Hifa partners Netherlands Embassy for human rights week
THE Netherlands Embassy has partnered with Harare International Festival of Arts (Hifa) ahead of human rights awareness commemorations which begin today.
The commemorations will see live music performances from top local artistes who include Winky D, Jah Signal, Killer T, Freeman and the Female DJ movement among others which will be held in selected suburbs like Mabvuku, Hatcliffe, Epworth, St Mary’s and Seke.
Speaking at the official launch of the Human Rights Week, held at National Arts Gallery yesterday, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe Barbara Van Hellemond said art was a form of a common language used by people of diverse backgrounds to com- munication, hence the activities in the forthcoming Human Rights Week are an encouragement towards conversation pertaining to the promotion of humanity through human rights.
“We think making these activities free to public will promote wider awareness.
It will be fun and memorable way to ensure that people become more empowered and able to stand up for human rights”, she said.
She said the embassy will take the opportunity to screen a five day film entitled ‘A Goat for a Vote’.
“The activities will run from 6pm until 9pm at each venue on the designated days. They will have a chance to watch a feature film which was produced in Kenya in 2013. The film takes a comic scenery at the conduct of an election of student representatives at a school.
“In vivid depiction of many themes common around the world, the film invites viewers to think about their own situations and actions,” she said.
She said her country supports international human rights work around the globe.
“This year we have teamed up with Hifa to promote awareness of human rights through hosting this entertained week. In Zimbabwe, human rights are protected in the constitution, which clearly states that every person has the right to life, equality, security and dignity,” she said.
However, with a long history of promoting human rights in Zimbabwe, the Netherlands Embassy also champions gender equality and drive against Gender based Violence.