By Trent Martin
November 5, 2025 — The three-week Human Rights Workshop (October 6–24, 2025) successfully concluded under the joint facilitation of 21Wilberforce and the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University (DBU).
The workshop brought together students from three Christian universities across the globe—Dallas Baptist University (USA), North East Christian University (India), and Bowen University (Nigeria)—forming a cross-cultural learning community centered on faith, human rights, and justice.
Exploring the Foundations of Human Rights
During Week 1, participants examined the philosophical, ethical, and legal foundations of human rights, tracing their historical development and the influence of Christian thought on the global human rights movement. Discussions were lively and thought-provoking, as students explored questions of universality versus context and the interplay between local traditions and international human rights norms.
From Theory to Action
In Week 2, students applied their learning through hands-on research and collaborative strategy development. Working within their institutional teams, participants identified and investigated human rights challenges in their own contexts. They examined the legal frameworks at local, national, and international levels and designed practical engagement plans to promote change.
Through these projects, participants demonstrated their ability to:
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Identify and define a human rights issue in their community.
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Develop a vision and goal for transformative change.
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Research relevant human rights frameworks.
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Design actionable strategies for advocacy and accountability.
Presenting Hope and Advocacy
Week 3 culminated in dynamic presentations where teams shared their Human Rights Engagement Plans with peers and facilitators. The feedback sessions encouraged reflection on how advocacy and informed reporting can shape policy, mobilize communities, and inspire reform.
The workshop underscored the importance of informed research, faith-driven advocacy, and cross-cultural collaboration. Many participants expressed a renewed commitment to championing justice within their communities.
Participant Reflections
“I learned that highlighting a human rights issue isn’t enough—curating strategies, goals, and objectives to solve it is critical.”
“Effective human rights advocacy isn’t just about exposing injustice; it’s about communicating truth in a way that inspires accountability and reform.”
“I once thought discussing human rights was useless in my context because we never get justice. But now I realize that advocacy and engaging young minds can make a difference.”
“It was eye-opening to hear my classmates share their struggles and their passion for change.”
“Thank you DBU and 21Wilberforce for giving hope to the hopeless and providing ways for the voice of the voiceless to be heard.”
This collaborative learning experience not only deepened students’ understanding of human rights through a Christian lens but also equipped them with the tools and faith-based conviction to become advocates for justice in their societies.
Photo by ahref, stockcake.com