YOUNG people across the seven member states of the East African Community (EAC) have been urged to raise their voices to demand for their rights to education and employment opportunities.
The call was made recently by Africa Regional Coordinator of the Empowered Youth Coalition (EYC), Mr Tobias Nauruki, during an empowerment workshop aimed at enlightening the youth on protection of their rights.
“Young people across the regional bloc have the role of demanding for their rights to education and jobs. They also have the role to protect their ethos against destructive foreign traditions,” Mr Nauruki told the youth during the workshop which was held in Dar es Salaam.
The coordinator pointed to the fact that there are many things happening globally which are against traditions of Africans.
“If left unchecked, the evil things happening in the world today will have negative impact to the youth and future generations,” he remarked.
Adding; “It is time to wake up and do the right thing. We should avoid following the bandwagon of the evil paths of some people, organizations and leaders who are bent on destroying the world through their wicked ways.”
Mr Nauruki cited some of the destructive campaigns by foreigners as the use of contraceptives pills known as P2 which is touted for preventing unwanted pregnancies for women and yet the drugs have negative impact on reproductive health.
The coordinator also took issues with the proposed EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Bill, 2017, which he said has negative impact on traditions of Africans.
Following numerous concerns raised by various stakeholders, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) withdrew the Bill on February, this year, to pave the way for re-drafting of the contentious document.
The EALA approved a report of the Committee on General Purpose, presented by the Chair, Mr Denis Namara, putting on ice – the said legislation, until such time, a fresh Bill that incorporates various views and concerns of stakeholders, is re-drafted.
