52 young representatives from 35 nations joined by over 400 government officials, educators, and human rights advocates from around the world convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 18th International Human Rights Summit. They came together with a shared goal of promoting human rights education and advocacy. Dr. Mary Shuttleworth and Beth Akiyama provided insights during the summit. The event organized by Timor-Leste’s Permanent Mission to the UN was designed to address issues of injustice and work, towards fostering peace.
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 19th Jul 2024 – With the motto Empower-Unite-Transform, the 18th International Human Rights Summit kicked off with a display of youthful passion and advocacy as 52 young delegates and ambassadors from 35 nations, joined by over 400 government officials, 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 met with a standing ovation from the attendees, reflecting the collective respect for their commitment to human rights.
These exceptional delegates, selected from a large pool of applicants based on their stellar track records in advocating for human rights, didn’t just come for praise. Their main goal was to expand their knowledge and skills to advance their goals.
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, the president and founder of Youth for Human Rights International has been leading the organization of these summits since they began in 2004. She praised the delegates for their accomplishments and future potential underscoring the significance of their ongoing work.
Diplomats and representatives from countries permanent missions to the UN, like Australia, the Bahamas, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and United States of America also conveyed their greetings and best wishes.
The summit for this year was organized once again by the Permanent Mission of Timor Leste at the United Nations. It was also broadcast live via UN Web TV.
During the event, Beth Akiyama from the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., and who spoke on behalf of Church of Scientology International, emphasized the significance of starting the summit on July 18th, which coincides with Nelson Mandela Day as designated by the United Nations. Mandela’s legacy as a champion of rights is remarkable, especially his belief that “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Akiyama pointed out how this aligns with Youth for Human Rights mission, which focuses on global transformation through education, about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As the summit progresses a group of young advocates united by their shared dedication and backed by various international missions and organizations aims to advance human rights education and spark a movement to eliminate injustice and promote peace worldwide.
The first two days of the Summit feature panels on human rights topics:
YOUTH ON HUMAN RIGHTS: A discussion on the critical 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 among future leaders.
HUMAN RIGHTS APPLIED THROUGH LAW: A discussion of the integration of human rights in legal frameworks and the role of institutions such as courts, law enforcement and legislatures in upholding these rights.
UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE ARTS & MEDIA: The role of journalists, filmmakers, artists, and influencers, and the need for freedom of expression and the support of creative initiatives that champion human rights.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN ACTION: The importance of nonprofit human rights organizations, the vital role of active participation in forwarding human rights, and creative ways to do so.
The last day of the Summit concludes with a celebration at the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center followed by 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 young people to exchange ideas and collaborate on implementing initiatives.
The primary objective of the Summit is to advocate for the inclusion of education on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in school curricula and ensure that these rights are legally protected.
The Church of Scientology and its members firmly believe, as inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 information, please visit the United, for Human Rights website:
#YouthForHumanRights #YHRISUMMIT
United for Human Rights FB: @UFHumanRights
Youth for Human Rights International FB @YouthForHumanRights and X (formerly Twitter: @YFHumanRights
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