The value and importance of honouring and applying human rights, by both governments and individuals, cannot be understated. Yet very little education in this field is concentrated on the future, and on those who will need it most: our children.

Israel

Having conducted youth summits in Europe in 2002-2003, Youth for Human Rights International took its message on a 72,240-kilometre World Educational Tour in February 2004 through Asia, Africa, Europe, South and Central America.

Taiwan

To correct this omission, Scientologist and educator Mary Shuttleworth, in coordination with the Church of Scientology International’s Human Rights Office, founded Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) in August 2001. YHRI’s mission is to teach youth around the globe about human rights, helping them to become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace. In less than three years, YHRI has established 26 chapters all over the world, from Mexico to the United States to Sweden. Many human rights advocates, legislators, teachers, police and humanitarians now work closely with YHRI, encouraging young people to learn about, appreciate and even champion the cause of human rights.

One of YHRI’s first endeavours was to sponsor an international youth contest on the subject of human rights. Children from 12 countries participated, submitting essays. The top three entrants won a trip to the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights in Geneva; while there, they met with a representative of the U.N. High Commissioner on Human Rights. They were also asked to present their essays to a select audience, which included dozens of representatives from governments and NGOs.

Realising that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights had to be made available in a form understandable to the very young as well, in March 2002 YHRI released What are Human Rights? This booklet contains a simplified version of the UDHR written especially for children. Instantly popular with teachers, government officials, community and religious leaders, not to mention the children themselves, the work has already been translated into 19 languages. And in October 2003, the head of UNESCO’s New York office took delivery of 2,000 copies of What are Human Rights? for UNESCO-affiliated schools to foster understanding of human rights among the young. It has routinely proven to be very successful in helping children understand why human rights are so vital to peace.

Nepal

In March 2003, the first South African chapter of YHRI opened its doors in Durban. Presiding over the inaugural ceremony was the city’s deputy mayor, who described the launch of the human rights campaign as “a milestone event.” Afterwards, a representative from an organisation affiliated with the University of Natal, which helps children in South Africa understand their legal rights, commented, “It is essential that learners are taught about democracy and human rights throughout their schooling.” In particular, she told a Durban newspaper, “The reaction to HIV/AIDS in our country has resulted in the infringement of many fundamental freedoms and human rights.”