SDLP Youth have today welcomed the governments pledge for two million pounds spending to tackle problems of suicide in Northern Ireland.

SDLP Youth University & Colleges Officer Peter Armstrong said “This funding must be used to make real changes to lives in the North. The investment will prove vital for North and West Belfast communities where young people are particularly affected by suicide. Suicide rates are 50% higher than the regional average in these communities. Investment in suicide awareness and prevention is long overdue.

“Suicide affects both communities, and many sub-groups in those communities. We need to put our efforts together to reach out to those affected. We hope that all organisations can work together against problems of suicide are in both communities.

“Young people today face overwhelming pressure in life. They face many difficulties and have nowhere to turn to when they need support. Recent studies show that 1/3 of all deaths among young people are suicidal.

“We know the issues but we need action. Teenagers need to know they have close friends and family who care for them. They need to know they are never alone and that other people know what they are going through. The money pledged must be used wisely so that organisations can provide invaluable awareness, advice and support.

“The government’s suicide prevention funds need to be directed to all the groups affected by depression, loneliness, isolation, bullying and homophobia. We need to take into consideration those that have attempted suicide and what can be done for them to stop them trying again.

“Suicide awareness is a huge issue for society. SDLP Youth has been raising suicide awareness for some time and will continue to stress its huge importance. We must work with health trusts, education bodies and charitable organisations to fight this shocking problem.”

SDLP Youth Chairman John O’Doherty had today urged everybody to take advantage of the Belfast Film Festival. Mr O’Doherty said “the festical is now in its 6th year and the schedule is one of the most amazing yet.

The festival runs from Friday 24th March until Saturday 1st April.

“The Belfast festival is a showcase for some of the best international film making talent along with amazing local talent. People of the North of Ireland are blessed with events such as this and the Belfast Film Festival has been and will always be at the top of my social calendar.

“I urge everyone to take time out of your daily activities and make the most of this opportunity to see some of the most amazing cinematography from throughout the world.

For more information please visit www.belfastfilmfestival.org

SDLP youth have supported the International day of action against the human wrongs of Coca cola.

Campaigns officer Matthew McDermott said “SDLP youth whole heartily support this campaign. In an age where human rights are always under the spotlight I find it amazing that a global company like coca cola have got away with such injustices

” Having recently attended meetings of the anti coke network, I have been appalled to learn of the extensive human rights abuses being carried out.

“It is because of this we have supported the International day of action and will continue to do whatever we can to support this ongoing campaign. We look forward to working with the other political parties and associations already involved in this ongoing campaign.

“We urge everyone to support this worthwhile campaign. Everyone has the power to do something whether it is by signing a petition, sending a letter to coke or by encouraging your University, college, school or workplace to ban coke products until these matters are resolved. Working together we can send a clear message to Coke, a message that the young people of the world will no longer stand for these injustices.

SDLP Youth have urged people across Ireland to support a European Wide Petition to protect women and young girls against sex trafficking by logging onto www.pes.org/content/view/381/169/lang,en/

Speaking on International Women’s Day SDLP Youth Vice Chair Claire Hanna said “We welcome the new anti-sex trafficking drive Operation Pentameter from the UK Government and the new commitment to sending traffickers the message that this vicious trade in women will not be tolerated. However we also agree with the concerns voiced by Amnesty International that this policy is still failing to protect the victims of trafficking.

“The reality of this crime is that the main victims are very young women some under the age of 16. Both the Irish and British governments have failed to develop comprehensive measures to protect and support people who have been trafficked into the country.

“The only way forward is for the both the Irish and British governments to sign up to the European Convention Against Trafficking, which would guarantee the vital protection required. This anti-sex trafficking drive will raise awareness of this crime and is definitely a step in the right direction. However we must ensure that when victims are discovered that they are protected not persecuted.

“Under current legislation these women would be treated as nothing more than illegal immigrants, however signing the European Convention Against Trafficking would totally change this and allow them to be treated as victims not criminals.”

SDLP Youth urge young people who are ”serious about stopping” smoking to do it this No Smoking Day.

Noeleen Higgins a member of SDLP Youth said “No Smoking Day provides a great opportunity for everyone to take that first step in giving up smoking. This unique day reminds young people in particular that they have a choice to break free from the hold of the Tobacco Industry”

She added, “stopping smoking is one of the most important things that you can do to improve your health. As soon as you quit smoking your general health will benefit, as well as reducing the long-term risks of cancers, stroke, heart disease and asthma.

“Young smokers may think they are not at risk of heart disease or strokes, that these are risks for older people, this is not the case. The early signs of these diseases can be found in adolescents who smoke.

“In addition smoking at an early age will increase the risk of contracting serious life threatening illnesses. That’s why we want young people to be serious about stopping and say no.

“We hope that young people will take advantage of today’s nationwide campaign and take the first step on the road to better health.”

SDLP Youth have today backed calls from Amnesty International and other organisations to battle sex trafficking.

SDLP Youth Chair John O’Doherty said “We welcome the new anti-sex trafficking drive Operation Pentameter from the UK Government and the new commitment to sending traffickers the message that this vicious trade in women will not be tolerated. However we also agree with the concerns voiced by Amnesty International that this policy is still failing to protect the victims of trafficking.

“The reality of this crime is that the main victims are very young women some under the age of 16. Both the Irish and British governments have failed to develop comprehensive measures to protect and support people who have been trafficked into the country.

“The only way forward is for the both the Irish and British governments to sign up to the European Convention Against Trafficking, which would guarantee the vital protection required. This anti-sex trafficking drive will raise awareness of this crime and is definitely a step in the right direction. However we must ensure that when victims are discovered that they are protected not persecuted.

“Under current legislation these women would be treated as nothing more than illegal immigrants, however signing the European Convention Against Trafficking would totally change this and allow them to be treated as victims not criminals.”

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NOTES TO EDITOR

Home Office research estimated that up to 1,420 women were trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation in 2000 (1). Since this study was completed it is widely acknowledged that the problem of human trafficking has increased significantly.

SDLP youth have today urged people to “Check out” what fair-trade products are available at their local supermarket.

Chairman John O’Doherty said “the issues of making trade fair and fair-trade produce are always important. This years fair-trade fortnight theme is Make Fair-trade a Habit, the aim being to encourage people to make Fair-trade products a regular feature of their shopping baskets.

“With the number and type of Fair-trade products available expanding all the time, it’s easier to shop Fair-trade than ever before. But even though awareness and support for Fair-trade products is high, lots of people still don’t have a Fair-trade habit.

“In 2003 there were only about 150 products with the Fair-trade logo. Now there are over 1100. As well as the well-known categories such as coffee, chocolate and fresh fruit, you can buy Fair-trade flowers, footballs, shoes, wine and even T-shirts.

“When you buy products with a Fair-trade logo, you get a guarantee that the farmer who grew your coffee or the worker who made your football got a fair price for their crop or a fair wage for their work. Plus they’ll have got a little extra to go into a community ‘pot’ to help their community’s long-term development.

“Hundreds and thousands of people are benefiting like this through Fair-trade. However, the growth of Fair-trade products in itself isn’t enough to truly tackle poverty in developing countries. Millions more people could benefit if it wasn’t for the unjust trade rules that hamper poor countries’ attempts to trade their way out of poverty. Buying Fair-trade and campaigning for trade justice is the way forward.

“If we all make Fair-trade our habit we can play a real part in enabling farmers and farm-workers to end poverty in their own communities.”