OUR COURAGEOUS YOUTHS

I am extremely impressed and appreciative of the enormous efforts of the YFHR (watch the 30 ads on the 30 rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and especially of their president Mary Shuttleworth and all the youths around the world that are standing up and fighting, sometimes with their lives, for these basic human rights. Here is a PSA on Human Right #14.


What really stood out for me, are the many South Vietnamese in the U.S. today who are still working at establishing these human rights in their own homeland. On the last day of the Summit, there was an Inter Faith Service held at the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, and a few of their religious and spiritual representatives spoke. I did not understand nor was I aware of the significance of the suppression of the young man's desire to carry the flag of his countrymen, as it was unfolding, as I was wearing three hats during the four days and not always privy to what was happening. I am just happy I was able to document as much as I did, as now when I look back at my footage I see what an honor it was to be a part of something so important. After spending the whole weekend with his flag under his shirt, and with some encouragement and support, the young Vietnamese delegate is shown here proudly standing with his flag to support his courageous and determined Elders.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT & OUR HUMAN RIGHTS

"the destiny of human rights is in the hands of all our citizens in all our communities."... Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was already a member of the U.N.'s commission on Human Rights when the delegates voted her in as Chairperson. On December 10, 1948, after three years and thousands of hours of debates among the members, the men and women of the 46 nations of the U.N.'s General Assembly adopted The Universal Declaration For Human Rights.
Thirty Articles were assembled in the declaration to bring attention to the basic rights and freedoms of every human being in every country on our planet to promote dignity, fairness, peace, justice and equality.

Many attempts have been made to bring about a universal adherence to basic human rights as far back as our Early civilization. An eyeopening timeline has been created to display the ongoing struggle for human rights that includes The Magna Carta, U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation proclamation.

Since the 50th anniversary of the Declaration in 1997, efforts have been stepped up to emphasize the importance of these 30 articles and to create awareness as most people, including myself, never knew they existed. In countries where basic freedoms and rights are completely ignored, victims of oppression are suddenly given a chance to connect with support groups when made aware of the declaration.

I was shooting my documentary in Nova Scotia when I got a call to go to the U.N. in New York and document the Youth For Human Rights International Conference. This was four days that has changed my life, humbled me and given it a huge boost in purpose and meaning.