Making the Next Generation the “Hope of the World” in Nigeria
Growing up in an urban slum of Nigeria, Duke Ifeakachukwu (Ifeaka) experienced firsthand the harsh realities of inequality and abuse. Born into a polygamous family ruled by an inconsiderate father, his upbringing was marred by deprivation of food, proper clothing and basic freedoms. Yet rather than casting himself in the role of a victim, Ifeaka found strength in advocating for gender equality and human rights for all.
Ifeaka discovered a beacon of hope with Youth for Human Rights International. Turning to the organization for guidance and support, he set out on a path to educate and empower his fellow Nigerians about their inherent rights and freedoms.
“Through these coordinated actions, we have been changing the narratives of thousands of people who otherwise had no opportunity to learn their human rights, lifting them out of ignorance,” says Ifeaka.
To spread human rights even further, Ifeaka obtained the approval of the Lagos State Ministry of Education to implement human rights education with the use of YHRI materials in all public secondary schools in the state. Ifeaka strives to make his work with children in schools fun, engaging their active participation with the aim of reminding them that, with a realization of their human rights, they are “the hope of the world.”
“Now is the time to plant the seeds and nurture the seedlings for a rights-respecting and peace-loving society.”
Witnessing the transformative power that human rights awareness can achieve in children when their inherent dignity and self-worth is restored is what fuels Ifeaka’s mission to reach as many youth as possible with his message of human rights.
“Now is the time to plant the seeds and nurture the seedlings for a rights-respecting and peace-loving society, both in Nigeria and beyond,” says Ifeaka. “We will keep rolling like thunder and with boundless perseverance and passion until human rights become a reality and no one is denied the full enjoyment of the entire range of their human rights.”
FACTS
HUMAN RIGHTS SUMMIT IN NUMBERS
This year marks the 20th International Human Rights Summit. Here are the numbers that tell the story:
6,452
ATTENDEES
to the summit since its inception
863
YOUTH DELEGATES
have taken part in the summit over 19 years
113
COUNTRIES
represented by Youth Delegates
121
COUNTRIES
represented by diplomats
42,559,383
PEOPLE REACHED
through global media coverage
SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS
Join the international human rights movement by becoming a member of United for Human Rights and donating today. UHR assists individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies in all parts of the world to raise awareness of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
