How Can We, as Students, Promote Human Rights in Osaka?

I interviewed Jeff, one of the staff of HURIGHTS OSAKA. HURIGHTS OSAKA is a non-governmental organization that promotes human rights in Osaka in many ways. Jeff states that their goal is to distribute rights and equality regardless of gender, race, age, etc. What stunned me the most during the interview is when Jeff said, “You cannot have a society enjoy human rights unless the people themselves are conscious of the rights that they are enjoying.” I strongly agree with this statement. As an IB student, I’m aware that I’m privileged enough to protect myself from any discrimination that I may experience. However, disregarding others’ unseen human rights by not acknowledging what they need, I know that my parochialism would get the best of me. Hence, as an IB student, I understood that I should take an action on this.

In terms of Japan’s government and its service in promoting Human Rights with IDP, Jeff has mentioned the Mercury Poisoning in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture (further reading). When this issue was brought up, Jeff said that the government is not only the problem but the people, too. Although the government has contributed to the problem, the challenge is the people’s attitude. And though I respect Jeff’s statement on this, I believe that people’s attitude towards the government is a reflection of the limited service of the government.

I could write a whole book about the interview, but for an article, I would need to synthesize all information into lesser words. Jeff has answered questions about the distribution of rights regarding the LGBTQ+ community, women, labour rights, race, and age. However, at the end of the interview, I wanted to know what I can do, even just a small participation, so I can help distribute equality to all people. And so I asked him.

Human rights? Is it possible? Me? You? A student? The answer is yes—and yes. Yes, because one of the things that you can do is participate in a local domestic non-governmental organization that discusses issues about human rights and then you know, post a selfie on Instagram with a caption that says “‘My silence has not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.’ - Audre Lorde” which is 1 out of the 12 Inspiring Human Rights Day Quotes (Nathan). Small acknowledgments like this promote human rights. And yes again, because even just sharing a TikTok video about human rights would count. So, there’s really no excuse, is there?

Note: this is an article written by grade 12 student Mika Y. for her Global Politics Internal Assessment. She is not a part of The OYISTER, which is why this is published under a different name.