A Foundation Built on
Conviction & Compassion
Snezana McKinnon
OWNER & FOUNDER
Turning Expertise Into Action for Human Dignity
Snezana McKinnon founded Humane Touch out of a deep, personal conviction that human rights are not abstract principles — they are lived realities that demand active, informed, and compassionate advocacy. Her journey into human rights work was shaped by years of witnessing the gap between international standards and the daily experiences of vulnerable communities.
As a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Snezana brings rigorous professional training to every aspect of the foundation's work. Her expertise spans international human rights law, policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and community engagement — enabling Humane Touch to operate with both credibility and impact.
Her certification as a Consultant in Rights of the Child in Humanitarian Situations reflects a specialized commitment to the world's most vulnerable: children caught in conflict, displacement, and crisis. This expertise informs the foundation's child-focused programs, ensuring they meet the highest international standards for child protection and dignity.
Recognizing the transformative power of digital communication, Snezana also holds certification as a Social Media Content Creator Consultant through USIDHR. This credential empowers Humane Touch to amplify human rights voices across global platforms — turning awareness into advocacy and advocacy into action.
"Every person, regardless of where they were born or what they have endured, carries inherent dignity. Our work is simply to protect and honour that truth."
A Cherished Memory
Snezana McKinnon with Desanka Maksimović
Recognised for Writing by a
Serbian Literary Legend
Long before Snezana McKinnon became a certified human rights advocate, her voice was already being recognised. As a young girl, she received a writing award personally presented by Desanka Maksimović — one of Serbia's most celebrated poets and writers, beloved across generations for her lyrical verse and profound humanism.
Desanka Maksimović's poetry was defined by themes of justice, compassion, and the dignity of ordinary people — values that would go on to shape Snezana's own life's work. To be recognised by such a figure at a young age was not merely an honour; it was a formative moment that affirmed the power of words to move, to heal, and to advocate for what is right.
That early recognition planted a seed — a belief that storytelling and advocacy are inseparable. It is a belief that runs through everything Humane Touch does today, from digital advocacy campaigns to human rights consultations.
"I ask for mercy for all those who have loved, who have suffered, who have been wronged."
Certified Expertise & Recognised Leadership
USIDHR Certifications
USIDHR
Certified Human Rights Consultant
Comprehensive certification covering international human rights law, treaty bodies, advocacy frameworks, and policy engagement at national and international levels.
USIDHR
Certified Consultant — Rights of the Child in Humanitarian Situations
Specialized certification focused on child protection frameworks, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and rights-based responses in conflict and displacement contexts.
USIDHR
Certified Social Media Content Creator Consultant
Professional certification in digital advocacy, human rights communications, and social media strategy for NGOs and international organizations.
USIDHR
USIDHR Alumni Ambassador
Recognised as a USIDHR Alumni Ambassador in acknowledgement of outstanding commitment to advancing human rights education and advocacy beyond certification.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Recognitions
Action Lab for Development & UNV
Certificate — Action Lab for Development and UNV
Issued by Action Lab for Development in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, recognizing contributions to development and volunteer-driven humanitarian initiatives.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
UNV Certificate of Recognition — April 2025
Certificate of recognition from the United Nations Volunteers programme acknowledging dedicated service and contribution to UN-led humanitarian and development efforts.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
UNV Certificate of Recognition — December 2024
Certificate of recognition from the United Nations Volunteers programme honouring dedicated contributions to UN-led humanitarian and development initiatives in December 2024.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
UNV Certificate of Recognition — November 2024 (II)
Second certificate of recognition from the United Nations Volunteers programme for November 2024, acknowledging continued outstanding commitment to advancing human rights and humanitarian causes globally.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
UNV Certificate of Recognition — November 2024 (I)
Certificate of recognition from the United Nations Volunteers programme honouring sustained commitment to advancing human rights and humanitarian causes on a global scale.
Government & Legislative Recognition
Senate of Pennsylvania
Senate Resolution — Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month
Awarded by Senator Larry Farnese and the Senate of Pennsylvania in recognition of Snezana McKinnon's exceptional advocacy work for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness through Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Global.
Senate of Pennsylvania
Senate Resolution — EDS Advocacy (Certificate)
Companion certificate from the Pennsylvania Senate honouring Snezana McKinnon's sustained dedication to raising awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and supporting the EDS community globally.
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka
Emotions Management: Stress Topic
Certificate of completion for the Emotions Management programme focusing on stress awareness, coping strategies, and emotional resilience — supporting holistic well-being for women.
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka
Safe Independent Choices Program — Session 1
Certificate of completion for Session 1 of the Safe Independent Choices programme, focused on empowering women to make informed, safe, and independent decisions in their lives.
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka
Healthy Relationships Programming
Certificate of completion for the Healthy Relationships programme, covering communication, boundaries, and building respectful, equitable relationships.
Professional Development
Coursera
Business Analysis & Business Process Management
Professional certification in business analysis methodologies and business process management, equipping the foundation with structured approaches to planning and operational excellence.
Coursera
WordPress Certificate
Certification in WordPress website development and content management, supporting the foundation's digital presence and online communications strategy.
University of Edinburgh (Coursera)
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
Certificate of completion for the Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury course, covering the causes, effects, and rehabilitation pathways for TBI — supporting advocacy for neurological health and disability rights.
Trinity College Dublin (FutureLearn)
Motor Neurone Disease MOOC 2025
Certificate of completion for the Motor Neurone Disease MOOC, providing in-depth knowledge of MND/ALS — its progression, care needs, and the importance of advocacy for those living with the disease.
University of Melbourne (Coursera)
Parkinson's Disease MOOC 2025
Certificate of completion for the Parkinson's Disease MOOC, covering the science, lived experience, and care frameworks for Parkinson's — strengthening advocacy for those affected by neurological conditions.
University of Tasmania (edX)
Understanding Dementia
Certificate of completion for the Understanding Dementia course, providing comprehensive knowledge of dementia types, progression, and person-centred care — supporting advocacy for the rights and dignity of those living with dementia.
What Drives Humane Touch
Our Mission
To advance the protection and promotion of human rights globally through certified expertise, compassionate advocacy, and strategic communication.
Our Vision
A world where every person's inherent dignity is recognized, protected, and celebrated — regardless of nationality, circumstance, or background.
Our Values
Dignity. Accountability. Compassion. Expertise. Inclusion. We hold these values as the foundation of every program, partnership, and publication we produce.
Ready to Stand for Human Dignity?
Explore our programs, partner with the foundation, or make a contribution that directly advances human rights worldwide.