In his address to delegates, Mr. Jawneh shared his journey, utilising materials about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by Youth for Human Rights International (YFHR) to champion education as a cornerstone of peace. Youth for Human Rights International and its parent organization, United for Human Rights, hosted the event. The event sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations and co-sponsored by several other Permanent Missions, provided a crucial platform for dialogue and action.
Mr. Jawneh used the opportunity to highlight the great work of Beakanyang in advancing human rights in The Gambia.
“With our human rights clubs in over 50 schools across the country, we are reaching out to thousands of students with the message of human rights. Similarly, with our LAHIDO Initiative being supported by UNFPA, we are protecting girls from harmful traditional practices such as FGM and Child marriage,” he said.
He used the opportunity to salute young people of The Gambia for standing up for their rights citing recent GALA demonstrations as a clear demonstration of youth playing critical role in advancing human rights and holding government accountable to the people.
The rights activist also used the global space to remind Gambia government of its local and international obligations on protecting human rights in the country.
“Despite the end of dictatorship in The Gambia and improvements in our human rights records, we still having many human rights violations,” he said.
Meanwhile, through keynote speeches and panel discussions, youth leaders brought fresh urgency and lived experience to issues, while seasoned experts lent perspective, history, and hard-earned wisdom. Youth delegates shared how they are tackling these crises through grassroots education initiatives, including the use of Youth for Human Rights’ public service announcements, booklets, and educator kits.
“This Summit is not just a platform for dialogue — it’s a springboard for action,” said Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, founder of United for Human Rights. “Every year, the Summit proves that when youth, distinguished officials, professors and lawyers from around the world come together to exchange ideas, they build bridges, ignite movements and commit to action that drives lasting change for human rights and peace — peace through education.”
Mr. Jawneh is a well respected human rights advocate internationally. In 2019, he was awarded at the UN as a human rights hero and in 2020 he was also named amongst world’s 100 most impactful human rights activists.
He currently also serves as the founder and country representative of Youth for Human Rights in The Gambia.
