Einav Yogev

Human Rights - Israel (Maghreb and Middle East)

 

Einav Vogev, a young female Israeli, is worrying about a growing sense of apathy and escapism amongst parts in the Israeli youth. Growing up in the climate of war has imprinted the importance of human rights on the mind of Einav Yogev.

“So many people lack understanding of the importance of human rights and the need to see your fellow as a human being”.

Having served compulsory military duty as a young female, Einav believes that education is the only way to prepare people for the scenarios they will face during their service and as citizens of a globalised world.

“I fear not enough is done to internalise the importance of accepting cultures and people who have different beliefs and ways of living.”

In her role as director for Amnesty International’s Junior Urgent Action Program (JUAN), Einav raises awareness of human rights violations globally whilst urging tolerance and solidarity amongst Israeli schoolchildren. Her prime motivation is to “stop the cycle of violence by educating ourselves and our children.”

The Junior Urgent Action Network aims to educate youth in Israel to acknowledge the importance of Human Rights and social activism by exposing them to cases of victims of human rights violations from around the world.  It includes monthly appeals and encourages the students to write letters to decision makers on behalf of the victims.  Through this educational process the students are exposed to various human rights issues and demonstrate universal social responsibility and involvement.

The establishment of a youth-published newspaper is one of Einav’s future projects which she hopes will help achieve this goal. In fact JUAN is the only program that offers education and activism in matters of human rights and this project is even more important in an area where human rights struggles every day.

The continuous armed conflict and the many failures to reduce the level of violence resulted in public despair and a sense of disempowerment regarding the role of civil society in changing social reality. By informing the students of several success stories, where their appeals were heard and achieve their objective, the project witnessed the students' enthusiasm and their growing belief that people can, and should, make a difference.