Human Rights Summit Celebrates 70th Anniversary of UDHR
The 15th Annual International Human Rights Summit engages 94 youth from 57 nations at the United Nations in New York.
The 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was the theme of the 15th Annual International Human Rights Summit, held July 5–7, 2018. The first two days of the program took place in the Economic and Social Council Chamber at the United Nations headquarters in New York, with the opening session broadcast live on UN TV. The summit was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN and
Summit attendees included:
- 94 Youth Delegates and Ambassadors representing 57 countries, selected for their stellar accomplishments in the field of human rights (Youth Ambassadors are former delegates who continue to champion human rights.)
- UN Ambassadors and diplomats from 35 countries
- In all, more than 400 officials, diplomats, NGO representatives and human rights activists from 73 countries
The program featured two human rights icons as the keynote speakers: Mr. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States and Brigadier General Alberto Sepúlveda Riaño of the National Army of Colombia. Both men are dedicated to securing the human rights of those they serve and are outspoken advocates of the Youth for Human Rights educational initiative as a means of bringing this about.
In his presentation, Mr. Almagro stressed the importance of human rights: “I invite you to become a genuine ambassador of humanity and a representation of ethical diplomacy,” he said. “Human rights around the world will benefit from a new breed of diplomats who are unconditionally guided by principles and values, led by the very basic notion of our condition as human beings and the universality of the inalienable rights that we are all entitled to. It is really a pleasure to join you in this beautiful chamber and address this young audience that, to me, represents the promise of a new generation that will pave the way for ethical diplomacy to prevail and govern.”
Youth returned home inspired, energized and equipped with materials and skills to fully implement human rights education in their countries.
Youth Delegates presented their human rights activities that earned them the honor of representing their countries at the Summit.
The third day of the event was a multicultural celebration hosted by the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center. A workshop for the Delegates was followed by a Human Rights Open House. The Delegates and Ambassadors were welcomed to Harlem by Queen Mother Dr. Delois N. Blakely, honorary Community Mayor of Harlem. The program featured presentations by Youth Delegates and dignitaries and performances by local talent.
Youth Delegates and Ambassadors then organized into eight teams that went out into neighborhoods to talk to others about their rights, inspired by the Youth for Human Rights public service announcement for UDHR article 29, “Responsibility,” which calls on all people to take responsibility to educate others on human rights.
The youth returned home inspired, energized and equipped with materials and skills to fully implement human rights education in their countries.
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