The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday embarked on human rights education for basic schools in Ga South Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, as part of its public education mandate.
It was aimed at inculcating in the pupils the essence of appreciating human rights by making it part of their lives and equip teachers with human rights knowledge and skills to enable them appreciate and deliver effective human rights lessons in the classroom.
The programme was attended by 150 students from seven Junior High Schools including New Gbawe 1, 2, 3 and 4, New Gbawe Experimental 1 and 2 and Gbawe Islamic Junior High School.
Mr Richard Quayson, Deputy Commissioner in-charge of Public Education and Anti-Corruption explained the concept of human rights to the pupils and urged them to respect it since it is enshrined in the constitution.
"Human rights are for all persons in the world regardless of social status," he added.
He urged the pupils to impart the knowledge acquired to their colleagues, families because anyone who abused the rights of another person
would not be spared by the law.
Mr Quayson appealed to the pupils not to keep mute when being badly treated or witness the abuse of their friends.
He noted that human rights abuses had been the main causes of conflicts in the world.
Mr Mawuli Avutor, Principal Public Education Officer of CHRAJ, said the commission would soon commence the formation of Human Rights Clubs in basic and senior high schools.
He said the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child stipulates that every child is entitled to protection against sexual
harassment, protection from hazardous work, child trafficking, slavery and servitude.
Mr Avutor urged the pupils to obey rules and regulations respect the rights and dignity of others and refrain from mob action.
He said the programme would be extended to schools in Amanfro, Oblogo, Weija, Tetegu, Anyaa and four other areas in the Municipality.
About 80 manuals on human rights were presented to the participating schools.