Colombia

Before we even mention anything about Youth for Human Rights in Colombia, we must say that Colombian food is absolutely incredible. We fell in love with it and may have a difficult time getting used to anything else on the tour! We will try to manage. But, the food wasn’t the only good thing about Colombia...our trip was a big success for Youth for Human Rights International. We met with some major government and military officials and, while details are forthcoming, let’s just say that Colombia has embraced Youth for Human Rights in a major way. It’s clear that the country is eager to move forward from it’s turbulent past and has a much more open atmosphere for projects which are really trying to make a difference in people’s lives.

A perfect example of this change in Colombia came from a wonderful man who we had the pleasure to meet, named Papa Jaime. Papa Jaime has devoted his life to saving children from streets and sewers. He won the World Peace and Justice Prize in 1991 and was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990. Through his foundation Niños de los Andes, he has created a multitude of schools, safe houses and rehabilitation programs to save children from a life of poverty, drugs, and physical abuse. His work is truly inspiring and has benefitted over 50,000 children.

We had the pleasure to meet Papa Jaime and visit one of the safe houses he started. He told us stories about finding kids in the sewers and risking his life during floods to save kids that were sure to die on their own. Shockingly, when Papa Jaime began his work in the mid-70’s, he faced a lot of opposition and was told that he was ruining the image of Colombia! He had many enemies and it was clear that more than a few people didn't want him to succeed. But, he persevered and now roughly half of the funding for his projects come from the government of Colombia itself!

Colombia has made some major changes and Youth for Human Rights International is proud to be working with this beautiful country to further improve conditions and to educate people about the importance of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By knowing their rights, people will have the opportunity to exercise them. Colombia is ready for YHRI and this is no small victory! Look out for more news on YHRI in Colombia soon.

Check out our photos below and take a look at the video clip from our Youth for Human Rights event, featuring Venezuelan hip-hop artist, Cotur, performing a piece inspired by Youth for Human Rights International. To see Cotur's amazing music video, go to the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqUpm6XkS0