“SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD”, THE WORLD OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

By VICTOR KANGUYA,

                   

March 21^st, 1960 marked a tragic day in the history of South Africa and the world at large. Police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa against the apartheid pass laws. In 1966, this day was declared a United Nations (UN) observatory day.  

The first Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting these ideals. This year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was observed under the theme “Racism and Sport”. The theme was chosen by the UN to highlight the problem of racism in sports; but also crucially to raise awareness of the role sports can play in combating racism.

The fight against racial discrimination is a daunting one and therefore the involvement of youths in this fight is very cardinal. Involving youths and children in this fight will help the young people voice their opinions and find ways to fight racism. In an interview, Chrispine Sinyangwe a Lusaka resident emphasised the importance of involving children in the fight against racism. He said children need to begin to embrace other cultures and races. “Fighting racism requires us as children as future leaders of societies to rise above our indifference and work to achieve greatness as humans,” he said. He further said children need to realize that there is still much to be done to conquer racism.

Sport is crucial in combating racism. There is need to ensure learning institutions such as schools and colleges get involved in anti racism projects. Encouraging socially excluded communities to become actively involved in sports is also important. Show Racism the Red Card Campaign is aimed at stopping racism in society using sport as a tool. There is need to ensure we have inclusive communities in society irrespective of race, gender, nationality, culture or religion. The ruling bodies in sports must ensure there are rigorous penalties in place to squash racism on the playing field.

We all have a role in tackling racism, everyone must remember their obligation and determination in combating racism. Government must lead by example at a national policy level. There is need to show racism and racial discrimination zero tolerance in sports and any other setting in society. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

CNA MEMBERS JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD IN COMMEMORATING ICDB

By Victor Kanguya,

         

The first Sunday of March is a very important day in the world’s media calendar. This is because on this day, children and broadcasters are presented with a unique opportunity to use the power of the media to benefit children. On Sunday March 3^rd 2013, members from the Children’s News Agency joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).

Television has the power to inform, to educate and entertain; this year’s ICDB celebrations marks the 22^nd edition since its launch in 1991. Child Journalists from the Children’s News Agency under The Media Network on Child Rights and Development were spread across major media houses. The children took over; the national broadcaster ZNBC TV, Radio 2 and private owned media houses such as; Muvi Television, Radio Christian Voice and TBN.

Some children talked to, who took part in the celebrations also expressed their views. Chrispine Sinyangwe a CNA member said, “ICDB is a platform where children voice out their emotions, feelings and issues affecting them. More of print media should be actively involved in the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, as much as the electronic media”.

Governments in many countries should embrace this day and should use it as a catalyst for action on behalf of children. Broadcaster involvement should go far beyond the mere allocation of an hour or two of programming and children should play a stronger role each year.

Mwiza Zulu, who has participated in ICDB for the past three years, also expressed her views. She said there has been no notable improvement in the way the day (ICDB) was being commemorated and there was need to adequately plan future celebrations. She further commended other children who took part in this year’s celebrations for the job well done and urged children who did not take part in this year’s studio celebrations not to despair, as there is a next time.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund UNICEF, in light of the enormous success of the day, decided to introduce the International Council/UNICEF award. This award is intended to honour whose programming of the Day best interprets the theme.

While the saying is that children are the future, it is also clear that children are the present. Their future is so much dependent on their healthy development today. The International Children’s Day of Broadcasting is without doubt, as it is rated as UNICEF’s most successful advocacy initiative. It is hoped that Zambia will continue participating in ICDB activities, and hopefully mint the International Council/UNICEF award one day. –Children’s News Agency.