Human Rights Defined

Every person is entitled to certain rights—simply by the fact that they are a human being. They are “rights” because they are things you are allowed to be, to do or to have.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 to provide a common understanding of what everyone’s rights are. It forms the basis for a world built on freedom, justice and peace.

Where Do Universal Rights Begin?

“In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Chair of the United Nations Commission that wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Our Aim

Children are the future. They need to know their human rights and know that they must take responsibility to protect themselves and their peers. As they become aware and active in this cause, the message travels far and wide, and someday universal human rights will be a fact, not just an idealistic dream.

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a nonprofit organization with the purpose 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. Better Living Foundation partnered with YHRI to deliver a street-savvy, multiethnic, anti-bullying message and in less than a minute, youth can learn one of their human rights—and all of them in less than half an hour.

We aim to reach people from diverse backgrounds, with materials which often appeal across generations.

Free Youth for Human Rights E‑Course

Do you know your rights? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document that guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of every person in the world. In order to protect your rights, you have to first know what they are. This free interactive course will introduce you to your human rights so you will know them and defend them for yourself and others.

In this course, you’ll learn: Human Rights Education (youthforhumanrights.org)

• The 30 human rights every person has
• How human rights started and why we have them.
• The importance of human rights for everyone

ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE BORN FREE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS.