Written By |
By Bruno Mugizi
Mbarara
Students at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara City have revived the Human Rights Club with the aim of promoting equal rights, justice, human dignity, and community awareness within the university.
This student-led initiative seeks to educate students about their rights and empower them to advocate for human rights in their communities.
According to the club's president, Orishaba Alleluyah, the revitalized Bishop Stuart University Human Rights Club is partnering with the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) to equip students with knowledge, skills, and advocacy tools. "We decided to expand it to the entire university to incubate more knowledge, provide new skills, and create advocacy strategies so that students can educate others about their rights," Orishaba said.
She further revealed that the club has been instrumental in raising awareness about human rights issues within the university through various events, workshops, and campaigns. "The club has provided a platform for students to engage in discussions, debates, and reflections on human rights-related topics," she added.
Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana, the Chief Executive Officer of FHRI, commended the revival of the Human Rights Club, describing it as a pivotal moment for the university. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in nurturing future leaders and fostering innovative ideas.
Professor Gershom Atukunda, the Director of the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovations at Bishop Stuart University, noted that the club will play a crucial role in enhancing students' research skills and deepening their understanding of human rights issues. He highlighted that research-focused projects will provide students with hands-on experience in exploring complex human rights topics, analyzing data, and developing well-informed arguments.
Speaking at the event, SSP Norman Kukunda, the Rwizi Region Police Legal Officer, underscored the need for a nuanced understanding of human rights in the post-COVID era. He pointed out that the pandemic exposed existing social and economic inequalities and stressed the importance of prioritizing human rights in recovery efforts.
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