Along with many other community groups, Youth for Human Rights participated in the impressive 12-hour free family festival filled with non-stop music, dance, art, photography, fashion and film produced by youth. Thousands of visitors enjoyed the festivities including the performances of hundreds of youth who showcased their positive achievements for this year’s theme, “The Mosaic of Canada”.
A variety of human rights educational booklets and audio-visual materials were distributed free of charge by the YHR volunteers at their booth. The youth volunteers encouraged the passersby to find out what their 30 fundamental human rights are and to help them acquire a better understanding of how these apply to their own lives. They also encouraged them to sign the Human Rights petition calling on the Parliament to engage public and private sector organizations to promote the UDHR through education campaigns, events, broad publication and dissemination of it throughout Canada. In total the volunteers got over 220 people petition signatures.
These 30 basic human rights were proclaimed over 60 years ago under the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the world’s chief human rights document containing these rights to which everyone is entitled and which have now been adopted by more than 190 countries.
Youth for Human Rights is the youth component of United for Human Rights, a nonprofit organization with chapters across the world. It was founded in 2001 to educate youth in human rights, more specifically the UDHR so they can become advocates for tolerance and peace.
Ms. Nicole Crellin, the Youth for Human Rights Toronto Director, stated, “Of the people contacted at the festival, no one knew how many human rights they have! A lot more
work is needed to get the message out. What is needed is an implementation of a human rights curriculum as a priority in schools and with governments broadly promoting them to all Canadians. All are encouraged to sign our online petition at youthforhumanrights.org and contribute in making a difference”.
She added,”Its full implementation would constitute a commitment to the principles of international peace, justice and understanding”.
ATTACHED PHOTO CAPTIONS:
#1 Youth for Human Rights volunteers along with Nicole Crellin, YHR Toronto Director, ready to start their human rights education at the 10th Annual Youth Day Creative Arts Festival.
#2 Youth for Human Rights volunteers along with YHR Toronto Director, Nicole Crellin, at Yonge-Dundas Square announcing their presence for human rights education at the 10th Annual Youth Day Creative Arts Festival.
#3 Youth for Human Rights Youth Engagement Coordinator, Abeir Liton (left) is on stage inviting the audience members to visit the YHR booth and receive some free educational human rights materials. (Right) Nicole Crellin, Youth for Human Rights Toronto Director, encouraging people to sign the human rights petition calling on the government to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights so everyone is aware of their 30 human rights and understands how this applies to their life so they can be inspired to become advocates for tolerance and peace.
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