The 19th International Human Rights Summit convened at the United Nations Headquarters this July, bringing together youth delegates from 38 countries and veteran advocates to tackle some of the most urgent issues facing the world today.
Organized under the theme “Education for Peace,” the three-day summit was hosted by United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, with sponsorship from the Permanent Mission to the UN of Timor-Leste and co-sponsorship from Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, and Bolivia. Ambassadors from sponsoring nations, including Timor-Leste’s H.E. Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares, welcomed delegates and set the stage for wide-ranging discussions.
Throughout keynote addresses and panel sessions, youth participants spotlighted challenges such as systemic violence, human trafficking, and state-sanctioned discrimination. Delegates also showcased how grassroots efforts rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) are empowering communities, using education tools like booklets, public service announcements, and teacher resources.
Renowned leaders added perspective. H.E. Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan, former UN Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, outlined his “seven great ideas” for global youth, including dignity, respect, equality, and the protection of women and girls. Nobel Peace Prize campaigner Dr. Ira Helfand warned of the escalating nuclear threat, calling the right to life the most fundamental human right. Tebogo Joy Ngoma, granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, emphasized the power of justice and tenderness, stressing that “silence in the face of injustice is never neutral.”
The Summit highlighted youth-led initiatives making tangible impact. Italian delegate Eleonora Fiorella has used benefit concerts to fund schools in Ghana and spearheads art-based human rights education in Milan. Rwandan activist Ladislas Yassin Nkundabanyanga has engaged more than 12,000 students through his Clubs for Peace, organizing sports events and cultural outreach to promote unity.
“This Summit is not just a platform for dialogue — it’s a springboard for action,” said Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, founder of United for Human Rights.
Awards celebrated frontline human rights efforts, including honors for Manishwar Sharma Purmanund of Mauritius, Maggie Ibañez of Mexico, and filmmaker Taron Lexton for his documentaries and PSAs promoting the UDHR.
Supported by the Church of Scientology, the summit underscored the enduring importance of the UDHR. Beth Akiyama of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office noted the document’s foundational role, stressing that rights education remains key to empowering future generations.