JFJ moves to sensitise citizens on rights, responsibilities
Published:Friday | July 22, 2022 | 12:12 AMSonae Rose/Gleaner Writer
Human rights lobby Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is embarking on a three-year campaign to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities and advocate for equal access to justice for everyone.
Dubbed the ‘Justice For All’ campaign, the initiative was launched on Thursday at the Grants Pen Police Station in St Andrew.
“The concept of the Justice For All campaign is anchored in the premise that human rights are not a privilege. They are an entitlement for all Jamaican citizens,” noted JFJ Executive Director Mickel Jackson.
Among the activities in the campaign will be a justice tour across the island, with special focus on marginalised and low-income communities. The tour is geared at boosting citizens’ awareness of their rights and to inform them of the services provided by the JFJ.
STARTS IN ST ANN, STOPS IN ST JAMES
The tour, which will get going in St Ann’s Bay and Ocho Rios in St Ann on August 16, will also have stops in Montego Bay, St James.
It will also include mobile legal clinics, giving citizens an opportunity to have consultations wit the JFJ, which will then select some causes to champion.
The JFJ also intends to expand its ‘Know Your Rights’ initiative by being more active on social media as it also engages theatre arts group Dance Xpressionz for a 10-episode production.
The campaign also features a radio programme dubbed ‘Let’s Talk Justice’.
“The programme will see the legal team being on air weekly, engaging stakeholders and experts around different matters. You’re going to be educated on what are the issues that affect Jamaican people,” Jackson explained, noting that listeners will be able to call in and join the discussions.
As the nation marks 60 years of Independence, the JFJ will release a booklet on August 6, titled The Constitution Made Simple, explaining the structure of the Government and the rights of citizens.
“You’re going to be understanding what rights to life, liberty and security mean. You’re going to be understanding freedom of expression, freedom of movement, freedom of opinion, and that it is okay to criticise the Government, respectfully though,” said the JFJ executive director.
Creatives will also get a chance to be included in the campaign, through the artivism4change.com website, which aims to merge the creative space with social justice.
“We are extending an invitation to students up to sixth form, as well as professional creatives, to submit an expression of interest by September 16, wherein, if you dance, if you paint, if you draw, if you can sing, if you can produce short films, you can submit your budget and your proposal to JFJ,” Jackson explained.
Selected students could receive grants of up to $100,000 and their schools awarded an additional $50,000. Professionals could receive funding support of up to $750,000.