The 8th of September commemorates United Nations International Literacy Day (ILD) which was established in 1966 to draw attention to a fundamental right, that is, the ability to read, write, and access knowledge. Today, however, the word “literacy” also refers to the capacity to access online information, understand it, evaluate it critically, and use it responsibly. UNESCO emphasizes that: “Literacy is a key to making transformation inclusive, sustainable, relevant, and meaningful. Beyond reading and writing on paper, literacy in the digital age allows people to access, understand, evaluate, create, communicate,...

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...

The United Nations Human Rights Council held its 59th session from June 16 to July 8, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This was a crucial appointment, where the international community addressed the most urgent challenges: from the defense of human dignity to the growing alarm over xenophobia and intolerance, and the dramatic situations marked by systematic violations of fundamental rights. In this context, IIMA and VIDES International strongly raised the voice of young people, bringing to the heart of the Council four oral statements dedicated to the vital...

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...

Following up on a previous project held in 2022, IIMA and VIDES Human Rights Office in Geneva committed to develop coordinated advocacy actions to call the attention of the international community and in particular the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on the rights of girls and young women and allow them to participate in events and initiatives where they have the chance to present their proposals and initiatives for policy change. A team of 10 girls and young women across six countries (Ecuador, Kenya, India, Nepal, Peru and South Sudan) was...

In the context of the High-level event for the 75° anniversary of the UNDHR, the OHCHR will organize the Human Rights 75 Youth Dialogue: Amplifying the HR75 initiative among young people from 15:00 - 18:00 CET on December 11, 2023 in Room XVII, Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. We invite you all to watch the event online! On December 10 we celebrate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirm our commitment to the protection of human rights around the world. 2023 marks, in particular, the 75th anniversary of the...

IIMA Human Rights Office joined forces with VIDES International for the realization of the Project “Youth to Reshape the World– Youth as Advocates and Agents of Transformative Actions in Social Inclusion and Environment Protection”. Funded by the European Commission, this project to be implemented in 2023 – 2025 includes a critical Human Rights advocacy and capacity building component in order to: Empower youth to become change-making agents in terms of social inclusion and environmental protection within the communities in which they operate in EU cities and countries; Capacitate youth to...