|  On
August 24, 2004 at 777 UN Plaza, across the street from
the United Nations Federal Building there was an International
Youth Summit: Youth For Human Rights. Youth delegates from
all over the world were present; to state their positions
on human rights, human rights violations and human rights
education. “I want to make today’s youth aware,
about Human Rights and serve my country best,” said
thirteen-year-old Natasha Jain, youth delegate representing
India.
“Before I got information [about Human Rights] and
had to deliver a speech about [Human Rights] I wasn’t
aware that they existed; By teaching Human Rights I believe
I can wipe every drop of tears from everyone’s eyes”.
Natasha Jain, thirteen years old has been with “Youth
For Human Rights” for approximately five months and
is a “Human Rights Activist” in her country
of origin, India. At the tender age thirteen she has proven
that she is serious about spreading the gospel of Human
Rights all over India. After being asked why she was there
Natasha simply responded because “Our generation is
not aware of Human Rights”.
Before the Summit actually started with the delegates, everyone
invited was situated in the UN chapel for a brief introduction
on defining Human Rights. It was began by Reverend John
Carmichael, who upon finishing his view on Youth For Human
Rights quoted L. Ron Hubbard, stating the aim of the Youth
summit: “Human Rights should be made a fact not an
idealistic dream”.
Present at the briefing in the chapel were people, not necessarily
similar in skin tones, however people similar in the sense
that they all were, becoming familiar with the ideas of
the basic “Human Rights”. In the front of where
I sat, in a middle row directly facing the podium was a
group of teens of who before the introduction were taking
pictures of themselves. They were becoming familiar and
comfortable with the chapel space, which was limited in
size yet welcoming. Upon entering the chapel I noticed how
the podium was arranged in the center front with accessing
space surrounding the stage. The chapel space reminded me
of a large classroom, having seating rows lined up in three
sections facing the center front making the shape within
the chapel seem boxed and the relationship between the stage
and the seats seem like a pot with no handle, from where
I was sitting. The UN Chapel didn’t particularly remind
me of a church, however a learning space.
Being present at the UN Chapel I learned in retrospective
opinions about what the basic Human Rights principles were
or should be. It was almost clear that Human Rights are
the basic standard for living and no one small or big has
the right to violate them with out just cause.
At a certain point in time at the podium stood together
religious leaders from other  countries.
They spoke of their goals and of them, being part of a force
that is making the “Universal Declaration of Human
Rights” known to all. Considering their different
religious backgrounds from beliefs in scientology to beliefs
in Buddhism for example. They all stood unified under the
name of Human Rights. They correspondingly all spoke of
the respect that everyone should have for themselves, their
neighbors, and to their lives. “Youth of today, Presidents
of tomorrow [should know] out of respect comes love and
out of love comes God”.
In addition to the speakers there was also soloist Amy Harnell,
who sang her own revised version of “Somewhere Over
the Rainbow” (A Classic), her, guitarist Michael Gossin
and a representative from “All different Flavors”
in Harlem – Jermaine Robinson. He rapped for the attendees
about how hard it was growing up and how one could find
himself just by believing in God.
Jermaine is one who chooses to use his artistic ability
in a way, which enlightens the youth. He categorizes his
rapping as… “It’s a different kind of
positive rap that doesn’t just talk about a problem
or “the problem” it’s like finding salvation
[by identifying] the problem with a solution…People
always talk about “the problem” but nothing
to do about it. They talk about why they do things, but
not how to make them right.” Jermaine works with two
other members in “All Different Flavors” Magellan
and Andre Jalil, with their power of three “ Darkness
Stands No Chance”. Jermaine mentioned another reason
why he does his thing rhyming is definitely to reach this
generation of youth. It is more likely to have mislead,
unaware, or confused youth follow the voice of a person
who looks like them, that’s positive, that’s
coming from the same generation and that understands their
struggles and circumstances. In providing positive references,
through their style, creativity and experiences in their
rhymes “All Different Flavors” provides a way
out. “…It’s not even about religion it’s
about solving our problems through our Creator”.
After the brief ceremony at the UN Chapel I spoke to Verlene
Cheeseboro from the “Church of Scientology”
(Director) in Harlem, before the Summit at the UNICEF house
(United Nation Children’s Fund) to ask “Why
are we here?” She said, “This is the first International
Youth Summit on Human Rights. Youth Delegates from all over
the world have come to speak on Human Rights. [Our goal]
is to educate everyone about Human rights, so children [really]
know that they are our future”.
Upon entering the Conference Room the summit began with
a Dance Presentation from young teens of the “Uptown
Urban Dance Academy”, who were able to perform managing
their space. Members Wayne Bryant and Kashawn Shand of the
dance academy thought the idea of being, invited to such
an informative event was “cool.”
When the Summit began Mary Shuttleworth was introduced,
the director of “Youth For human Rights” as
the Master of Ceremonies. “Today we are making history,”
she stated as she explained the purpose of “Youth
For human rights”: “To teach youth around the
world about Human Rights and to promote tolerance and peace".
Among the people Mary Shutttleworth introduced was Dr. Noel
Brown, former director of the environmental program at the
UN, who in turn had the opportunity of introducing President
and Founder of “Friend of the United Nations”
(one of the sponsors of the event), Irv Sanford. “What
we are here to do is acquaint ourselves with the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights”, is how he began his
own commendation on Human Rights Education and Youth Awareness.
Following Mr. Sanford, who had the opportunity of introducing
them, were youth delegates who wrote about their experiences
with human Rights violations, in their countries. For example
youth delegate Tara Fitzpatrick of Australia talked about
the history of Human rights Violations in her country. She
mentioned that if she hadn’t done any research she
wouldn’t have realized the many Human rights Violations
that occurred frequently where she lived.
Before joining “youth for Human Rights” 8 weeks
ago Tara was already involved in Anti- Drug campaigns, working
with thousands of youth that pledged to be “Drug Free”
under the influence of her leadership. Her reason for being
present at the summit was… “We are born with
[rights] and hardly anyone knows we have the Universal Declaration
of human Rights. We are gathered here to make it known,
so people will know what Human Rights are”. Agreeing
with Tara I believe that everyone should know that, they
have their own rights to privacy, rights to freedom, rights
to safety etc, no matter what age, gender or race.
 Allison
Cameron Gray is a youth delegate, who was at the summit
representing children with disabilities. “I was born
with Cerebral Palsy, which has created many challenges for
me”, Allison began as she stood in the middle of the
stage with her assistant holding her speech close enough
of for her to read. Allison was able recite her speech although
having some difficulties with her speech impediment. Sitting
there watching Allison as she spoke of her experiences,
it seemed as if we were no longer in a four wall room, however
in a space where all eyes were focused on one subject which
was Allison. A mouse couldn’t have entered the room
without being heard during that moment of time.
Allison
spoke of her experiences being disabled, and she recognized
Human Rights Violations against children with disabilities.
She stated… “A federal law in 1975 granted children
with disabilities the right to an education. It also said
that the education should be provided in their local home
school. In 1994 when I was ready to start school my parents
were told I belonged in a ‘Special Education Center’.
My parents won the battle with the school district and I
went to attend regular schools as an honor student. Education
under a separate law does not follow the basic ‘free
and equal rights.’ She continued to mention that everyone
should be given equal opportunities because everyone is
the same. Following her speech was a standing ovation. I
believe we, the audience felt what she was saying, that
she shouldn’t be treated differently because she’s
a Human Being, even with a disability.
Furthermore
to that during the Conference/Summit youth delegates Eugene
Yeiersky of the Ukraine, Natasha Jain of India, Katherine
Aspell of the US and Allan Agami of Mexico stated frequently
the importance of the Youth For Human Rights Education.
Attendees of the Conference had the opportunity of commenting
on what was being said by the delegates, asking questions
and receiving responses from the youth panelists as mentioned
and the Adult panelist, Majarie Andrade, Allan Saunders,
Rambabbu Dhakal and Hector Ortega,
There was another round of panelist, youth delegates and
adults before the evening ended at the UNICEF House and
afterwards a twelve year old Kylie Paige part of the video
crew for “Youth For Human Rights” was delighted
to have been in attendance at the event. On what she thought
about “Youth for Human Rights” she stated, “It’s
really an interesting subject that most people aren’t
fortunate to know about, and here we are trying to tell
them”.
From
the responses and comments of all the youth delegates it
was blatant of how crucial Human Rights is to each of their
countries and themselves. "Human Rights" is a
serious topic and the aim of the UN is to diffuse the importance
of Human Rights Knowledge to everyone. As the goals remain
the same among the youth delegates from, Sweden, China,
Switzerland, Russia, Germany, South Africa, South Korea,
the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Ukraine, the US, India,
Australia, Palestine, Canada, Bangladesh, Greece, Israel,
France, Argentina and Guyana, the importance of knowledge
and awareness will continue to be recognized as well.
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