This Thursday 13th December, for Human Rights Day celebrations and to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, OHCHR organised a roundtable discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, who asked the young human rights defenders “what is your dream for human rights?”. The Deputy High Commissioner Kate Gilmore also attended the event, recognising children as “leaders of today and tomorrow”.

The audience was composed of many children and young people!

Konstantinos, member of our DGD Children’s Advisory Team, delivered an inspiring speech and powerful messages, such as: “It is a great honor to be called a human rights defender. However, with it comes great responsibility. The responsibility of speaking for those in silence, for those who cannot”.

During the event, a video from Nayeli, also part of the DGD Children’s Advisory Team was shown, in which she shared her experience as Children Human Rights Defenders.

Watch the webcast of this great event here!

Two other child advisors, Hannah and Cameron, were involved in a Human Rights Day takeover at the Scottish Parliament on Monday 10th December. Hannah gave a speech about her experiences as a human rights defender and introduced the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, to give a speech to the chamber afterwards. Hannah’s speech is now available here (from about 38 minutes).

Moreover, to celebrate the 70th Anniversary, the Marist International Solidarity Foundation – FMSI shared on Monday 10th the testimonies of Camilla and Gabriel two young Marists who participated in the DGD as speakers and shared their experience as children human rights defenders.

You can find here the two testimonies in Spanish, French, Portuguese and English.