Youth for Human Rights International celebrated 25 years of advancing human rights education worldwide with a Washington, DC leadership conference that launched the World Educational Tour 2026. More than 150 delegates, diplomats, veterans, attorneys, nonprofit executives, and civic leaders gathered on Capitol Hill for the two-day conference that highlighted education as a practical tool for policy engagement and community protection.
The conference, hosted in strategic partnership between Youth for Human Rights International and the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), featured three focused panels addressing human rights leadership on the global stage, human trafficking prevention strategy, and veterans' rights protections. Speakers included Azhar Haq of Youth for Human Rights DC, who provided the welcome address, Porscha Lee Taylor, former Miss Africa USA and U.S. Delegate at the UN Human Rights Summit hosted annually by Youth for Human Rights International; Hollie Nadel of 3Strands Global Foundation; Joy Craig of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and Blanquita Cullum, co-founder of Voices Against Trafficking.
"I have witnessed firsthand the power of education-based advocacy. Whether through school seminars, community engagement initiatives, partnerships with civic organizations, or direct dialogue with policymakers, we have seen how knowledge creates confidence—and confidence creates action," said Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights DC. The opening session was held inside the United States Congress, placing dialogue within the institution where national policy is shaped.
On the second day, delegates participated in a Human Rights Advocacy and Public Engagement Training led by Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of USIDHR and DC Human Rights Commissioner, emphasizing legislative literacy, strategic mobilization, and responsible civic engagement. Anna Sineva, Director of Government Relations for the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, presented on effective congressional engagement and sustaining long-term institutional dialogue.
The conference concluded with a coordinated human rights walk to the White House, symbolizing peaceful civic participation and continued dedication to national awareness-building. The walk reinforced the principle that education must translate into visible, responsible action. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, the organization was established on the conviction that education reduces discrimination and builds lasting peace. Born and raised under Apartheid in South Africa, Dr. Shuttleworth committed her life to expanding access to human rights education across six continents and more than 90 nations.
"Human rights education builds bridges to peace. Don't just believe in peace — build it!" said Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Founder and President of Youth for Human Rights International. As part of this 25th anniversary year, Youth for Human Rights International will also participate in the 20th International Human Rights Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, further advancing its global education mission and youth leadership development efforts. For more information about the organization's work, visit https://www.youthforhumanrights.org.
