In response to the call for inputs launched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the preparation of a study on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 57/30, IIMA and VIDES contributed with two complementary submissions. One contribution was prepared by the IIMA-VIDES Human Rights Office based on the results of a global online survey conducted within its youth network: a survey that gathered 1,778 responses from participants across...

In preparation for her thematic report to the United Nations Human Rights Council at its 62nd session in June 2026, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Farida Shaheed, launched a global call for inputs on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. The call invited contributions from States, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, national human rights institutions, academics, educators, business actors, as well as civil society organizations, with the aim of gathering diverse perspectives on how education systems can better support the realization of the right to education. The...

“Education is a fundamental human right. It has long held a special place in the hearts and minds of people across the world, and for good reason. Throughout history, it has been a source of personal dignity and empowerment and a driving force for the advancement of social, economic, political, and cultural development. Yet today, beset by inequalities and struggling to adjust to the needs of the 21st century, education is in crisis. We must respond decisively, with conviction, imagination and in solidarity to transform education.”   António Guterres   The 2025 United Nations...

The Fifth Session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 13-14 October 2025, gathered States, experts, civil society organizations, and youth representatives under the theme “Democracy and climate change: focusing on solutions.” The Forum reaffirmed that the climate crisis is not only an environmental emergency but also a profound challenge to democracy, governance, and the protection of human rights. Opening the Forum, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that human rights are the foundation...

On 16 September 2025, the voices of young people, powerfully resonated at the Human Rights Council’s Biennial Panel “The role of youth in fostering peaceful societies and creating an enabling environment for the enjoyment of human rights by all” (watch the Session here). With 1.9 billion young people worldwide, the message was clear: youth are not only future leaders, but present agents of peace and human rights. Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif opened with a call to take youth seriously as bridge-builders in an increasingly polarized world. She warned of shrinking...

The International Youth Day (IYD) celebrated every 12th of August was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999. It aims to draw attention to the youth challenges, opportunities and their fundamental role in building fairer, more just, and more peaceful communities. The IYD 2025 theme, “the Contribution of Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond”, promoted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), emphasizes the “unique role of young people in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities.” It is believed that...

On June 12, 2025, VIDES International and IIMA Human Rights Office organized an online webinar titled “Youth for Human Rights: Opportunities to Engage and Advocate”, run by Maria D’Onofrio, IIMA and VIDES Advocacy Officer in Geneva. The webinar highlighted the importance of including the perspective of young people and promoting their participation in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Following the welcoming and opening remarks, the webinar started with an informative presentation on the Human Rights Council. Afterwards, the short video “IIMA and VIDES Youth Human Rights Agenda” introduced participants on the...

Between May 6 and 12, 2025, we received an incredible 513 responses to our Youth Online Survey on Democracy and Climate Change, from young people and educators in 33 countries across five continents. Notably, 52.2% of respondents were youth aged 18 to 35, ensuring that young voices are central to this important conversation. This survey was launched by IIMA and VIDES in response to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) call for inputs ahead of the Fifth UN Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of...

  In preparation of the upcoming UN Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (13-15 October 2025), IIMA and VIDES are happy to share this survey to gather youth suggestions on key priorities and challenges related to Democracy and Climate Change. Please fill out the  survey available here by Monday, 12th May 2025 - it only takes 5 minutes! Your opinion matters!    ...

Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) works to promote the right to education and Human Rights Education for all, prioritizing preventive intervention in urgent situations and the sharing of best practices. The online event, “The Commitment of the Human Rights Council to Youth and Human Rights: Addressing the Digital Divide, Online Threats and Mental Health” organized by IIMA, VIDES Internazionale, the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepard, Fondazione Comboniane nel Mondo, and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, intended to provide insights on the relevance...