Youth for Human Rights Summit
By Michael Butzine
First of all, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the United Nations Youth for Human Rights Summit (UFHR) 2017, August 24th-26th, NYC! It was truly an honor to represent Arizona and the Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC). Hearing what others are doing around the world made me realize we are all on track going in the direction of advocating for humans rights for all individuals circling the globe.
I was welcomed with open arms by Sonia Gobbini (United Nations Program Director) outside the United Nations, followed by Mary Shuttleworth (President of UFHR) inside, inviting my human rights Phoenix counterpart Colby Jeffers and myself on numerous "after party" gatherings.
Colby was a guest presenter with his rap message. Both of us have worked together with youth in the Phoenix inner city through CAC’s programming concerning human rights and finding one’s voice through Civil Dialogue and be involved in one’s community.
What I learned through numerous observations of speakers was presentation is The All! If you have something to say, present it with excitement, enthusiasm! Connecting with one’s audience parallels connecting and interacting with one’s community. For example, but not limited to, Gladys Kyontungitre along with Carlyle Holder (USA), National Assoc. of Blacks in Criminal Justice, both captured my attention with their personal stories.
It was their narratives which have influenced them to initiate the changes they are making in their countries. This was made very clear. These two were always present with full attention as others revealed their stories.
I also made numerous connections with people from around the world! Demme Durrett and I will be working together to gather muralists all working with human rights concepts: 30 artists for the 30 human rights to be presented at Dec 2018’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebration. I love having been given this opportunity to really test my social skills along with pushing my worldly boundaries to connect with others who honor and respect all humanity. This project will continue through my work with the Cultural Arts Coalition interfacing with the vulnerable communities of youth in Phoenix to the global society.
Concluding this overview I would like to acknowledge the powerful presentation by Rosi Orozco, President of the Commission United vs. Sex Trafficking from Mexico. Rosi is an unstoppable advocate of the fight against human trafficking in Mexico for more than 10 years. Rosi states she has had the privilege of working with more than 100 survivors of human trafficking who keep her motivated to working and fighting to have a Mexico free from human trafficking....I honored their story by presenting Rosi and 3 of the young ladies with the peace origami crane of power and transformation.
Shout out about events in Arizona...
The Arizona’s Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) together with the Arizona Human Trafficking Council is pleased to announce the release of the Arizona Guidelines for Developing a Regional Response to Youth Sex Trafficking. The Guidelines are a statewide model that serves as a roadmap of best practices for providing a coordinated response to victims of youth sex trafficking.
Last year at our local high school the Cultural Arts Coalition coordinated a Human Rights event for over 2,200 students on the campus. One student group researched and created a poster concerning Arizona’s sex trafficking story through a Public Service Announcement for the student body.
Human Trafficking and other United Nations Human Rights posters focusing on profound social challenges brought awareness and resources to this school's students. All the resources for this research were provided by Michelle, our Phoenix YFHR representative.
An additional RACISM poster at Camelback H.S. researched and handouts created by AVID students.
Back in New York...
When we were all gathered at Times Square after our last YFHR’s meal, this was the most fun I had during the Summit event. We ventured into the heart of the city, spoke/met with many NYC residents.
I look forward to being part of this summit for 2018 and contributing positivity with all. -Mikey B