Children March for Your Human Rights

Do you know your Human Rights? Unfortunately for many people, in our town of Los Angeles, as well as those around the world, not only are human rights unknown, but they are blatantly violated. But what are they? And how do you protect them?

The Southern California Chapter of Youth for Human Rights is out to change things and make human rights a reality. Where does it start? Education.

To that end, dozens of youth gathered on the 10th of December, the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and led a peaceful walk down L. Ron Hubbard Way, to take that first step—raise awareness about human rights.

Article 29 of the Universal Declaration is all about Responsibility:

29. Responsibility. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms.

Pedestrians asked, “What are you marching for?” And the answer was “We’re marching for your Human Rights!”

That then prompted the question, “What are my human rights?”

The answer is in the educational materials of Youth for Human Rights:

Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights, simply by the fact of being human. These are called “human rights” rather than a privilege (which can be taken away at someone’s whim).

They are “rights” because they are things you are allowed to be, to do or to have. These rights are there for your protection against people who might want to harm or hurt you. They are also there to help us get along with each other and live in peace.

And these youth do know their rights. For example, if you asked any of them, they’d promptly state they are exercising Human Rights #20, The Right to Public Assembly, #13 The Right to Move, and #24 The Right to Play, just to name a few.

The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. For more information, visit www.youthforhumanrights.org.