Copenhagen, Denmark — Diplomats, politicians, NGO leaders and representatives of local initiatives gathered for an open house on the occasion of Nelson Mandela Day, where the theme was strengthening human rights. In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, the 50 guests represented the diversity that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life.
The program featured presentations from the event’s co-organizers, Youth for Human Rights, EMISCO, Soteria International and the Universal Peace Federation, each of whom spoke about their efforts to promote and protect peace and human rights. All this was accompanied by a delicious three-course summer menu and an uplifting performance by a professional duo with a pianist and a singer. One of the highlights of the evening was a former Danish member of parliament who spoke about his work teaching how we can help each other respect human rights in the workplace, so that everyone makes a conscious choice not to discriminate.
Common to all speakers, from the ambassador to someone who had met Mandela as a schoolboy, was that they were all inspired by Mandela and his persistence and dignity in his focus on peace and acceptance .
Bashy Quraishy, General Secretary of EMISCO, said, among other things:
“I would like to thank the Church of Scientology for your hospitality and for making this beautiful hall available for the event. All my life I have worked with human rights and cooperation between NGOs and my experience is that cooperation and the belief in dignity and equality of all are the most important things. In relation to that, Nelson Mandela and his uncompromising approach to life will always be an inspiration.”
The evening also provided space for meaningful dialogue around the tables, and ideas were created for future cooperation between organizations and individuals who are committed to making human rights a reality in everyday life.
Another of the co-organizers was Soteria International, represented by Jonathan Skjaltholt. He said, among other things:
“Nelson Mandela is a constant reminder of the importance of choosing kindness, of choosing the higher perspective. If we do, we can take decisive steps towards all that we want for this world.”
A special moment during the evening was the presentation of two recognitions to Youth for Human Rights International and Youth for Human Rights Danmark, who this year celebrate 25 and 20 years of work in human rights education, respectively. Bashy Quraisy presented an acknowledgement on behalf of EMISCO, which also mentioned L. Ron Hubbard’s humanitarian vision of making human rights a reality.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Inspired by this message, participants left the event with a renewed determination to continue working together to educate communities, build partnerships, and ensure that human rights become a lived reality for all.
About Youth for Human Rights International
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a global educational initiative dedicated to teaching people of all ages about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through educational materials, public awareness campaigns, community events, and youth outreach. The goal is to inspire individuals to become advocates for tolerance, dignity, and mutual respect by understanding that human rights belong to everyone, everywhere. Today, Youth for Human Rights chapters, groups, and supports educational activities in countries around the world, helping to make human rights a reality through education.
