Four young Bermudian community leaders have completed an educational visit to Geneva, organised by the Human Rights Education Network, bringing fresh ideas, international connections and practical approaches to their work.

Zarah Siddiqi, Zayne Sinclair, Gabriel Smith and Christopher Jackson participated in the programme last week. They were accompanied by Francoise Palau-Wolffe, HuRen founder and executive director.

Selected by local organisations, the four young leaders form HuRen's first youth cohort.

Their journey began with HuRen's Human Rights for Changemakers course in October last year.

The Geneva programme connected participants with international institutions, humanitarian organisations and grass roots advocates in Geneva and nearby Annecy, France.

It included meetings with representatives from Interpeace, the World Meteorological Organisation, the Sphere Humanitarian Summit and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A workshop with communication expert Susan Laverick helped participants gain confidence in their advocacy skills and develop strategies to maximise their impacts.

Visits to the only Red Cross refugee day centre in Switzerland and to a local chapter Of the Ligue des Droits de l'homme offered further opportunities to reflect on the practical protection of rights and human dignity at a grass roots level.

Interpeace's work on youth movements in South Asia offered a particularly meaningful connection for Ms Siddiqi.

With a particular interest in conflict resolution, Mr Smith explored how organisations build trust and encourage participation.

Mr Sinclair concentrated on organisational sustainability and measuring impact

For Mr Jackson, advice from Interpeace reinforced the importance of young people communicating their values clearly and engaging confidently with policymakers.

Claudia Seymour, HuRen board member and curator of the Geneva programme, said: “At a time when respect for universal human rights is increasingly under threat, meaningful action continues around the world.

“The connections between young Bermudians with global policymakers in Geneva offers powerful evidence that local action and global commitment go together.

“Today's youth are already helping to build a future rooted in dignity, justice and hope.”