Who We Are — Youth for Human Rights International

A young child holding a 'What Are Human Rights?' booklet

Who We Are

Youth for Human Rights International

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people about human rights and inspiring them to become advocates for freedom, equality, dignity, and peace for every individual.

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Students learning about human rights together

Our Story & Purpose

Founded in 2001 with one bold idea

Youth for Human Rights International was founded in 2001 by Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, an educator born and raised in apartheid South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of discrimination and the lack of basic human rights.

Our purpose is to teach youth about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and make human rights education accessible, clear, and meaningful — so that every young person can know their rights, defend the rights of others, and help build a more just world.

2001

Founded

100+

Countries reached

Articles taught

Founder & President

Dr. Mary Shuttleworth

Founder & President, Youth for Human Rights International

Dr. Mary Shuttleworth is an internationally renowned educator and a tireless advocate for human rights education. Growing up under apartheid in South Africa, she saw firsthand how the absence of human rights affects every aspect of life. That experience inspired her lifelong commitment to ensuring that every young person — no matter where they live — knows and can stand up for their human rights.

“If we want a more humane world, we have to teach the next generation what being human truly means.”

How We Bring Human Rights to Life

Education in motion, around the world

From classrooms to global stages, we use creative, accessible, and youth-driven programs to make human rights real for everyone.

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Human Rights Education

Curriculum and resources that bring the 30 articles of the UDHR to life for students of every age.

Educational Materials

Free tools for educators, families, and youth

We provide a complete library of educational resources — designed to make the 30 human rights easy to understand, share, and teach anywhere in the world.

Educational Videos & PSAs

30 award-winning public service announcements that bring each human right to life.

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Booklets & Illustrated Guides

Beautifully illustrated booklets explaining the Universal Declaration in plain language.

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Educator Resource Kits

Complete teaching packages with guides, videos, and lesson plans for classrooms.

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Free Online Courses

Self-paced online courses anyone can take to learn and teach human rights.

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International Events & Annual Summit

A global stage for youth voices

Each year, YHRI brings together young leaders, educators, advocates, and human rights heroes from across the world.

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Voices from every nation

Each year, YHRI brings together young leaders, educators, advocates, and human rights heroes from across the world for an annual international summit and events.

Visit the Parent Organization

Learn More About Youth for Human Rights International

Discover the full story, programs, and resources of our parent organization — and join a global movement bringing human rights to every classroom and community.

Visit Youth for Human Rights