77117 HRC inside.ps, page 1-56 @ Normalize - Human Rights ...

Youth Perceptions of Cultural Diversity and Human Rights Issuesaround responsibilities. Sometimeshumour could be used as an effectivemeans to express some things anddefuse a situation.Some youth were of the view thatpolitical correctness had an effect onidentity and values. Others felt thatthere was a need for more educationabout other cultures, belief-systemsand peoples.Access to adequate health careSocio-economic status should not be abarrier to access an adequate standardof health care. Youth felt that livingin country areas affected their abilityto access the equivalent level of caremore than for those living in urbanenvironments.Increasing subsidies was a way toaddress the imbalances. There wasinsufficient information about healthservices and the youth did not alwaysknow what was available to them.Treatment of YouthYoung people were of the view thatin their families and community theywere not always treated fairly. Someyouth even felt that their rights werenot upheld and they were subjectedto abuse. Parents should be betterequipped to deal with children andyoung people. For adults, this alsorequired being better role models.Specific issues such as thedecriminalisation of prostitution drewdiscussion. Some felt that prostitutionshould be kept off the streets awayfrom sight. Others felt that theapproach to register brothels wouldreduce harm. There was concern aboutthe young age of sex workers and theconditions they found themselves in.Alcohol and Binge DrinkingThe excessive consumption of alcoholcame up at many forums. It wasrecognised that this was an issue toaddress with urgency.Binge drinking was attributed toboredom and a lack of recreationalactivities. Others claimed that thiswas part of a New Zealand mentality.In more remote parts of the countrydrinking and drug-taking were seen asthe only outlet for fun. The drinking ofalcohol followed sports events.It was noted that in pubs there wassome monitoring of the legal drinkingage and levels of consumption,whereas at private parties there waslittle or no supervision. It was felt thatthe excessive consumption of alcoholhad an effect on students’ grades andtheir ability to manage their time.However there was concern aboutwhether increasing the legal drinkingage would come back on the publicagenda.Use of DrugsThis was also raised at a number offorums. Some youth were of the viewthat soft drugs such as marijuanashould be legalised. While some drugshelp people to get better, the impactof even prescription drugs should be35