"My Identity, My Humanity" Training Program for Young Leaders in Saudi Arabia

As part of the Technical Cooperation Project between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Saudi Human Rights Commission (SHRC), a 10-day human rights training program directed to young leaders, “My Identity My Humanity”, was implemented on 26 of April 2020 and continued until 11 of May 2020.

The training program aimed to develop and promote the work of civil society organizations and prepare a qualified team of young leaders to spread the values of human rights, tolerance and coexistence. It was also part of OHCHR’s efforts to engage civil society organizations with the United Nations human rights system and enhance the civic space for civil society organizations to both operate and adopt human rights values and be ready to engage effectively in the upcoming Y-20.

"My Identity My Humanity" training program was delivered virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and saw the attendance of 33 young men and women between the ages of 20 and 30, from civil society organizations and various national sectors. It was inaugurated by the President of the Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Resident Coordinator with both stressing the importance of strengthening the capabilities of young leaders to contribute and support in the realization and promotion of peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. 

The program reviewed the concepts and core principles of human rights and the international human rights system, and introduced treaty-based bodies, charter-based bodies and the sustainable development goals and their link to human rights. The training program also reviewed the importance of acts of solidarity, tolerance and peace in helping other countries with weak infrastructure in the medical field to combat the effects of COVID-19, and enhance the protection of human rights, specifically within the economic, social and cultural rights.

The first phase of "My Identity My Humanity" training program was concluded through introducing youth to diverse humanitarian programs and the different ways to support and develop initiatives further, to help them gain a better understanding of how to contribute in promoting and protecting human rights in Saudi Arabia.