ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 27 May, the UNRCCA convened a session of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) on the theme “Universality of Human Rights.” The interactive session, held virtually, gathered 45 young participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan and featured Mr. Armands Pupols, Human Rights and Political Affairs Officer at UNRCCA.

The initiative aimed to deepen the youth’s understanding of international human rights standards and their relevance to conflict prevention. Through this session, UNRCCA continued to support development of critical thinking among young people in promoting and defending human rights as the fundamental basis for peace and prosperity.

The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution and structure of the international human rights system—from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 to the establishment of treaty bodies and enforcement mechanisms. Participants explored how the principles of universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of rights are foundational to global peace and resilience and how these principles are affected by political tensions and military conflicts.

As Mr. Armands Pupols said, “Human rights are not an abstract concept. They are the everyday tools of justice, peace, and inclusion. By empowering youth to understand and champion these rights, we invest in a more peaceful, equitable, and resilient region.”