Our rights, our future: the urgency of now

It was an early morning in a quiet Jamaican village when a determined woman walked purposefully towards the local community centre. Her mission was clear: to demand access to clean water for her family and neighbours.

For years, they had endured an inconsistent water supply, an issue that compounded everyday challenges for many households.

Recently equipped with knowledge from a community rights workshop, she felt empowered to take a stand, embodying the urgent call of this year’s World Human Rights Day theme: ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’.

Her story, though unique in its specifics, reflects the experiences of countless Jamaicans who, every day, confront violations of their basic rights. For many, human rights remain more than a theoretical construct – they are the foundation for survival and dignity. They encompass essentials like access to education, healthcare, and justice, ensuring everyone, regardless of background, can participate meaningfully in society. However, achieving this reality requires both systemic reform and grassroots mobilisation.

In Jamaica, human rights are safeguarded by the Constitution, which guarantees freedoms such as equality before the law and protection from discrimination. Yet, the gap between policy and practice often leaves vulnerable communities underserved. For instance, while education is a constitutional right, children in rural and inner-city areas often face barriers, from under-resourced schools to unsafe learning environments. Grassroots initiatives have risen to address these gaps, with volunteer tutoring programmes and mentorship schemes offering lifelines to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

The right to healthcare is another critical issue. In remote parts of the island, mobile clinics organised by local charities have become a lifeline, providing essential services to those who might otherwise go without.

These efforts complement broader government programmes but highlight the ongoing disparities in access. Advocacy groups have also been vocal about improving maternal health services, pointing to the need for equitable resources across urban and rural settings.

ADVOCACY CAN LEAD TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE

Grassroots efforts also shine in the fight for justice. Community groups in areas affected by crime and violence have been pivotal in bridging the divide between law enforcement and residents, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and perpetrators are held accountable.

Recent legislative breakthroughs, such as amendments to the Domestic Violence Act, which expanded protections for survivors of abuse, show how advocacy can lead to systemic change. However, the work is far from over, as many continue to face challenges in accessing legal aid and support.

Education plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and advocacy for human rights. In schools across Jamaica, programmes designed to teach children about justice, equality, and responsibility are shaping the next generation of advocates. I’ve personally seen the transformative power of these lessons, with students inspired to lead community clean-ups or campaign for safer school environments. Such initiatives not only promote awareness but also instil a sense of ownership, showing young people that they have a stake in building a fairer society.

The theme ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’ is a reminder that human rights must be addressed with urgency. Every Jamaican deserves access to the essentials that allow them to live with dignity, and grassroots movements are at the heart of this mission. They amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, ensuring that justice, equality, and opportunity are not distant ideals but lived realities.

The woman at the community centre represents a collective determination to demand better, not just for herself but for future generations.

As a nation, we must champion these efforts, holding leaders accountable while fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. Our rights define our present and shape our future – securing them demands action, not tomorrow, but right now.

- Leroy Fearon Jr is an educator, Justice of the Peace and author. Email feedback to: leroyfearon85@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com