ISU

Members of developing countries, more specifically African countries, face severe disadvantages in the pursuit of a successful lifestyle as opposed to the opportunities that Canadians are given. I was given a clearer perspective of how severe these setbacks can be when I spoke to John Dual, a recent immigrant from South Sudan, who moved to Canada on October 21st 2016. He gave me insight that made me consider some of the things that are important to me as a teenager living in Canada. All of these factors helped me conclude that people that immigrate from developing countries to pursue a better quality of life. Some of the areas that may help one to achieve that goal are healthcare, education, and rights and freedoms.

To begin, the healthcare system in South Sudan is less than ideal. With a four tier system, only the bottom 2 are actually accessible to those living under the poverty line, which is over 50% of the population. Health care is meant to be free but in reality it is not accessible to most people and when it is available, it is of lower quality than Canadian health care.  

Hospital in South Sudan

In comparison, Canada’s health care is extremely accessible and of very high quality. South Sudan’s infant mortality rate is 64/1000 live deaths, as opposed to Canada’s which is 4.6/1000 live deaths. The human health resources in South Sudan are also far lower than the recommended threshold with only 189 doctors in 2009. In comparison to Canada’s estimated 77 000 physicians in 2016, South Sudan is at a great disadvantage in terms of health care.

Hospital in Canada

The lack of human health care resources is a result of the failed education system in South Sudan. When I spoke to John about his education at home, he let me know what he had finished elementary school and could not proceed to high school because it was too expensive for his family. Neither of his parents had received a high school education because of the high cost, and consequently were both unemployed. Furthermore, only 3 of his 4 siblings had the opportunity to attend high school, and he had the opportunity to attend school in Canada because he is a talented basketball player. John came to Canada alongside his cousin Benny so they could both pursue their basketball dreams, and as a result they were both able to attend ODSS. John feels very positively about his learning experience in Canada, and told me that the school programs are very different than what he’s used to, and he likes his teachers- especially Mr. Jordan. The Canadian school system has given John opportunities he didn’t have at home: he discovered he enjoys auto, and would like to study engineering, but is most focused on his basketball career.

School in South Sudan

ODSS

Another area of concern in South Sudan is their political rights and freedoms. President Mayardit dismissed his cabinet and vice president soon after assuming power in 2011, essentially creating a dictatorship. Mayardit used this power to threaten journalists who spoke “against” the country. The country has also detained and arrested citizens without offering proper legal counsel or a trial. Many police officers have been named defective, reducing the country’s ability to properly enforce justice. Human rights in South Sudan are far below the Canadian standard, as women are living without security, health care, or economic stability. Gender based violence is also very common, mainly domestic violence against women. Child labor is also very common; the government has made attempts to promote children’s rights, but the results were ineffective. Child marriage is also an issue, with over 50% of girls aged 15-19 being forced into marriage, which consequently decreases the number of girls receiving a primary education. Religious and ethnic hate crimes are also common, limiting the religious freedom that is promoted but not obtained in South Sudan. Although Canada still has a long way to go in the name of equality, the standard here is far higher than that of developing african countries. Canada is considered to be a positive role model for human rights for the rest of the world. For example, Canada became the fourth country to legalize same sex marriage in 2005. Therefore, Canada is much more progressive in terms of human rights than South Sudan.

In conclusion, John’s biggest concern as a teenager is his education and his basketball career. Living in Canada allows him to pursue basketball while simultaneously receiving an education that is not possible in South Sudan. Some other factors that may concern a citizen of either country are health care and human rights and freedoms. Health care is much more accessible and affordable in Canada while  the standard for human rights is also greatly improved. If John had chosen to stay in South Sudan, he would not be granted the opportunity to pursue an education nor would he have high quality health care or access to basic human rights.

Works Cited

Canadian Human Rights Commision. www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/eng/content/how-are-human-rights-protected-canada.

Dhual, John. Interview.

Human Rights Watch. www.hrw.org/africa/south-sudan.

IRIN. www.who.int/hac/crises/ssd/en/.

“Life of a Nurse in South Sudan.” www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19649232.

Photo of Canadian Hospital..

Photo of ODSS. http://www.ugdsb.ca/odss/.

School in South Sudan. en.jrs.net/campaign_detail?ptn=promo-20100910125253&tn=project-20140214113931.

World Health Organization. www.who.int/hac/crises/ssd/en/.