our shared responsibility. I will take these messages back to my peers and community,” she said.
The program supported by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) as it places a strong emphasis on the role of youth as agents of positive social change while speaking out against harmful practices, and promoting peaceful dialogue within their schools and communities.
Amal Mayen Meen, another participant, said the campaign inspired young women to become more confident in advocating for their rights.
“Many girls remain silent because they fear stigma or discrimination. This campaign has reminded us that every girl deserves to live free from violence, continue her education and make decisions about her future. We now have the confidence to raise our voices and encourage others to do the same,”
The #HakBetana campaign also highlighted the importance of collaboration among families, schools, community leaders, and local authorities in creating safe environments where girls and boys can thrive equally.
Abass Mayek Mayen, the Executive Director at RYSA, noted that sustainable change can only be achieved when communities collectively reject violence and discrimination while embracing respect for human rights.
“Bringing together hundreds of young people from both communities and secondary schools, RYSA has demonstrated that civic engagement remains a powerful tool for promoting peace, equality, and responsible citizenship,” he stated.
The campaign reinforced that informed and empowered youth are better positioned to challenge harmful traditions, protect the rights of vulnerable groups and contribute to stronger more inclusive communities.
As the youth champion #HakBetana across Rumbek East, they transmit a simple but powerful message that protecting human rights is everyone’s responsibility, and empowering young people today is vital to building a future where every girl and every boy can live with dignity, equality and hope.
