The 9th Youth for Human Rights World Educational Tour 2012 is circling 27,944 miles around the globe. This year the tour is being done in honor of the UN Literacy Decade 2003-2012 reaching out to millions around the world. The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace.

While some dictionaries define the word right as “a privilege,” when used in the context of “human rights,” we are talking about something more basic. Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights, simply by the fact of being human. These are called “human rights,” rather than a privilege, which can be taken away at someone’s whim.  Every person is entitled to certain rights—simply by the fact that they are a human being.

New Zealand Pupils’ Final Project Wins Annual
Youth for Human Rights International Art Contest

Two 13-year-old graduating students of St. Mark’s Church School in Wellington, New Zealand, Jeeten Mavji and Lachlan Buchanan, spearheaded and carried out the winning artwork in this year’s Youth for Human Rights International Art Contest.

The Youth for Human Rights Education Package, with its comprehensive Educator's Guide, The Story of Human Rights film, and other audiovisual aids and booklets, provides you with the means to effectively teach young people about human rights—what they are, why they are so important and how youth can help make human rights a reality everywhere.