Artists in the Cause of Human Rights

OVERVIEW:

The quest for freedom and self-realization of individuals and groups often discovers itself through the genius of artists and their creative productions that affirm our common humanity. In the various struggles for human rights that have taken place in history, no single group of people has done more to dramatize and give expression to the essence and spirit of freedom and to sustain those in the throes of struggles, than artists. In the course of their productions, in the various media, artists have not only enriched cultures but also importantly contributed much to the fostering of human understanding and solidarity across barriers of race, gender, nationality, religion, various phobias, etc.
The goal of the fourth international human rights conference organized by the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Human Rights and scheduled for 21st October 2003, is to reflect on the role that artists have played in mobilizing people from all walks of life for the cause of freedom, self realization and dignity. Participants will reflect on the role they have played for the common good of society and suggest artistic ways of translating the ideals of human rights into reality, in order to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
A cast of distinguished artists have been invited from various parts of the world to the conference. The key note speaker/performer is the internationally renowned jazz musician, Hugh Masekela, who from the 1960s to 1980s traveled extensively all over the world to entertain and mobilize people against the evil of institutionalized racism in South Africa known as apartheid. Other invited participants include: the Nobel Laureate for Literature, Nadine Gordimer (South Africa), Isabel Allende (USA & Chile), the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (USA), Assia Djebar (USA & Algeria), and Conny Braam (Holland).`
In line with the inclusive approach that combines both theory and practice, the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Human Rights has asked participants to prepare their contribution to appeal to both mind and hearts. In addition to the actual conference, there will be demonstration lectures, a master class and concert. The conference builds on a tradition established by past conferences, to offer an educational forum to nourish both our spirit and intellect and foster the cause of human rights and solidarity across the globe.