Human rights education tour makes Tirana stop
Neighboring Macedonia was also part of the tour
TIRANA, March 22 – The Youth for Human Rights International 12th World Educational Tour, which is traveling 74,468 kilometers around the world to promote Human Rights Education, arrived in Tirana and was welcomed by the city’s mayor.
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.
Meetings were held with government officials including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as key human rights bodies such as the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for the Prevention of Discrimination, NGOs and other stakeholders. Workshops were held in two universities in Tirana and they raised awareness about the inhuman modern-day slavery with the play, “Story of Monica” at the Palace of Culture in Durres sponsored by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth.
Arber Kodra, President of Youth for Human Rights Albania said that the country has a constitution and laws that protect human rights but we lack implementation.
“Human rights education is key toward creating more peaceful communities,” Kodra added.
Reaching further, the team met with officials of both Kosovo and Macedonia.
The tour circled the globe to Mexico, St. Kitts and Nevis, UK and Brussels before arriving in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia.
“These meetings are encouraging. Albania is definitely taking the lead on Human Rights Education in the region,” said Mary Shuttleworth, president of Youth for Human Rights Education.
In Albania, TV and radio show appearances included Top Channel TV, TVSH, Vision Plus, Club FM and Club TV as well as Radio Tirana.
They are now traveling to Kazakhstan then on to Nepal, Taiwan with the grand finale in Washington DC completing their 46,272 mile journey to promote human rights education.
In the spirit of the United Nations International Human Rights Day 2015, “Human Rights 365,” the organization work toward making every day, 365 days of the year, a Human Rights Day.
