New Human Rights Course Aims to Empower Bermuda's Youth

Run through the recently launched Human Rights Education Network (HuRen) in Bermuda, the course will offer young Bermudians critical training in global human rights principles.

The course, open to anyone aged 18 and above, is designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to understand and defend human rights, both locally and globally.

Supported by local organisations such as the Human Rights Commission and the Gender Affairs Council, the initiative aims to build a national culture of rights awareness starting with youth.

Created by former Amnesty International Bermuda Chairperson Françoise Palau-Wolffe and a diverse team of local and international human rights experts, HuRen focuses on bridging the gap between global human rights frameworks and Bermuda’s national protections through education.

“Our objective is simple: empower young people to understand and advocate for their rights and the rights of others,” said Ms Palau-Wolffe, who now serves as HuRen’s Executive Director.

“We want to ensure that Bermuda’s youth are part of the global conversation and prepared to lead with values rooted in equality, dignity, and justice.”

The course, which takes 12 hours over four sessions, is a component of an applied research project on human rights in Bermuda which is being co-ordinated by HuRen.

Altogether, the course is open to 20 people – members of the public and young professionals – and an open house is to be held on September 15 at Bermuda College to explain more details. Funding is available from the College’s financial aid office.

Local businesses focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are also encouraged to sponsor employees to attend.

What sets this programme apart, added Ms Palau-Wolffe, is its accessibility and the calibre of instruction which includes local guest speakers.

“The course will be led by facilitators with more than 25 years of experience in international human rights work, including former UN advisors and members of Amnesty International.

“Human rights frameworks are increasingly under pressure globally,” added Ms Palau-Wolffe. “This is our chance to reaffirm their value locally and to equip the next generation to carry this work forward,” she said.

The course, which starts on October 6, is being run by the College’s Athora Division of Professional and Career Education and its director, Tawana Flood, said it was an important addition to the APACE division’s core offerings.

“I am absolutely delighted that HuRen has partnered with us to offer this exciting and very important course. I hope that people, especially, young Bermudians take advantage of what is on offer,” she added.

Those interested can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.HuRenBermuda.com