उनेसेबो अम्बोटेनी
|
दक्षिण अफ्रिका
उनेसेबो अम्बोटेनी एक फूर्तिला तीन वर्षीय बालक थिए जो साथी बनाउन र आफ्ना खेलौना गाडीहरूसँग खेल्न रमाउँथे। उनको उपस्थितिलाई तपाईंले सँधै महशुस गर्न सक्नुहुन्थ्यो।
सन् २०२४ को अप्रिल १८ मा उनेसेबो अम्बोटेनी दक्षिण अफ्रिकाको पूर्वी केप प्रान्तस्थित आफ्नै पूर्व-प्राथमिक विद्यालयमा रहेको शौचालयको खाडलमा खसे। उनको अर्को दिन मृत्यु भयो।
सन् २०१८ यता पूर्वी केपमा अरू दुईजना बालबालिकाले पनि शौचालयको खाडलमा खसेर ज्यान गुमाएका छन्। तर, यी बालबालिकाको यस्तो दुःखद् मृत्युका घटना हुँदा पनि दिवा हेरचाह केन्द्रहरू लगायतका विद्यालयहरूमा रहेका खाडलवाला (पिट) शौचालयहरूलाई पूर्ण रूपमा हटाउने कुरा सुनिश्चित भएको छैन। दुःखद् कुरा के छ भने दक्षिण अफ्रिकामा बालबालिकाको शिक्षाको अनुभव अझै पनि उनीहरू जन्मिएको ठाउँ, उनीहरूको आर्थिक अवस्था र छालाको रङमा निर्भर रहेको छ। उनेसेबोका बुबा भन्छन् “मेरो छोरा गरिबहरूका लागि थापिएको मृत्यु पासोमा परी मरे”।
एक वर्ष बितिसक्दा पनि उनेसेबोको मृत्युको अनुसन्धानमा भएको प्रगतिको त कुरै छाडौँ उनी खसेको खाडलवाला (पिट) शौचालयलाई त्यस विद्यालयबाट हटाइयो कि हटाइएन भन्नेबारे समेत पूर्व-प्राथमिक विद्यालय वा आधारभूत शिक्षा विभागबाट परिवारले कुनै जानकारी पाएको छैन। यो दुःखद् घटना कसरी भयो भन्ने प्रश्नको जवाफ खोज्दा पनि उनेसेबोको परिवारले मौनता मात्रै भेटिरहेको छ।
उनेसेबो अम्बोटेनीको लागि न्यायको माग गरौँ।
Demand justice for Unecebo
Three-year-old Unecebo Mboteni died after falling into a pit toilet at his pre-school in South Africa. One year on, and his family still has no answers. Demand that the investigation into Unecebo’s death be expedited, the outcome made public and those responsible are held accountable.
What’s the problem?
No parent should have to bury their child because the government ignored their basic right to safety. In April 2024, three-year-old Unecebo died after falling into a pit toilet at his pre-school in South Africa.
This tragedy could have been prevented. Since 2018, two other children have died after falling into pit toilets in the Eastern Cape. And yet, the loss of these young lives hasn’t been enough to ensure the eradication of all pit toilets in schools, including day care centres.
In South Africa, a child’s education – and safety – still depends on where they’re born, their wealth, and the colour of their skin. As Unecebo’s father said, “My son died in a death trap set up for poor people.”
One year on, and the family has received no communication from the pre-school or Department of Basic Education about whether the pit toilet that little Unecebo fell into has even been removed, let alone the progress of the investigation into his death. This lack of information is both painful and alarming. If the toilet is still in use, it puts other children’s lives at risk. Instead of answers about how this tragic incident happened, Unecebo’s family have been met with silence – exposes the authorities’ refusal to account for their failure to protect his right to life.
Unecebo lost his life in a place where he should have been safe. His family deserve answers.
What can you do to help?
Sign the Petition and demand justice for Unecebo Mboteni. Demand that the investigation into Unecebo’s death be expedited, the outcome made public and that those responsible are held accountable.
×
Subject:
Urgent Call for Justice and Accountability in Unecebo Mboteni’s Tragic Death
Message:
Minister of Basic Education
Ministry of Basic Education
Private bag X9034
Cape Town 8000
South Africa
Dear Minister
I am writing to you to demand justice for Unecebo Mboteni. In April 2024, three-year-old Unecebo died after falling into a pit toilet at his pre-school in the Eastern Cape.
More than one year on and the family has had no word from the Little Champions Day Care Centre or the department about whether the pit toilet that Unecebo fell into has been removed. They were also told it could be years before the investigation is completed.
I urge you to ensure the investigation into Unecebo’s death is expedited, the outcome made public, and that those responsible are held accountable.
Yours sincerely
