On this Human Rights Day, on the year of its 35th anniversary, the North-South Centre celebrates the invaluable contributions of young people to the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Over the years, youth have played important roles as experts, multipliers, representatives, and active participants in our initiatives.

Young people are essential stakeholders in any meaningful effort to protect and strengthen Human Rights. The youth perspective, shaped by accumulated expertise, lived experience or unique viewpoints, are an important part of the Centre’s efforts in the promotion of Human Rights, Democratic values, and Rule of Law.

The new Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) programme is a reflection of that approach. It seeks to contribute to an increased youth capacity to engage in Human Rights protection through further awareness about European and International standards, and how they can be used by young people to protect themselves and their communities. 

HEY joins a series of initiatives by the North South Centre where young people lead the way in championing Human Rights. These include the Rule of Law Youth Network, and the many activities in the field of Global Education and Youth Cooperation, such as the Youth Summer Universities that have engaged thousands of young people from all over the world. The youth focus was also present at the 2024 North-South intercultural conference, which resulted in the Kotor Declaration, with recommendations on youth initiatives to combat racist and xenophobic acts through computer systems.

On this Human Rights Day, the North South Centre gives thanks to the young human rights defenders who partnered with us over the past 35 years. Together we reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with young people in their efforts to support and defend human rights worldwide.