Uniting Communities for Human Rights
United for Human Rights connects embassies and volunteers to empower Australians with human rights.
Operating from Canberra, the nation’s capital and home to the majority of foreign embassies, the United for Human Rights New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (UHR NSW/ACT) Chapter is uniquely positioned to engage both local communities and international representatives.
UHR NSW/ACT has hosted film screenings and seminars for representatives from the Delegation of the European Union and from embassies and high commissions of the US, the UK, South Africa, Botswana and many others. As one example, a Mandela Day celebration in Canberra drew 94 delegates from 47 embassies, highlighting UHR NSW/ACT’s ability to unite global partners around human rights education.
Community engagement remains at the heart of UHR NSW/ACT’s work. Volunteers conducted workshops in Sydney and Canberra, organized Human Rights Day walks, distributed thousands of booklets at the National Multicultural Festival and engaged with local organizations and charities supporting refugees and vulnerable populations.
A refugee mother and her children, who were withdrawn and inactive, after receiving UHR NSW/ACT’s materials became actively engaged in learning about their rights, demonstrating how education inspires empowerment.
Working from Canberra and partnering with embassies and communities, United for Human Rights NSW/ACT is bringing human rights to life.
WE REALLY WANT TO hear FROM YOU
Individuals from all around the world have been volunteering for United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights for years—all to make human rights a reality. Read what they have to say:
UNITED STATES
“I have spoken to tens of thousands of kids of all ages in the United States, Europe and Asia about their 30 human rights as a part of the United for Human Rights program. No matter their age, race, language or life circumstances, people all over the world understand the vital importance of knowing and championing human rights for every man, woman and child on Earth. Civilization depends on fairness, respect and decency. There is no other campaign out there that explains these concepts as clearly and effectively as the materials provided by United for Human Rights. It’s a privilege to be a part of this program, and I plan to continue spreading this important message for decades to come.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
“My province is one of the most corrupt, where human rights abuses thrive at a high level. I decided to pursue my goal of educating the entire country and its citizens on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
GERMANY
“I’ve been involved in different human rights projects for about 15 years because, for me, human rights go to the core of many of the problems we see in the world today. When human rights are respected, they make it possible for everyone to live together and to pursue their own idea of happiness without being blocked by suppression, war or a lack of basic resources or education that they deserve.”
INDIA
“I have been involved with Youth for Human Rights since 2009, when I first attended the summit as a Youth Delegate. What began as learning about human rights has grown into a strong sense of responsibility to help educate, empower and amplify young voices globally. The Youth for Human Rights team has become like a family to me, and the shared mission, commitment to global impact and amazing people behind the program continue to inspire me to stay engaged year after year.”
FACTS
HUMAN RIGHTS SUMMIT IN NUMBERS
This year marks the 20th International Human Rights Summit. Here are the numbers that tell the story:
6,452
ATTENDEES
to the summit since its inception
863
YOUTH DELEGATES
have taken part in the summit over 19 years
113
COUNTRIES
represented by Youth Delegates
121
COUNTRIES
represented by diplomats
42,559,383
PEOPLE REACHED
through global media coverage
MAKE HUMAN RIGHTS
A REALITY THROUGH EDUCATION
The path toward the goal of a world where people treat each other with respect and dignity is through effective education. Youth for Human Rights makes it possible with its education package.
The protection of individual rights is vital to the stability of nations and the very survival of our culture. Education at all levels is the solution.
The Youth for Human Rights Education Package is offered as an interactive aid to educators.
All elements are available free of charge as a printed curriculum or an online virtual classroom, with a downloadable app for iPads and iPhones.
