KingNewsWire. 52 youth representatives from 35 countries, joined by more than 400 government officials, educators and human rights advocates from around the world, gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 18th International Human Rights Summit. They came together with a common goal: to promote education and advocacy for human rights. The event, organized by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the UN, was designed to address issues of injustice and work toward promoting peace through education and activism.
With the motto Empower-Unite-Transform, the 18th International Human Rights Summit kicked off with a display of youth passion and advocacy as 52 youth delegates and ambassadors from 35 countries, joined by over 400 government representatives, educators and human rights advocates from around the world, gathered in Conference Room 4 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Their arrival was greeted with a standing ovation from participants, reflecting the collective respect for their commitment to human rights.
These exceptional delegates, selected from a wide range of candidates based on their excellent human rights record, did not come just for praise. Their main goal was to expand their knowledge and skills to achieve their goals.
Dr Mary Shuttleworth, President and Founder of Youth for Human Rights International, has led the organisation of the summits since they began in 2004. She congratulated delegates on their achievements and future potential, stressing the importance of their ongoing work.
Diplomats and representatives of countries with permanent missions to the UN, such as Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and the United States of America also conveyed their greetings and best wishes.
This year’s summit was once again hosted by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations. It was also broadcast live via UN Web TV.
During the event, Beth Akiyama of the Church of Scientology’s Office of National Affairs in Washington, DC, speaking on behalf of the Church of Scientology International, emphasized the importance of beginning the summit on July 18, which coincides with Nelson Mandela Day designated by the United Nations. Mandela’s legacy as a rights advocate is remarkable, particularly his belief that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Akiyama emphasized how this aligns with Youth for Human Rights’ mission, which focuses on global transformation through education, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As the summit progresses, a group of young advocates united by their common dedication and supported by various international missions and organizations aim to advance human rights education and ignite a movement to eliminate injustice and promote peace around the world.
The first two days of the Summit feature panels on human rights topics:
YOUTH ON HUMAN RIGHTS: A discussion on the essential role of young people in promoting human rights and setting an example for their peers.
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION: The importance of integrating human rights into educational curricula to instill values of dignity and unity in future leaders.
HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCED BY LAW: A discussion of the integration of human rights into legal frameworks and the role of institutions such as courts, law enforcement and legislatures in upholding these rights.
ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE ARTS AND MEDIA: The role of journalists, filmmakers, artists and influencers, as well as the need for freedom of expression and support for creative initiatives that defend human rights.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN ACTION: The importance of nonprofit human rights organizations, the vital role of active participation in promoting human rights, and creative ways to achieve this.
The final day of the summit concludes with a celebration at the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center, followed by a community outreach in Times Square, New York. During this outreach, participants apply their knowledge by educating individuals about the 30 human rights.
The annual International Human Rights Summit serves as a platform for human rights advocates, officials, dignitaries and youth to exchange ideas and collaborate on implementing initiatives.
The main objective of the Summit is to advocate for the inclusion of the teaching of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in school curricula and to ensure that these rights are legally protected.
The Church of Scientology and its members firmly believe, as inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, that knowledge is the key to freedom and therefore actively support United for Human Rights and its Youth for Human Rights program by offering their resources and programs free of charge.
For more information, please visit the United for Human Rights website:
humanrights.com.
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Originally published in The European Times.
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