St. Vincent and the Grenadines is being represented at the UN Human Rights Youth Summit by former NDP Young Democrats President Vakeesha John.
Youth Delegate Vakeesha John of Layou represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the 17th International Human Rights Summit at UN headquarters in New York. Ms. John promotes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and equality and peace in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through Youth for Human Rights International’s educational program.
In the year of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ 75th anniversary, the Summit’s theme was IMAGINE: EQUALITY. DIGNITY. UNITY—Youth Creating It. Ms. John’s work shows how youth may improve the world.
While teaching at Central Leeward and Thomas Saunders Secondary Schools, John advocated for children’s rights. She makes her kids participate in RBC Young Leaders, public speaking competitions, and other extracurricular activities to boost their confidence and voice. She was recently NDP Young Democrats president and church Adult Youth Leader. Ms. John also campaigns on social media.
The Summit was held by Timor-Leste’s UN Permanent Mission and cosponsored by Ireland, Albania, and the DRC. At the UN Economic and Social Council Chamber, young and senior delegates from over 45 nations met and were mentored by worldwide human rights giants.
At the Summit, prominent speakers included Ambassador Karlito Nunes, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN; Ambassador Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania to the UN; Immediate Past President of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Dr. Ira Helfand, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for 1985 and 2017; Co-Founder and President of Eyes Open International, Harold D’Souza; Chief Operating Officer Movement Forward, Inc. Jared Feuer;
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate, welcomed youth and senior delegates in a Summit video: “UDHR’s hope endures,” he remarked. The young always carry it forward.Today, you improve your future. UDHR charts a better world. Thank you for carrying the torch and building a path to our ideals.”
The two-day meeting was attended by more than 400 officials, ambassadors and representatives of UN permanent missions, NGOs, educators, human rights defenders, and civil society members. The UN website streamed the session worldwide.
The Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International, Eyes Open International, Aido Network International, African Diaspora Foundation, and York Regional Police cosponsored the Summit.
The Summit discussed how colleges and governments might teach the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to all ages. Panelists discussed human rights education in schools.
University Associate Education Institutes supported the Summit. The Human Rights Consortium School of Advanced Study University of London; Faculty of Law of Khon Kaen University Thailand; Leuphana University Luneburg Germany; Centre for Human Rights Education, Curtin University Australia; Faculty of Law and Criminology, Vrije Universiteit Brussels; and Humboldt International University, Florida. They encouraged universities and educational institutions worldwide to teach youth about human rights in the UDHR’s 75th anniversary year.
The Church of Scientology of Harlem Community Center sponsored the final day’s multicultural celebration on July 8. Delegates participated in a human rights education workshop and prepared an action plan to implement Summit lessons in local communities.
The Church welcomed international acts and lectures. After Jose Plaza, multi-platinum recording artist Alberto Plaza performed. Youth delegates discussed their work and the Summit’s impact.
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, president of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), said, “Your hard work is making all our dreams come true.”
Youth and Senior Delegates then distributed Youth for Human Rights booklets and read individuals their 30 rights in New York. In Times Square, they signed a 12-foot petition to require human rights teaching in schools.
