StandUp4HumanRights is the theme of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival which takes place from 21 - 24 March 2019 at Constitution Hill.
Constitution Hill and leading human rights organisations have come together to bring you the second edition of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival. The festival highlights the work of social justice organisations and the importance of civic activism.
It is part of an evolving conversation about human rights that links the universal struggle for dignity and freedom to the injustices that many people in SA and the region experience daily. 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of our country’s democracy and marks the 70th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
It is a poignant moment therefore to acknowledge the immense sacrifices that have been made by countless people in the quest for human rights, both nationally and globally.
While Human Rights are enshrined in South Africa’s constitution; it is democracy that provides us with the space to reflect on the gains made, the challenges we still face and the future we want to build.
It is appropriate that the Festival is held at Constitution Hill as this acknowledges the values and principles enshrined in the constitution – equality; justice; freedom and dignity.
“It is time now, to use our voices, louder and more effectively than ever before, to speak out for human rights – but more importantly, it is time to act to protect and promote human rights”, says Constitution Hill CEO, Ms. Dawn Robertson. “In this the second year of the Human Rights Festival, we call for active citizenship. The Constitution and the rights enshrined therein can only be animated by active citizenry whose very agency is protected by the Constitution”.
The Constitutional Court will form the backdrop of the four-day festival which will include interactive activist booths hosted by social justice organisations over the weekend of the festival. The festival is packed with interactive workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, poetry readings, art exhibitions and theatre & dance performances.
It kicks off on Human Rights Day with exhibition openings and free tours of Constitution Hill, paying homage to all those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy, particularly those who perished at the hands of the apartheid forces at Sharpeville on 21 March 1960.
The #StandUp4HumanRights Music Concert will take place on Saturday 23 March. The first artist release includes DJ Kenzhero; Sjava, Sho Madjozi, Msaki; BCUC; DJ Ready D; Samthing Soweto and Easy Freak.
Surprise additions to the lineup will be revealed in the run up to the festival.The Annual Constitution Hill “We the people Walk” will take place on Sunday 24th March.
Participants are encouraged to walk for the causes they support and to defend these causes under the banner of #StandUp4HumanRights. The festival also has a dedicated children’s programme supported by key organisations.
Play Africa will offer families their unique, interactive play exhibits where they can discover, explore and connect alongside their children.
“Families can also check out our new Children's Rights exhibit, or take part in the Children's Voices programme to learn about the Constitution, human rights, and how to democratically to participate in decisions that affect their lives, so South Africa’s democracy can thrive in future generations" said Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, founder and CEO of Play Africa.
The entire festival is free and open to the public. Registration is necessary for the walk through webtickets. Tickets are required for the tours and music concert and can also be downloaded for free from webtickets or at your local PicknPay.
