"Young friends all over the world, you are the ones who must realize these rights, now and for all time. Their fate and future is in your hands."
--Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations

On Earth Day 2005 event I stumbled across one of the most amazing women in the world: Mary Shuttleworth. She wasn't there by accident. Mary, a school principal and children's advocate from Los Angeles (Mary's Schoolhouse and Shuttleworth Academy), has launched Youth for Human Rights International as an educational program for children so they come to understand at an early age the importance of human rights and religious tolerance. She realized that very little was being done to teach human rights to young people, she's the Founder and now the Executive Director of this group.

In support of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, this youth organization is working on a human rights campaign to bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to youth through essay and art contests and by providing materials for students and teaching guides for schools.

One of Mary's greatest projects was the 2004 World Educational Tour. Youth for Human Rights International undertook a 45,000 mile, 35-day World Educational Tour to introduce the booklet "What are Human Rights?" to 13 nations. Reading the story I was thrilled at the intensity of the action, moved by the pictures of distant kids and adults exploring, possibly for the first time, ideas we may consider common and trivial. read the full story (you have to click each nation's name to see the photos).

"What are Human Rights?" is an illustrated, user-friendly brochure that explains the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in language children readily understand, is already an international hit. Many educators, religious and human rights leaders, government officials and of course, young people, now use "What are Human Rights?" to learn and teach the Declaration and its vital importance. Visit this page to download your free copy of the booklet right now!

This Dedicated, Dynamic Youth Group Needs Your Help

There are many opportunities for you to support this vital campaign to educate youth about Human Rights. Please visit their website to learn more. They'll be grateful for any contribution, assistance or helpful communication you can make.