In the heart of Washington DC, the Youth For Human Rights International (YHRI) Chapter, under the leadership of Mr. Azhar Haq, President of the Chapter, has demonstrated exceptional commitment and effectiveness in promoting human rights throughout the past year. The culmination of these efforts was showcased in the YHRI DC Pop-Exhibit, Luncheon, Workshop, and Community Roundtable held on December 9, 2023, in Washington DC.
According to Haq, the year began with a powerful initiative, the War or Peace Virtual Arts Contest. This international endeavor attracted submissions from 92 artists in 13 countries, resulting in 78 pieces selected for the gallery. The virtual art gallery gained significant media coverage, amassing over 3,600 Facebook followers for Youth for Human Rights. This innovative approach allowed artists worldwide to express their views on human rights through various mediums.
The chapter took to the streets in a symbolic Human Rights Walk, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial. This event included a petition signing, stressing the importance of collective action for the protection and promotion of human rights.
In February, YHRI DC actively participated in Black History Month events. The chapter kicked off the month with an event at Westminster Church, organized by the D.C. Black History Month Celebration Committee and the African American Civil War Museum. This engagement included the representation of YHR DC at a booth, distributing materials, and raising awareness.
A subsequent event on February 8, titled “Expressions of Black History and Human Rights through Art,” celebrated the intersection of black history and human rights. Notably, the event featured artists from YHRI DC’s international art contest, including Bill Jones, the second-place winner, who spoke about his art.
On April 14, YHRI DC hosted an event at the State Department, titled “Reading Dr. King Worldwide.” This event, in partnership with the Associates of American Foreign Service Worldwide and supported by the DC Black History Celebration Committee, featured special guest speakers, including Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Ambassador of the African Union. The event highlighted the global resonance of Dr. King’s legacy with representatives from around 20 embassies in attendance.
On May 22, representatives from YHRI DC visited Rosa Parks Elementary School for Career Day. Cynthia and Giorgi engaged with four classrooms, distributing booklets to 250 students and providing educator’s kits to three teachers. This outreach aimed to instill the importance of human rights advocacy in the younger generation.
On June 18, YHRI DC actively participated in the DC Black Fathers Matter Project’s annual Father’s Day motorcade, culminating in a health clinic at RFK Stadium. The chapter distributed materials and engaged with the community, emphasizing the intersection of human rights and healthcare.
From July 6-8, YHRI DC participated in the annual Human Rights Youth Summit at the UN in New York. The three-day event brought together youth delegates from around the world, providing a platform for exchange and collaboration. YHRI presented Dr. Mary Shuttleworth with a signed copy of the art contest catalog, solidifying the organization’s commitment to global human rights advocacy.
August 1 marked the National Night Out, a community awareness-raising event held near Kamala Harris’ residence. YHRI DC actively participated, engaging with various groups and showcasing its booklets at the DC Public Library table.
YHRI DC joined the Design for Diversity event with Miss Africa USA 2022, where Lady Kate Ndi, the founder of Miss Africa USA, spoke. The chapter seized the opportunity to showcase its Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and highlight the importance of diversity in the pursuit of human rights.
YHRI DC was honored to speak at the Moles and Mules event, a social organization dedicated to community service. In recognition of the chapter’s impactful work, they presented YHR DC with a generous donation, underscoring the importance of community support.
Ms. Beth Akiyama, a former board member of YHRI DC, actively contributed to the UN Association’s Human Rights Committee, serving as its Secretary and participating in advocacy efforts. This involvement highlights the chapter’s dedication to engaging with global human rights initiatives.
In reflection, the Youth For Human Rights International, Washington DC Chapter, under the leadership of Azhar Haq, has demonstrated a year of meaningful impact, collaboration, and advocacy. Through art, community events, international partnerships, and active participation in global forums, the chapter has demonstrated its commitment to fostering a world where the rights of every individual are recognized, respected, and protected. As the journey continues, YHRI DC remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, educate, and empower the youth and communities to champion human rights for all.
