Sri Lanka, being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, has a rich history of human rights, from the inclusion of a Fundamental Rights Chapter in the constitution in 1978 to what it is today. Human Rights are key to maintaining peace in a complex and diverse population such as those in our nation. The Hill Country Region is known for being one of the most ethnically diverse regions on the island and is also the home to the first-ever Hill Country Youth Peace Summit.
As the world evolves and adapts, there has been a shift in the understanding, implementation and activism of the UDHR. The Road to Rights International is a youth-led, voluntary organization established in Sri Lanka in 2009 to support the youth to create opportunities and develop their skills by taking a Human rights-based approach towards Peace and Sustainable Development. Their conference, the Hill Country Youth Peace Summit, is organized with the support of the US Embassy and several youth clubs, with the aim of empowering the youth to engage in activism and advocacy by commemorating the 75th anniversary of International Human Rights Day on the 10th of December at the Hotel Suisse in Kandy.
The founder of The Road to Rights, Ashan Perera added that, “Empowering youth with a strong foundation in human rights is crucial for nurturing responsible global citizens.” The Summit not only educates participants about their own rights but also instils a sense of responsibility to protect and promote the rights of others. By investing in the potential of our youth, we are sowing the seeds for a future generation that is not only well-versed in the principles of human rights but are also passionately committed to creating a more just and sustainable world.
The summit will also celebrate the achievements of the Hill Country Peace Pioneers, a project organized to train 50 youth leaders from the Hill Country region to take action within their communities, focusing on peace, human rights and social cohesion to create an inclusive united, fairer and safer society.
With an engrossing panel discussion, breathtaking cultural performances, inspiring speeches and a long- awaited networking session, the Hill Country Youth Peace Summit is bound to be an engaging and thrilling session. It is the perfect opportunity to learn about the role of the youth in human rights as well as sustainability and climate action as stepping stones to a better, brighter, and more inclusive future.
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