✨ A celebration of identity, dignity, and joyful self-expression.
“Soy Yo” by the Colombian band Bomba Estéreo is an uplifting reminder of the power of being unapologetically yourself. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the video speaks its own universal language: a young Afro-Latina girl walking through her day with humour, confidence, and a disarming sense of ease. She encounters moments of judgement and teasing, yet responds with playful resilience and an unwavering belief in her own worth.

This spirit captures something essential to human rights. The song and its video highlight the importance of identity, dignity, and freedom of expression—rights that are especially significant for children and young people. Around the world, many children face pressure to conform, hide aspects of who they are, or shrink themselves to avoid ridicule. Soy Yo offers the opposite narrative: a celebration of individuality and the affirmation that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and free to express who they are.

In the joyful steps and confident gaze of its young protagonist, the video becomes a small but powerful reminder of what human rights look like in everyday life: confidence without fear, presence without apology, and identity without compromise. It is a vibrant illustration of why defending these rights—especially for the youngest among us—remains vital.

🎥 What the Video Tells Us
The video follows a young Afro-Latina girl navigating everyday situations—a barbershop, the street, schoolchildren—meeting moments of teasing or judgment with a mix of humor, resilience, and unshakeable self-worth.
She dances, confronts stereotypes, and reminds us that being yourself is not only valid—it’s powerful.
This visual narrative echoes the experience of millions of young people around the world who face social pressure, bullying, discrimination, or rigid expectations about how they should look and behave. Soy Yo turns that pressure on its head.

🌱 Why It Matters for Human Rights
Soy Yo is a reminder that empowering children and young people begins with affirming who they are. Whether in classrooms, communities, or public spaces, young people deserve environments that nurture confidence, creativity, and self-belief. This song invites all of us to stand behind that mission.

The message of Soy Yo resonates deeply with several key human rights principles:

1. The Right to Identity
Every child has the right to express their identity, culture, and personality without fear or shame.

2. The Right to Dignity & Self-Worth
Human rights are grounded in the inherent dignity of every person. This song celebrates that dignity in action.

3. Empowerment Against Discrimination
Youth—especially girls and racialized children—often face discrimination and stereotypes. Soy Yo offers a counter-image: confident, joyful, powerful.

4. Freedom of Expression
Dance, appearance, style, attitude—these are expressions of self.
A world that protects human rights is a world where young people can grow, explore, and express themselves freely.