Mary Shuttleworth, Director of Youth for Human Rights International, and Taron Lexton, cinematographer, traveled to both well-populated and far-flung locations, including Tokyo; Bangkok; Accra, Ghana; Georgetown, Guyana (South America); and Mexico City to increase the understanding of human rights among youth and to found new YHRI chapters. The tour generated a wave of renewed interest in human rights education for the young. As Elizabeth A. Ohene, the Ghanaian Minister of State, Tertiary Education, wrote:

Petronas Towers, Malaysia   Children in Hong Kong writing human rights messages

“You have certainly managed to break down the two difficult subjects of human rights and AIDS in the booklet What are Human Rights? and the flyer entitled ‘Protect Yourself [and Others] from a Sickness Called AIDS’ into child-friendly tracts.”   Zambia, Nyampande Orphanage

South Africa - Cape Town's Table Mountain in the background

World Education Tour: A Letter from The President of YHRI

Jan 19, 2004

Dear Friends,

Having witnessed as a school principal and childrens’ advocate that more needed to be done to teach human rights to young people, I began Youth for Human Rights International three years ago. Our purpose is to teach youth around the world about human rights, more specifically the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and to help them become valuable advocates for peace and tolerance.

Two years ago we produced an illustrated children’s booklet entitled What are Human Rights? This has now been distributed in 19 different languages. We have held international art and essay writing contests and youth summits.

Youth for Human Rights International™ World Educational Tour 6 Feb. — 13 Mar. 2004
USA, Los Angeles CHINA, Hong Kong TAIWAN, Taipei JAPAN, Tokyo THAILAND, Bangkok	MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur INDIA, New Delhi NEPAL, Kathmandu ZAMBIA, Lusaka SOUTH AFRICA, Johannesburg	SOUTH AFRICA, Cape Town GHANA, Accra VENEZUELA, Caracas GUYANA, Georgetown MEXICO, Mexico City

Positive response and support for Youth for Human Rights has spurred its growth, enabling us last year to broaden our horizons and become engaged in two serious issues effecting millions of young people: the AIDS pandemic and modern day slavery.

Coordinated by the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International and the International Foundation of Human Rights and Tolerance, this World Educational Tour will cover 45,000 miles and 13 countries over a period of 36 days. Our aim is to effectively increase the impact that Youth for Human Rights International can have on the lives of children, by spreading our message about the importance of human rights. Only first-hand knowledge and observation, as will be gained on this tour, brings one to greater understanding of the problems facing children in all corners of the world today.

My son Taron Lexton, a college student and recent graduate of the Los Angeles Film School, will be accompanying me in order to document our journey on film for use in an array of educational projects for youth.

Thanks for your support and attention to this vital issue.

Yours Sincerely,

Mary Shuttleworth
President

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