(Source: https://www.standup4humanrights.org/en/download.html)

This meeting of the Celebrating Human Rights Day: Youth standing up for human rights was convened to discuss about human rights. The youth representatives gathered to discuss about the human rights.

First, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave remarks about the role of young people in protecting human rights. He said that human rights are the goal of the UN. Then, the whole audiences played a mobile game together through Kahoot and the game tested audiences’ knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and human rights in general.

Then, a spokesperson said behalf of Feliciana Herrera Ceto who could not attend, that youth have the right to decide the future. Also, Alexus Lawrence, who is an advocate for homelessness, claimed that many people are suffering from gentrification. She said that homelessness touches all parts of life and activism makes adults uncomfortable. These days, youth activists are active than other generation. Not only that, Fatou said wearing suits and seating at the table do not confront the problem. She challenged us to be uncomfortable. She said not only survivors, but everyone should be safe. Alexus said to the government official that they should be listening and understanding, since we are talking about people’s real lives. She encouraged the youth that we know how to make a better place. We should step out of the comfort zone and we can make a better world. More importantly, we should speak up and start now.

Meeting Title: Celebrating Human Rights Day: Youth standing up for human rights

Date/Location: Tuesday, 10 December, 2019; 11:30-13:00; Conference Room 2; United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speakers:

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General;

Fatou “Toufah” Jallow from The Gambia, activist against sexual violence;

Alexus Lawrence from New York, CUNY (City University New York) freshman engaged in activism for youth and children;

Carl Smith from the indigenous Yupiaq tribe in Alaska, USA;

Feliciana Herrera Ceto from Ixil Region in Guatemala, a youth indigenous leader (unable to attend)

Written by: WIT Representative, Won Ah Oh