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Clearwater, FL – Youth for Human Rights (YHR) (http://www.youthforhumanrights.org) walked to “Embrace Diversity…End Discrimination” on December 10th 2009, the 61st Anniversary of the adoption of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) also known as the United Nations Human Rights Day. On this day, Clearwater, Florida became the US site of the first ever “International Walk for Human Rights” (www.internationalwalkforhumanrights.org) sponsored by Youth for Human Rights in which thousands from over 20 nations – countries such as Australia, Austria, Barbados, Cameroon, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Holland, India, Kenya, Jordan, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Slovakia, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom and covering 6 continents walked in alignment with the first article in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – “We are all born free and equal.”
In Clearwater, hundreds of youth made their trek across the Memorial Bridge towards Clearwater Beach and back carrying signs for the 30 human rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The walk ended in a ceremony at the Fort Harrison, courtesy of the Church of Scientology, where a variety of religions and cultures joined in awarding individuals and groups who work to help others make human rights a reality.
In honor of this walk, and the efforts of the youth to make it possible, The City of Clearwater and the City of Tampa proclaimed December 10, 2009 Youth for Human Rights Day.
Youth for Human Rights (YHR) Tampa Bay President, Dustin McGahee said, “Being part of an event where youth around the world are uniting against discrimination and are promoting human rights brings excitement and hope that there can be change. Awareness is the first step toward change. When you look back through every major, positive change in history, it came about by raising awareness. This walk will be a step in creating Human Rights awareness, a step towards making Human Rights a reality, and therefore, a determined step towards a world of peace and tolerance.”
Representing the United Nations’ theme of diversity, a variety of religions and cultures joined in the celebration immediately after the walk at the Fort Harrison, the international retreat of the Church of Scientology.
The Human Rights 2009 Day Award, which focuses on the message of the walk if “Embrace Diversity … End Discrimination” and which is based on Human Rights #1 of the UDHR, “We are all born free and equal” went to Dr. Donna Elam, Chairperson of the Florida commission of Human Relations for her passionate promotion for equality.
“As the world becomes more diverse, it is essential for people from all walks of life, creeds, races, cultures and ethnicities to unite as we work towards a peaceful and discrimination-free world,” said Dr. Elam. “I am pleased to receive this award and will continue to work diligently towards securing human rights for all people.”
“Other Youth for Human Rights Award winners are: Alexandra Caldwell of Clearwater Beacon who received the award for “Freedom of Expression”, the University of South Florida Student Muslim Association received the “Food and Shelter for All” Award, Washburn Academy received the “Taking Responsibility” Award, Clearwater Academy received “The Right to Play” Award and Delphi Academy received the “Right to an Education” award.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? (UDHR)
Following the tragedies of World War II, a solution was needed to prevent such horrors from occurring again. On December 10, 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt led the General Assembly of the United Nations in constructing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a list of 30 rights that apply to everyone, everywhere. The General Assembly of the United Nations called upon the member nations “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.”
“Yet”, MaGahee said, “61 years later, these rights are still not required teachings in most schools around the world. Most youth, and people of all ages, still don’t know their 30 Human Rights. “ According to MaGahee, he is inspired to action by the words of humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”
What is Youth for Human Rights (YHR)?
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a non-profit, secular organization founded in 2001 by educator Dr. Mary Shuttleworth to raise awareness of human rights. The Tampa Bay chapter was established in 2005.
For more information on The International Walk for Human Rights go to: www.internationalwalkforhumanrights.org