Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 3rd Edition

The EAVA "Universal Human Rights Arts Festival" is an active force for human rights advancement in Uganda. Recognizing the country's ongoing human rights challenges, the festival mobilizes art as a powerful tool for activism.

Its core actions and impact on activism are:

• Broadening Human Rights Reach: The festival uses diverse art forms (visual art, music, dance, poetry) to make complex human rights issues accessible and relatable to all Ugandans, regardless of background. This actively sparks dialogue and fosters empathy where traditional methods might fail.
• Championing Universal Rights: By explicitly highlighting the "Universal Human Rights" in its name, the festival actively challenges selective empathy and promotes the understanding that rights are inherent to all individuals. This is a direct call to action against discrimination and hypocrisy.
• Amplifying Silenced Voices: EAVA provides a vital platform for marginalized communities to share their stories of injustice and resilience through art. This acts to humanize abuses, making them visible and undeniable, and builds a cultural archive of resistance.
• Empowering Artists as Activists: The festival actively cultivates an "art for activism" culture, demonstrating art's power for social change. It empowers artists to use their talents as advocacy tools, supporting them financially to ensure their continued activism.
• Forging Collaborative Action: By bringing together artists, activists, and CSOs, the festival fosters cross-sectoral collaboration. This strengthens networks and drives more coordinated and impactful advocacy efforts for human rights across Uganda.

In essence, the festival acts as a catalyst for change, translating human rights principles into tangible action and mobilizing creative forces for a more just Uganda.

The 3rd edition of the Human Rights Are Universal Arts Festival continues to be a powerful platform for human rights advocacy in Uganda. Through a combination of artistic expression and direct engagement, the festival addresses pressing human rights challenges and creates spaces for dialogue and action.

Key activities and approaches:

• Panel discussions that engage with activists, community leaders and people confronting human rights challenges
• Live debates with artists and creatives addressing urgent topics like discrimination, climate change, and democracy
• Networking opportunities connecting organizations and individuals making a real difference
• Social justice exhibits exploring powerful storytelling through art, film, and community organizing

The festival encourages participants to get involved, take action, and stand in solidarity with those making real differences. It creates a space that allows freedom to be oneself, bringing together activists, artists, government representatives, journalists, and everyday people to enjoy art and envision a world that respects and defends human rights for all.

The 3rd edition of the Human Rights Are Universal Festival brought together over 5,000 participants from 15 countries. The festival featured:

• 28 visual artists presenting works focused on restoration and healing
• 12 film screenings documenting community rebuilding efforts
• 9 panel discussions with leading activists, scholars, and artists
• 15 performances exploring themes of reconciliation

The festival created lasting partnerships with community organizations and inspired numerous follow-up projects focused on restorative justice and healing.