Youth for Human Rights Africa

Youth for Human Rights Africa Youth for Human Rights International YFHR is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by" Dr. Mary Shuttleworth", an educator born and raised in apartheid

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? HUMAN RIGHTS DEFINED
While some dictionaries define the word right as “a privilege,” when used in the context of “human rights,” we are talking about something more basic.*

Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights, simply by the fact of being human. These are called “human rights” rather than a privilege (which can be taken away at someone’s whim). They are “r

ights” because they are things you are allowed to be, to do or to have. These rights are there for your protection against people who might want to harm or hurt you. They are also there to help us get along with each other and live in peace. Many people know something about their rights. Generally they know they have the right to food and a safe place to stay. They know they have a right to be paid for the work they do. But there are many other rights. When human rights are not well known by people, abuses such as discrimination, intolerance, injustice, oppression and slavery can arise. Born out of the atrocities and enormous loss of life during World War II, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 to provide a common understanding of what everyone’s rights are. It forms the basis for a world built on freedom, justice and peace.

The Youth for Human Rights team in Ghana successfully held an outreach activity recently at Kwabenya in the Greater Accr...
12/08/2026

The Youth for Human Rights team in Ghana successfully held an outreach activity recently at Kwabenya in the Greater Accra Region, where they educated over 100 community members on various human rights issues. The programme was well received and has encouraged the team to continue their efforts.

The Youth for Human Rights team in Benue State, Nigeria, recently visited local communities, government officials, and t...
29/07/2026

The Youth for Human Rights team in Benue State, Nigeria, recently visited local communities, government officials, and traditional leaders to share the history of Mandela Day and discuss Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy.

During the visits, they highlighted the 30 Human Rights, applying the 29th right: Responsibility "we have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms."

Let us continue to raise awareness and respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!

01/07/2026

Don’t Discriminate
Human Right # 2
Don't Discriminate

Everyone has the right to all the freedoms listed in this document, regardless of their race, gender, language, religion, background, wealth, or status.

It does not matter what kind of country or territory you live in; these rights apply to you equally, whether your country is independent or under another form of government.

Look for the Youth for Human Rights webpage

Youth Stand for Human Rights Sierra Leone visited Regent Square Municipal Primary School to educate pupils on their righ...
22/06/2026

Youth Stand for Human Rights Sierra Leone visited Regent Square Municipal Primary School to educate pupils on their rights and responsibilities. The children received the What are Human Rights booklets with great enthusiasm, promising to share and discuss them with their families.

YOUTH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATORS TRAINED IN KZN! 🇿🇦 We are thrilled to announce the successful induction of our ne...
06/05/2026

YOUTH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATORS TRAINED IN KZN! 🇿🇦


We are thrilled to announce the successful induction of our new Chapter Leaders in KwaZulu-Natal!

On 18 April, youth and educator leaders from Richards Bay, Port Shepstone, Pietermaritzburg, and Durban Central gathered for an intensive training session.

Our leaders are now certified, equipped with Educator’s Packs, and ready to bring the 'My School. My Rights. My Freedom.' tour to students across the province.

As we celebrate Freedom Month, our mission is clear: ensure every child knows they are born with 30 human rights. A massive thank you to our National Ambassador, Ms. Nomathemba Mbatha, and KZN Coordinator, Dylan, for their incredible leadership

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION IN GAMBIA Our team recently visited Mingdaw Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Scho...
06/05/2026

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION IN GAMBIA


Our team recently visited Mingdaw Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School to lead a powerful human rights awareness session.

We were thrilled to engage with over 300 students, diving deep into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Children’s Act.

As our Executive Director and YHRI Country Representative told the students:

'You can only defend your rights if you know them.'

Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them and respecting the rights of others is how we build a better future together.

A huge thank you to the management and staff at Mingdaw for welcoming us! #

Teaching Human Rights shouldn't be a lecture; it should be an experience!Recently Ambassador Duke explored the journey o...
26/04/2026

Teaching Human Rights shouldn't be a lecture; it should be an experience!

Recently Ambassador Duke explored the journey of civil rights, broke down the barriers of "normalization," and tackled the dangers of staying silent.

By keeping it fun and participatory, the students didn't just learn—they led. From defining Discrimination to understanding Dignity, these learners are now equipped to change their communities.

They’ve promised to read and share their What Are Human Rights booklets.
The future looks a little brighter (and louder!) today.

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org/educators/human-rights-curriculum.html

Moroccan Activist Zakaria El Hamel Officially Nominated for the Leo Tolstoy International Peace PrizeOUJDA, MOROCCO – Ap...
25/04/2026

Moroccan Activist Zakaria El Hamel Officially Nominated for the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

OUJDA, MOROCCO – April 19, 2026

The organization "Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures" is honored to announce that its President and Founder, Zakaria El Hamel, has been officially nominated for the prestigious Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize.

The Foundation of the Prize, via Deputy Director Vadim Karasev, has confirmed that the nomination has been formally received and accepted for review. Mr. El Hamel’s candidacy is now being evaluated by the international jury in accordance with the foundation’s established procedures.

Recognition of Two Decades of Commitment

This nomination serves as a milestone in Zakaria El Hamel’s twenty-year journey as a journalist and human rights defender. Based in Oujda, he has dedicated his life to youth empowerment, having reached over 50,000 young people through educational campaigns centered on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Global Momentum for Peace

This international recognition follows a major achievement for the Oriental region of Morocco. In March 2026, under Mr. El Hamel’s leadership, Oujda was officially designated as the 468th International City of Peace, solidifying the city’s role as a Mediterranean and African hub for diplomacy and tolerance.

"This nomination for the Leo Tolstoy Prize is a recognition that extends beyond myself; it belongs to every young person who believes that dialogue is the only path to overcoming division," said Zakaria El Hamel.

About the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the prevention of global conflict, the promotion of disarmament, and the strengthening of mutual understanding between peoples, inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Leo Tolstoy.

About Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures

Founded in 2005, the association works to promote tolerance, coexistence, and human rights. It remains a leading voice in grassroots activism and citizen diplomacy within the Mediterranean and North African regions.

Media Contact:
Youth For Peace & Dialogue Media Team
Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures
Email: [email protected]
Website: Site web : https://youthforpeaceint.org/actions/

It's never too early to start – Nomathemba, Sniper and LaFam are sowing the seeds of human rights into these little peop...
22/04/2026

It's never too early to start – Nomathemba, Sniper and LaFam are sowing the seeds of human rights into these little people of eThekwini, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Thank you!

Partnership Delivers Justice: Joint Effort Tackles Child Abuse Case in BidaBIDA, NIGER STATE – A powerful collaboration ...
20/04/2026

Partnership Delivers Justice: Joint Effort Tackles Child Abuse Case in Bida

BIDA, NIGER STATE – A powerful collaboration between the Youth for Human Rights (YHR) Bida Chapter led by Amb. Theophilus Phillips and the Freedom for Humanity International Foundation lead by Alhaji Amb. Comrade Muhammad Yusuf Busy, has achieved a significant breakthrough in a disturbing case of child abuse that has shaken the local community.

The partnership was put to the test following the brutal assault of 13-year-old orphan girl who had recently been moved from her village to Bida Town. The case involved ten men accused of the gang-r**e of the minor.

Overcoming Legal Hurdles

The pursuit of justice faced an initial setback when the ten culprits, who had been apprehended by local security forces, were unexpectedly released on bail. Under Nigerian law, r**e is a non-bailable offense, and the release caused immediate concern regarding the accountability of the suspects and the safety of the victim.

Refusing to let the case stall, leadership from both YHR and Freedom for Humanity International intervened. The organizations met directly with the Chief Magistrate of the court where the case had been transferred to advocate for the strict application of the law and the protection of the vulnerable orphan.

A Victory for Rule of Law

The advocacy efforts yielded results during the most recent court sitting. Acknowledging the gravity of the offense and the legal precedents regarding bail, the Chief Magistrate rescinded the previous orders and ordered the immediate detention of all ten suspects.

The culprits are currently being held at the local correctional centre, with the next court hearing scheduled for April 29, 2026.

"This case demonstrates why systematic reporting and partnership are vital," a spokesperson for the organizations stated. "When we stand together to demand accountability, the legal system works for the most vulnerable among us."

This successful intervention highlights the growing impact of human rights education and active community monitoring in Niger State. Both organizations have pledged to follow the case through to its final verdict to ensure Aisha Mohammed receives the justice and support she deserves.

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