CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

“People were coming out of the bush and they had shelter from the sun, wind and howling dust storms. And they had food. We had food. It was a small success but we had done it. And so I learned my first lesson in the power of determination: push, request, demand, and fight until you get what you want and what the people need. And never give up.”
Lisa French Blaker “Heart of Darfur: Hope and humanity in the world’s worst war zone”

In the year that we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), it seems hard to ignore the truisms in these observations. The path to realising the promise of the UDHR is neither an easy nor easily navigable journey. But it is ultimately a rewarding one.

It is ironic that the 60th anniversary is also the year in which the Olympic games (an event that celebrates the strength of the human spirit) are held in China; a country which is widely condemned for its human rights abuses. 2008 provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the 60 years since the signing and consider what progress the world has made towards realising those ideals. It is appropriate that we ask whether New Zealand as a society continues to uphold human rights or understand what human rights mean when the right to compete comes before the right to live in freedom.

In partnership with the Goethe-Institut we are proud to bring you All Human Beings Are Born Free and Equal. An exhibition of short films, from young filmmakers who entered the Goethe competition to succinctly represent what Human Rights meant to them in the 21st Century. Over 292 entries were received and 26 films were selected for inclusion in the exhibition.

In many ways this film programme emphasises the point that human rights are universal and enduring. The concerns of today are no different to those of 60 years ago or those in 20 years time. The nature or essence of those rights will remain the inherent dignity and worth of the person. Concerns over the environment, globalisation, accountability of political leaders, privatisation of utilities and privacy dominate for now. However, the right to freedom of expression, the right not to be discriminated against, the right to life and the right to safe working conditions have just as much cogency today as they did in 1948. Despite all the advances that society has made in the past 60 years it is evident that realisation of basic human rights is an ongoing commitment. Society must be vigilant to ensure that all members of the community are free to realise their rights - not just those that the media or politicians deem worthy recipients.

This year our programme pays homage to those communities who stand up to be counted and work for what they believe in. Now We Are Fearless and Now the People Have Awoken provide a message of hope and inspiration as they show how communities who band together can affect change for the better. This does not mean that the journey is necessarily a smooth one. Afghan Chronicles is a powerful story of how society can change for the better, despite the ongoing conflict. But at the same time, there is a stark reminder that those successes can be seen as a threat to cultural traditions.

The Global community is celebrated too as the power of cooperation, be it through the help of an individual aid as seen in Children of a Nation and A Walk to Beautiful, or institutional aid as seen in The Dictator Hunter, effects change for the better.

Although the festival this year is a celebration of human rights, we cannot/should not shy away from presenting films that show we still have a long way to go or it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Western Sahara, Africa’s Last Colony, for example gives voice to Sahrawis who have spent much of their lives fighting for an independent homeland. They have formed their own democratic Government in the refugee camps but for over 30 years have been denied the right to self rule in their own country. The speakers panels after each film, however, are there to help make sense of what has been shown and provide insightful discussion of the issues.

In coming to see these films we hope that you share in the dream that began with a meeting in Paris 60 years ago - a dream that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. A dream that will become a reality and people need never give up.

Boris van Beusekom and Carolyn Brown

People's Choice Award

Have Your Say! We are very pleased to introduce our first ever People’s Choice Award People’s Choice Award.

The Human Rights Network

A meeting place for New Zealanders with an interest and commitment to human rights.

Special Presentation

All Human Beings Are Born Free And Equal - Prize Winning Short Films On Tour In New Zealand.