Half of the world’s population is under 25. The challenges they face are steep. They are hardest hit by the world’s inequalities and injustices. Too many live in poverty, unable to realize their potential. Too few are gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to find employment in rapidly changing job markets, where the capacity to learn and adapt is essential. (UNESCO, 2012) To address these issues, this weekend, I had great opportunity to particiapte in the 1st Regional Summit and 10th World Educational Tour, organised by YHRI, Youth for human rights International, It was further touching to see people with great human values and inspirations. YHRI volunteers have participated from neighbouring countries. Had a wonderful opportunity to present and speech on the Importance of Education and Environment for the next generation children. A 3 day summit that ended with a positive note & offered me a life time task, to work the international laws, specially the Constitutional laws and Human Rights policies..
The Ferguson Humanitarian Foundation International with board members Dr. Bruce Ferguson, Mrs. Joyce Gaines, Dr. Alfred Garbutt and Mr. Bernard Percy as well as Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Jinnie Rosales, sponsored the 3-day event.
I am a YHRI volunteer here since 2009, YHRI is a non-profit corporation founded in 2001 in Los Angeles, USA. The purpose of YHRI is to teach youth around the world about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and to inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. The mission of YHRI is educational and not political.
Chief delegates Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, the Founder & International President of Youth for Human Rights International, Dr.Bruce Ferguson, South Asia Director& Board member of Ferguson Humanitarian Foundation International, Andrew Chalmers, South Asia Co-ordinator, Celebrity Actor Sheena Chohan Miss Universe India title winner 2010, Harish Moyal “INDIAN IDOL“ Season one Top Finalist IMA award Holder (2011) and many other South Asian delegation from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka included youth, educators, Religious leaders and NGOs . Inspired by the words of Gandhi-Ji “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
The summit& conference focused on teaching the 30 universal human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They came together for united for peace and human dignity across the region regardless of race, politics and religion.
Participants presented topics and discussed on the correlation between the UDHR and the Constitution of India, violence against Women. Female foeticide, children education, formal and informal way human rights education. Participants divided into groups for knowledge sharing and brain storming ideas. Group leaders then shared findings with the audience.
To help address these issues, YHRI has produced easy-to-understand materials to teach the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights including the YHRI Educators handbook, the multiple award winning music video “UNITED” and other materials for Human Rights Education. YHRI audio visual materials have reached more than 500 million around the world in more than 20 languages. Copies of the YHRI materials were sponsored by the Church of Scientology International and made available to conference attendees in English along with some copies in Portuguese and French.
“Nothing will ever replace meeting people face-to-face in their own countries. You see first-hand both the stark realities and the inspiring accomplishments,” says Dr. Shuttleworth. Through travels, conferences and outreach activities she has inspired millions of people in India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives with a passion to learn about the rights and responsibilities as contained in the UDHR through formal and informal educational programs using the YHRI Human Rights Educational materials.
Dr. Shuttleworth thanked the people of India for their hospitality as well as those who came from far and wide to join the YHRI South Asia Regional Human Rights Summit, “I am very grateful to all the people who welcomed us, those who travelled by local ‘tuc tuc’ auto three-wheelers, bus, train and plane to join us. I am deeply encouraged and inspired by what you are doing in your local communities to promote Human Rights Education. Together, like Gandhi-Ji, we are making new footprints and moving forward.”
To join YHRI, contact me or visit Youth for Human Rights International website, education materials like DVD& pamphlets for Children and youth for promoting UDHR(Universal Declaration of Human Rights) can be availed for free from the website. http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/freeinfo.html
YHRI volunteers and professional conduct seminar programmes for youth, students and school children.
