600+ Young Leaders Trained | 30+ Countries Represented | 7 Editions of IHRC
When participants join the International Human Rights Certificate (IHRC) for Young Leaders, they arrive with different experiences, perspectives, and challenges. Some come from countries facing conflict and political instability, while others come from communities struggling with discrimination, corruption, restrictions on freedoms, or unequal access to opportunities. What brings them together is a shared belief that human dignity and human rights matter.
Since its launch, the World Anti-Extremism Network (WAEN) has equipped more than 600 young leaders from over 30 countries through the IHRC program. Over four weeks, participants do far more than learn about human rights principles. They research rights protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, analyze the work of human rights defenders, discuss issues affecting their own countries, and exchange perspectives with peers from around the world. In doing so, they begin to see human rights not as an abstract concept, but as something that directly shapes people’s lives and communities.
A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on practical advocacy. Rather than focusing solely on theory, participants are challenged to think through real-world scenarios and difficult questions: How would they respond if a school in their community lacked basic facilities? How would they advocate against child marriage? What strategies could be used to address corruption, improve access to healthcare, or respond to a human rights violation they witnessed firsthand? Through discussions, role-play exercises, article writing, and advocacy activities, they learn that effective advocacy is not simply about speaking out, it is about listening, planning, building alliances, and finding constructive paths toward change. Participants are also encouraged to develop initiative ideas for their communities and prepare elevator pitches that communicate their vision for change. By the end of the program, many leave not only with a stronger understanding of human rights, but also with greater confidence in their ability to lead, advocate, and contribute to positive change in their communities. Several participants have gone on to apply these skills in their own contexts, exploring advocacy projects, awareness-raising efforts, and other initiatives inspired by the challenges and opportunities they identified during the program.
The voices of guest speakers have further strengthened this journey. During the 4th Edition, Li Schoolland, WAEN Chair reminded participants that the defense of human rights begins with the defense of human dignity. She encouraged them to keep improving themselves, remain hopeful in difficult times, and build connections with others who share their commitment to freedom and justice. More recently, during the 6th Edition of the program, Nedal AlSalman, Director of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) and WAEN Global Ambassador, encouraged participants to take action in their communities, reminding them that, “Sometimes you think your contribution is very small, but it’s never small. You can do something with one article, with one speech, with one campaign, one conversation. But always think that everything started with an individual and it grew. So do not wait until you feel powerful. Begin where you are now.”
Alumni Testimonials:
Breanna Baghaee, Canada – I have had an incredibly educational time with WAEN over the last month. I am super grateful for and inspired by Mr.Ramizy’s dedication to ameliorating conditions around the world for those living under extreme and authoritarian conditions and regimes. I am excited to apply the knowledge learnt here to my future career in human rights and hopefully make a change and inspire others as this course has inspired me. Thank you for this opportunity, I am honored to have been a part of this network and look forward to seeing what we can do together in the future.
Jean Deogratias HABIMANA, Rwanda – Participating in this program strengthened my understanding of human rights advocacy, inclusive leadership, and the importance of practical action. I am inspired to launch the ‘Human Rights Face Initiative’ in Rwanda to promote the rights and future employability of children with intellectual disabilities through awareness, collaboration, and community-based solutions.
Uzma Kamal, Pakistan– I am grateful to WEAN and the organisers, and especially the speakers, for providing this great opportunity to learn about human rights. WEAN provided a platform for us, especially for the people of the most neglected part of the world. The knowledge I learnt in attending these wonderful sessions will be helpful to me in future. I am living in Pakistan, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where most of the women are deprived of their basic rights. The knowledge I learnt about human rights will help me raise awareness among women in this part of the world about their rights. Once again, thank you, everyone and the whole organising team of this wonderful certification course on human rights.
Kavita Bharti Jha, India – Thank you for this enriching program. It strengthened my understanding of human rights, advocacy, and inclusive leadership. As a parent of an autistic child, I will use this knowledge to advocate for the rights and inclusion of children with disabilities in my community.
Ekaale Epakan, Kenya – From the very beginning, I felt part of a vibrant international classroom. Interacting with participants from different countries broadened my perspective. I was fascinated by the number of university students participating, which reassured me that the future is in capable hands. I particularly enjoyed the open-ended assignments, which encouraged critical analysis of human rights, their foundations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), current threats to these rights, and their effects on society.
For WAEN, the true success of IHRC is not measured only by the number of certificates awarded. It is reflected in the young leaders who leave the program with new ideas, new friendships, greater confidence, and a stronger commitment to defending human dignity in their communities. Every article written, every conversation started, every initiative launched, and every act of advocacy undertaken by a participant contributes to a growing global movement of young people determined to make a difference.
We are deeply grateful to our donors such as Atlas Network and other supporters whose investment has made this journey possible. Their support has enabled hundreds of young leaders from around the world to access human rights education, connect across borders, and strengthen their capacity to become advocates for freedom, dignity, and justice.