Rondine and its international fellows continue to promote the campaign and its message through a series of op-ed articles reflecting on peace education and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 goals: “Leaders for Peace Voices.”
This is the third installment of the series, featuring the contribution of Karen Lee Pacheco Morelo, a young Colombian activist and internationalist. In her article, Karen reflects on the role of youth as a driving force for change and on the need to live human rights as the foundation for building lasting peace.
On this day, 76 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. This document marked a turning point by recognizing the inalienable rights of every person, regardless of ethnicity, religion, language, gender, political opinion, nationality, economic status, or any other condition.
However, more than seven decades later, the world continues to face armed conflicts that challenge the full realization of these rights. We still witness wars and conflicts justified by the very conditions we agreed should not divide us: race, religion, language, or gender.
It is true that the international community faces complex realities and numerous challenges, often influenced by over-bureaucratic multilateral and state structures. In this context, achieving the full enjoyment of human rights worldwide may seem utopian. However, from a social perspective, there are still reasons to hope.
Since I began my journey as an activist, I have had the privilege of working with my community—the Afro-descendant community in Colombia—documenting our struggles and dreams. This experience has reaffirmed my belief in the power of youth to resist and lead change. I deeply believe in the courage of young people to fight for conditions they have never known or experienced, yet perceive as just and necessary. These two words—just and necessary—are pivotal to driving real change in society.
In the framework of youth activism and the international stage, it is crucial to recognize young people as key actors in conflict resolution and as architects of the future they aspire to build: for themselves, by themselves, and for generations to come. This idea was strongly reinforced on September 29, 2023, the day I arrived at Rondine Citadella della Pace. From that afternoon, I experienced more than 258 days during which I was continuously amazed by the bravery of my peers. Young people from many parts of the world who, like me, believed in the well-being of our communities and peace in our territories. The Leaders for Peace campaign reflects this spirit. It is not just about training leaders; it is about building a global network of young people who reject narratives of hate and work towards a future of respect and equity.
As a peacebuilder, I have observed that, over time, human rights have often been understood as mere words written on paper rather than what they truly represent: a promise of dignity. We often fall into the misconception that change can only happen through government institutions. However, this fight is also deeply personal. If there is one thing I have learned as an activist, it is that change begins with us: raising our voices, challenging narratives, and leading through concrete actions. Human rights cannot wait, and neither should we.
Today, as we celebrate Human Rights Day, the message is clear: peace is possible, but it requires a collective change led by youth. The Leaders for Peace campaign reminds us that we are not alone in this effort. It envisions a world where all young people have the tools to transform conflicts. It is not just about talking about human rights; it is about living them, defending them, and making them the cornerstone of our societies.
Karen Lee Pacheco Morelo
