Why is the link between human rights and art so crucial?

— We live in very challenging times and we need to unite our forces, Nowak begins. This applies not only to arts - even sports can play a role. We need effective communication channels that reach a broad audience to raise awareness about human rights, especially in a time when there are so many human rights violations, armed conflicts, climate change – you name it.

Reflecting on the symbiotic relationship between human rights defenders and artists, Manfred Nowak emphasizes the crucial role that human rights play in protecting individuals who express themselves through art. By engaging in human rights work, artists themselves become defenders of human rights.

— Think of filmmakers or artists who highlight human rights abuses through their work, Nowak explains. They often come under threat, and human rights serve as a shield to defend them.

The Global Campus of Human Rights has several initiatives to support artists threatened by persecution. One exampleis the work to offer safe havens and resources to Afghan women who collaborated with the international community and who, after the Talibans' takeover in Afghanistan, suddenly found themselves in danger.

Furthermore, the Global Campus of Human Rights runs a dedicated project providing support to artists and human rights defenders who have been forced to leave their homelands due to oppression. One such example is Askold Kurov, a prominent Russian filmmaker who expressed opposition to the war in Ukraine and who now resides in Paris and Berlin where he continues to work for human rights through his artistic endeavors.

— Human rights are the only universally accepted value system of our time, emphasizes Manfred Nowak. Every state has an obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, both domestically and in its international relations.

Reflecting on the conference, Nowak expresses admiration for initiatives that promote inclusion and empowerment through art. He particularly highlights the presentation by Nigel Osborne, Chair of ShareMusic's advisory board and composer, known for his work using the transformative power of music to heal and unite, including in Ukraine:

—Music, poetry, theater, cinema, fine arts - all forms of art have a profound ability to unite people and also have a healing power. As soon as people start singing together, dancing together, or playing music on different instruments - even the simplestones - a sense of community similar to family is created. Music has the ability to unite people across borders, across ethnic origin, across gender. In the collaborative music-making process, all different identities are shed; one is there to share and experience the music together.

According to Manfred Nowak, art plays a multifaceted role in promoting human rights and strengthening social cohesion. In a world full of complex challenges, the fusion of art and human rights emerges as a powerful force for positive change and collective empowerment.

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