Everyday you hear about human rights, but do you what they mean and how they affect you? Come along to a three day event celebrating International Day of Human Rights which kicks off next week at Newcastle City Library.
Starting on Thursday, 10 December until Saturday, 12 December, the event which has been organised by the Newcastle City for Peace initiative will challenge peoples ideas of human rights and what they mean to them.
The three day event will cover five themes including the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, Citizenship, Disabled People and Human Rights, North East Struggles and Taking Liberties.
There will be exhibitions, talks, poetry, films and even a seasonal pantomime to illustrate the creation and importance of human rights with contributions from the whole region.
Children across the region have been invited to take part in the three day event which will see the unveiling of the winning design of a birthday card to mark the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
As part of Taking Liberties there will be an opportunity to borrow a living book for 30 minutes which will give speakers the chance to talk about their own experiences including living with a disability, moving to a new country or changing gender.
The three day celebration will also highlight the role of the Jarrow Crusade and will feature artefacts and memories of those who took part in this legendary chapter of the regions history as well as Jarrow Voices, a new film by Tom Kelly and Matt Perry. The exhibition will include a unique opportunity to see the original banner form the Jarrow Crusade.
Fairtrade pioneer Traidcraft, including free bananas, plus the North Easts role in the suffragette movement are also to be examined.
The rights of disabled people will be one of the main subjects and will cover voting rights for people with learning disabilities and follows the recent Fair Access to Voting Conference at the Civic Centre. There will also be a debate on the issue of Dying with Dignity and you will get an opportunity to give your comments to the Chief Crown Prosecutor on the guidance on Assisted Suicide.
Each resident from across the region will have the opportunity to learn about citizenship and there will be a talk by someone who has recently become a British citizen and what it means to them. You will have the chance to see if you could answer some of the questions in the Citizenship Test including a Prize Draw for those who enter.
There will be a Question Time session on Friday, 10 December giving people the chance to discuss issues affecting them. Come along and ask about subjects such as the Right to Life or the Right to a Fair Trial.
One of the last events will be a modern take on the classic festive tale A Christmas Carol which will focus on human rights. A Christmas Rights Carol has been produced by South Shields based BYS Productions. This humorous take on the traditional Charles Dickens tale stars Emma Cairns, 18 and Joel Hamilton, 13 both from South Shields who will lead other children in a march after the Ghost of things that just havent happened yet shows them what could happen if they lose their rights by not respecting other people.
The three day event has been supported by Cllr David Faulkner, Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council and Chair of Newcastle City for Peace. He said: Our city and region has been at the forefront of the struggle for rights and liberties down the years. The human rights agenda of today is not just about raising awareness of the fight for freedom in countries like Iran, Burma and Zimbabwe. There are everyday issues here and now about respect and rights for young people, for disabled people, for asylum seekers and refugees, as well as peoples rights to benefits and the current and controversial debate about the right to die in dignity. These are issues for all of us.
Angela Hamilton who has been leading on the organisation of the event said: It is important that every person in the region understands that Human Rights belong to everyone. One day you may need to rely on these to protect yourself.
For more information about the International Day for Human Rights event phone Angela Hamilton on 0191 211 5019, email enquiries@newcastlecityforpeace.co.uk or visit newcastlecityforpeace.co.uk.
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The Right to Live (Islam vs female infanticide)by Nebulous1982502 views
I like Dr Annad speech, well said about female !
smilinglarosh 2 years ago