12th World Educational Tour 2015
11 Countries/Regions - 28,657 miles

International
February - April 2015

Youth for Human Rights 12th World Educational Tour 2015, circled the globe 46,272 miles (74,468 km) to countries including Albania, Brussels, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mexico, Nepal, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, UK and the USA. In the spirit of the United Nations International Human Rights Day 2015, (Human Rights 365), we work toward making every day, 365 days of the year, a Human Rights Day.

The purpose of YHRI is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace.

Mary Shuttleworth, Ed.D., president of YHRI, has led the annual global outreach project literally circling the globe a dozen times since 2004, visiting 85 countries and meeting with youth, educators, community leaders, and legislators as well as various dignitaries, including kings, heads of government and officials of the United Nations and Commonwealth of Nations to promote the implementation of Human Rights Education.

“Discrimination repels peace while non-discrimination is naturally peaceful.” - Dr. Mary Shuttleworth

Mexico

Flags flew high during the opening session of the 1st YHRI Latin America Regional Summit at the Casa Mota in Queretaro. President of YHR Mexico, Raul Arias, and delegates from various states in Mexico welcomed international delegates including those from Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala. The following day, the House of Culture of the Supreme Court of Justice hosted the Human Rights Education Workshop. Amealco City Mayor as well as the Minister of Tourism welcomed the delegates for a day of cultural celebrations including a photo exhibition depicting the 30 articles of the UDHR.

St. Kitts & Nevis

The Secretary General of UNESCO St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed government officials, educators, and religious and community leaders for the two Human Rights Education training sessions on St. Kitts and Nevis respectively. Meetings were held with distinguished officials including the Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, Social Development as well as the Department of Youth and Sports. The media, including WINN FM 98.9, Nevis Von Radio and the Education Media Unit, spread the news across the islands.

United Kingdom

The packed International Women’s Day event left standing room only. The internationally diverse participants enjoyed a special presentation from YHRI Youth Ambassador, Ms. Sophia Khalid, who shared news and examples of the Human Rights Education work she has been doing in her local community. Lord Duncan McNair presented certificates of appreciation for outstanding contributions to Human Rights Education. The following day, our Ambassador Roundtable for Peace included representatives from Kenya, Liberia, Papa New Guinea and Yemen.

Belgium

EU Parliament, the center of decisions and planning for Europe, also affects decisions globally. Meetings were held to discuss the implementation of Human Rights Education within the EU but also in specific countries supported by EuropeAid. A roundtable event included community and religious leaders to discuss the implementation of Human Rights Education as a Peace Building strategy. A hands-on learning youth workshop gave practical examples and experience in how to teach human rights. Also presented were 3 awards during a diverse multi-cultural concert held in celebration of human rights.

Balkans:
Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia

The Office of the Mayor of Tirana, Albania welcomed the team. Meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as key human rights stakeholders such as the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for the Prevention of Discrimination and NGOs. Workshops were held in two universities in Tirana. TV and radio shows included Top Channel TV, TVSH, Vision Plus, Club FM and Club TV as well as Radio Tirana aired news of the World Tour and the importance of human rights. Reaching further, the team met with officials of both Kosovo and Macedonia.

Kazakhstan

New Year celebrations were everywhere to be seen with people dressed in traditional clothes, playing traditional musical instruments and traditional foods, drinks and cakes were served generously. YHRI participated in celebrations and local events. Human rights education workshops were held with youth and community groups sharing valuable experiences. College students gathered to discuss human rights and the important role of UN UDHR Article #29, Responsibility.

Taiwan

Presentations were made in elementary and secondary schools as well as universities. Meetings were held with legislators regarding the implementation of human rights education in the education system. Meetings were also held with legislators regarding implementing Human Rights Education focusing on the UN UDHR in school curricula.


Nepal

The Vice President of Nepal welcomed the team. The 3rd South Asia Regional Summit was held at the Armed Police Force Headquarters in Kathmandu where government officials, non-government organization leaders, educators and civil society welcomed the international youth delegates from Bangladesh, India, Italy, Pakistan and Spain. The following day, the Human Rights Education Workshop included sharing best practices. National TV broadcast the news to millions.

United States of America

The 12th World Educational Tour grand finale celebration was held on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. The US Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were presented to volunteers from Glendale, Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Pasadena, New Jersey and Washington DC for their outstanding contributions to Human Rights Education. The flag of the US flew over Capitol Hill and proclamations and letters of support came from officials including Mayors, Senators and Governors.

Reaching Millions

The YHRI 12th World Educational Tour 2015 reached thousands of students as well as elected officials, judiciary, law enforcement and educators, as well as community and religious leaders, while the media promoted our message of Human Rights Education, to millions more.

Many Thanks

Thanks to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who donated their time, talents and resources and made this tour a success. We now have new collaborations, partnerships and groups formed. Together we are building strong foundations for Human Rights Education upon which we must continue to build.

Photos by Alex Lake (www.alexlakephoto.com)