Youth for Human Rights Africa

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

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! #

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

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/

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!

20/04/2026

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.

15/04/2026

Human Rights outreach in Nigeria, Niger State

On the five-day Ramadan festival in Bida Town the Youth for Human Rights and the United for Human Rights teams reached about 7,000 people with the message of the 30 Human Rights – including students, parents, and officials.

It was also a win for the community — Bida now has 100 newly trained educators and 200 active members ready to keep the momentum and go out for human rights education!

12/01/2026

IN MANY SCHOOLS PARENT'S ARE BEING BULLIED INTO MEDICATING THEIR CHILDREN


I want my child back...
As the school gates open this week, I am haunted by a memory from last year. My son’s teacher told me he was "too much." She said, "If he doesn't start Ritalin, he won't cope, and we can’t keep him in class."

I was terrified as a parent. I wanted him to succeed, so I signed the forms. I didn't know I was signing away his personality. Within weeks, my vibrant boy was a "zombie"—no appetite, no laughter, just a blank stare. The school was happy because he was "quiet," but as a mother, I was grieving for a child who was still sitting right in front of me.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE ADHD SYNDICATE.
In many of our schools, parents are being bullied into medicating children just to make classroom management easier.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
Under the SA Schools Act, a school cannot exclude your child for refusing psychiatric medication. You have the right too Informed Consent—that means being told the real risks, not just the "benefits." and also the alternatives treatments once test have been done. Education is a right, not a medical procedure.

Let’s protect our children’s futures this year. Don't sign away their spark. Ask for medical proof, not opinion.

18/11/2025

LOOK WHAT TOOK PLACE IN SA RECENTLY


South Africa just got a powerful dose of human rights education Your turn. Take the mic, lead a seminar, shift a mindset. Start today -
Herebis the Link - https://bit.ly/3G5cAd3