UH-Hilo student participates in international human rights summit

A University of Hawaii at Hilo senior from Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) recently represented her country as a youth delegate during the 14th annual International Human Rights Summit at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Josefina Pereira, who is majoring in administration of justice and political science, was one of 52 delegates selected for the summit, which teaches youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspires them to become advocates for tolerance and peace.

“It was an honor to represent Timor- Leste and UH-Hilo as a delegate and to learn more about important human rights issues from true human rights champions and activists from around the world,” Pereira said.

Pereira is a recipient of a U.S. Timor-Leste Scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administered by the East-West Center. Her attendance at the summit was sponsored through a merit-based scholarship from Youth for Human Rights International and with financial assistance from the UH-Hilo Office of International Student Services program.

During the summit, keynote speakers, youth delegates and ambassadors and observers from more than 45 countries were invited to share their thoughts and feelings about human rights issues in their home countries.

Pereira addressed children’s rights in her homeland, with a focus on mitigating and eventually ending child abuse.

“This is an issue of great concern to me,” Pereira said. “I appreciate the opportunity the summit provided me to share my thoughts on this topic with an international audience.”

Pereira said she was deeply inspired by the summit and hopes to return.

“I feel I gained a lot from my experience, but have more to learn,” she said.