The United for Human Rights US Conference 2026 convened 150 delegates in Washington, DC, for a two-day event focused on practical solutions and cross-sector collaboration to advance human dignity. The conference, held in strategic partnership between Youth for Human Rights International and the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), gathered professionals from the fields of human rights education, human trafficking prevention, veterans' advocacy, and community protection. Attendees included veterans, attorneys, nonprofit executives, community leaders, and advocates from across the United States, along with a select number of international delegates.
The opening session took place inside the United States Congress, placing the dialogue within the institution where national policy is shaped. The program featured three focused panels addressing human rights leadership on the global stage, human trafficking prevention strategy, and veterans' rights protections. Notable speakers included Porscha Lee Taylor, former Miss Africa USA and US Delegate at the UN Human Rights Summit hosted annually by Youth for Human Rights; Hollie Nadel, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at 3Strands Global Foundation; Joy Craig, Associate Director of National Legislative Service for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and Blanquita Cullum, co-founder of Voices Against Trafficking. Their contributions reflected the depth of experience present throughout the conference.
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Founder and President of Youth for Human Rights International, told the conference, "Human rights education builds bridges to peace. Don't just believe in peace - build it!" On the second day, participants engaged in a Human Rights Advocacy & Public Engagement Training led by Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of USIDHR and a DC Human Rights Commissioner, emphasizing legislative literacy, strategic community mobilization, and responsible civic engagement. Anna Sineva, Director of Government Relations of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, presented on successful Congressional engagement. The conference concluded with a coordinated Human Rights Walk to the White House, symbolizing peaceful civic participation.
The 2026 conference also marked a significant milestone for Youth for Human Rights International as Washington served as the first stop of Dr. Shuttleworth's annual World Educational Tour. Since 2004, her world tour has traveled more than 650,000 miles and introduced human rights education initiatives to more than 1,200 government officials and leaders worldwide. Launching this year's tour from the nation's capital reinforced the link between education, engagement, and institutional dialogue. Dr. Shuttleworth said, "For 25 years, our mission has centered on education. But education must lead to action. This gathering reflects the strength of experienced professionals coming together to elevate solutions that protect human dignity."
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a nonprofit organization with chapters around the world. Its mission is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance, respect and peace. YHRI teaches human rights education both in the classroom and in nontraditional settings such as international summits, art series, concerts, and other interactive community events. To learn more go to Youth for Human Rights International.
