Rajgangpur, Odisha – 10 December 2025

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, members of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) and the National Human Rights Organization (NHRO), Rajgangpur Chapter, carried out a humanitarian and educational programme at Shanti Child Care Center in Ranibandh, focusing on dignity, protection and the empowerment of children.

Human Rights Day, observed globally on 10 December, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The 2025 observance highlighted the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials”, emphasising the universal right to education, safety and equal opportunity.

Community Support Programme at Shanti Child Care Center

The local IHRC–NHRO team organised a comprehensive outreach initiative that combined humanitarian assistance with awareness-raising activities:

• distribution of notebooks, pencils, scales, sweets, biscuits, chocolates and Vaseline to the children;
• donation of a new washing machine to the centre, supporting its daily operations and improving sanitary conditions;
• an educational session led by Mohammed Naushad, President of NHRO, who discussed the meaning of human rights in everyday life and the importance of protection and dignity for every child.

The programme gathered the children residing at the centre, allowing them to participate in learning activities and receive essential supplies aimed at improving their well-being.

Participants and Community Engagement

The event was attended by community representatives and volunteers, including:

• Mohammed Naushad – President, NHRO and IHRC Press Journalist
• Sheikh Wasim Raza Khan
• Hemant Kumar Singh
• Manjeet Singh Saluj
• Pooja Sahu – Guest of Honour
• Priyadarshini Bhoi – Guest of Honour
• Sharat Kumar Pati

Photographs from the event show active interaction between volunteers and children, the presentation of educational materials, and the ceremonial handover of the donated washing machine.

Human Rights in Action: A Grassroots Perspective

This initiative reflects IHRC Corporation’s mission to promote, educate and uphold human rights at both institutional and community levels. While international forums focus on policy, local actions such as the programme at Shanti Child Care Center demonstrate how practical support can improve living conditions and awareness among vulnerable groups.

By combining education, material support and community involvement, the Rajgangpur event exemplifies a human-centred approach to advocacy that IHRC Corporation continues to strengthen globally.

Reported by:

Md Naushad
SMM IHRC India Regional Volunteers Coordinator
IHRC Press Journalist

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Raising Awareness, Building Leaders for Tomorrow

MELBOURNE, Australia – September 2025

In a landmark initiative dedicated to the next generation, Melbourne witnessed a dynamic workshop focused on strengthening awareness of children’s human rights. The event, entitled “Empowering Children – Shaping Tomorrow”, gathered young members of the Melbourne Rupavahini Muthuhara Children’s Society, a recognised Australian organisation committed to cultural and educational advancement for children of Sri Lankan heritage.

Interactive Learning for Children’s Rights

The sessions were expertly led by Ms. Vathsala Dasanayake, Zonal Coordinator for Melbourne, officially appointed by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Her approach combined clarity with creativity – introducing children to their rights, explaining accessible pathways for exercising them, and highlighting the shared responsibility of adults in ensuring protection.

“Children are not only the future but also the present foundation of society. Safeguarding their rights today means securing a more just and equal tomorrow,” underlined Ms. Dasanayake during the workshop.

Through dramatisations, group exercises and open discussions, the workshop successfully transformed abstract legal concepts into tangible and relatable lessons.

Youth as Active Participants

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the active involvement of children themselves, who demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and responsibility. Their participation reaffirmed the principle that youth must be seen not only as beneficiaries of rights but also as agents of positive change.

The workshop highlighted the urgency of equipping children with knowledge and confidence, strengthening their role as both leaders of tomorrow and stakeholders of today.

Next Steps in the Project

This Melbourne initiative represents the first phase of a broader programme designed to nurture children’s awareness of human rights across Sri Lankan communities abroad. The second phase has already been scheduled for 11 October 2025, ensuring the continuity and deepening of these efforts.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha JKM Dissanayake
IHRC Commissioner of Sri Lanka
IHRC Investigative Journalist

The post 🌍 Melbourne Workshop Empowers Sri Lankan Youth on Children’s Human Rights first appeared on ihrc.news.

Bishop Dr Samsher Khan, IHRC Peace Ambassador and High Commissioner MNVC SMM IHRC, along with IHRC press journalists, visited a school in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand State, India, today. Many community representatives attended, including Dr R. Staphen Diyali, Zonal Volunteer Coordinator and IHRC Investigative Journalist, as well as official IHRC volunteers Rev. Vijay Paul Tangani and Puja.

During the event, children were delighted to receive gifts of chocolates, notebooks, pencils, and erasers. The school principal, Radhika Diyali, was honored with an official IHRC Certificate and BBH ID for her outstanding contributions to the educational community.

Bishop Dr Samsher Khan delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and promoting mutual respect regardless of religious or cultural differences. He also stressed the critical role of children as the future of the nation, highlighting the necessity of providing them with proper education and emotional support.

The meeting also focused on discussing further cooperation and IHRC’s continued support for local communities. Attendees learned about ways IHRC can assist, which received a positive response from local residents.

Bishop Dr Samsher Khan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to work with the International Human Rights Commission and extended special thanks to His Excellency Professor H.C. Rafal Marcin Wasik IHRC Alliance Secretary-General, and Head of IHRC Alliance Press Department, Dawid Szablowski, for their invaluable support and commitment.

Bishop Dr.H.E. Samsher Khan
IHRC Peace Ambassador
MNVC SMM IHRC
IHRC Alliance Press Journalist

The post International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation Visits School in Uttarakhand Promoting Education and Human Rights first appeared on ihrc.news.

The Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 was a groundbreaking document that gave a new dimension to the protection of children’s rights. It stated that every child, regardless of their origin, race, religion, or social status, is entitled to equal opportunities and adequate care. Key provisions included the right to education, health protection, love, and care, as well as protection against exploitation and violence. Although the Declaration was not legally binding, it laid the groundwork for future legislative and policy measures.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 marked a significant milestone in the international system of child protection. This document not only expanded the provisions of the Declaration but also gave them legal force, obligating signatory states to implement and uphold them. The Convention established four core pillars for the protection of children’s rights: the right to survival, the right to development, the right to protection, and the right to participation. These principles were designed to ensure that children are recognised as full-fledged citizens with their own rights and needs requiring special protection.

While the adoption of these documents was a milestone, contemporary challenges still demand intensive efforts. According to UNICEF, approximately 385 million children globally live in extreme poverty, and 160 million are forced into labour, in direct violation of the Convention’s principles. These figures serve as a stark reminder of how much remains to be done to fully realise the goals envisioned by the authors of these historic documents.

The International Human Rights Commission – IHRC has long been engaged in efforts to protect children around the world. The organisation not only monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in various countries but also supports humanitarian projects that provide children with access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for comprehensive development. The IHRC also conducts informational and educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness of children’s rights and encouraging local communities to take active steps to safeguard them.

20 November, observed as Universal Children’s Day, is an occasion not only to reflect on past achievements but also to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility for the future of children. It is a day that mobilises the international community, governments, and non-governmental organisations to redouble their efforts to make the world a more child-friendly place. As an organisation committed to promoting and protecting human rights, the IHRC calls for increased cooperation and the initiation of efforts that will help build a world where every child can enjoy their full rights and opportunities.

In the face of contemporary challenges, it is imperative that the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child do not remain mere historical records but become a lived reality. Recalling these documents is not only a tribute to the work of generations who fought for children’s rights but also a commitment to continuing their mission. Only through collective efforts can we create a world where every child can grow up in dignity, free from violence, poverty, and discrimination.

Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post 20 November: A Symbol of the Global Fight for Children’s Rights first appeared on ihrc.news.