4 Edition

Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 4th Edition

Upcoming
October 9 - October 12, 2025
Theme

DEFEND

Climate change/environment, discrimination and exclusion, democracy, and freedom of expression.
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Festival Highlights

Explore the key themes and highlights of this festival edition

Background & Overview

The Human Rights Are Universal Festival returns for its 4th edition, focusing on the critical theme of "DEFEND". This year, we examine the intersection of human rights with pressing global challenges: climate change, discrimination, threats to democracy, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Since its inception, the festival has grown into a significant platform for artists, activists, and communities to come together in defense of universal human rights. The 4th edition builds on this foundation, creating spaces for dialogue, artistic expression, and collective action.

Join us as we explore how art can be a powerful tool for defending our shared humanity and rights in an increasingly complex world.

Festival Activities

This year, we will have 35 performers, including visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, and activists from across Africa and beyond. The festival will feature:

  • Art exhibitions focused on environmental justice and human rights
  • Film screenings documenting human rights struggles
  • Panel discussions with leading activists and scholars
  • Performances that highlight stories of resistance and hope
  • Workshops on using art for social change and advocacy

The festival program is designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange and inspiration.

Festival Timeline

Call for Painters

April 15, 2025

Deadline

Official call for painters to apply for the EAAA Artists Residency. Deadline: May 20, 2025.

Official Announcement

April 30, 2025

Official festival poster is published and announcement of festival dates and locations.

Festival in Kampala

October 9, 2025

Main Event

The main festival event in Kampala with exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and panel discussions.

Festival in Jinja

October 18, 2025

Extension

Festival extension in Jinja city, bringing the experience to a new location.

Festival Calendar

October 9, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Panel: Art as Evidence

Panel
Discussion Hall

Exploring how artistic expressions serve as documentation of human rights violations.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Film Screening: "The Invisible Truth"

Screening
Screening Room

Documentary highlighting systemic injustices followed by director Q&A.

Festival Video

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the LGBTI community, COVID19 has brought back the vulnerability of the LGBTI community to the up-close, but the community has not given up the fight, the film explores the challenges of COVID-19 to the community and opportunities to continue advocating for social Justice.

More Videos

Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 4th Edition
Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 4th Edition

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Artistic Responses to Human Rights Challenges
Artistic Responses to Human Rights Challenges

Panel discussion featuring artists and activists discussing...