International Women’s Day is a global holiday that takes place every year on March 8th. It emerged from the suffrage movements of the early 20th century, as well as labor movements. According to the UN, the Socialist Party of America organized the first National Woman’s Day in recognition of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. The day has since gone international, achieving official recognition by the United Nations in 1977. It is an opportunity to recognize all women for their achievements. How can you celebrate it? Here are 15 ideas:

#1. Host a film screening

Watching a film is a great activity for International Women’s Day because movies appeal to a lot of people and can provoke great discussions. Your film screening can be as simple as getting a few friends together to watch a movie at your house or something more elaborate, like organizing a larger, more official screening and a panel discussion. With a little tech-savvy, you can even organize a virtual movie night. Don’t forget about copyright laws! They vary based on country, but in the United States, if you’re screening a film outside of your home or any place where you’ve gathered people who aren’t family members (that includes schools, libraries and meeting rooms), you need to get a special license. Vendors like Ambrose Video and Discovery Education sell movies with these licenses included.

#2. Assemble a book club

There are countless books written by, about, and for women. If you’re already in a book club, suggest reading a book for International Women’s Day. Penguin Random House, a major publisher, has a list of recommended reads on their website, but you can also find ideas by searching “books about women’s rights” or something similar. Our list of 13 inspiring books about human rights includes books by activists Grace Lee Boggs, Tricia Hershey and Malala Yousafzai. If you’re not currently part of a book club, consider assembling one or even joining a virtual book club. Your local library may also have resources.

Why is International Women’s Day important? Here’s our article on why it matters.

#3. Attend an art exhibit

Women have always created art, but their achievements have historically been dismissed or ignored. For International Women’s Day, consider learning more about great female artists through history! Many museums have exhibits curated specifically in recognition of women artists, while others have resources that help museum attendants find all the art made by women. Research exhibits in your area or explore a gallery online, like this one hosted by the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

#4. Attend a poetry slam

Poetry slams are art events where poets perform spoken word in front of an audience. The format can be flexible, but slams can include audience participation. Slams are energetic, dramatic and moving. You may not be able to find a slam specifically for International Women’s Day, but there are lots of recorded slams online. The International Women’s Day website even features several poems from 2021. You can also find a handful of feminist slam poems on Power Poetry.

#5. Organize an open mic night

Open mics take place at comedy clubs, pubs, coffeehouses, and other places, usually at night. The idea is that anyone from the audience, including amateurs, can go up to the microphone and perform songs, readings, comedy routines, and so on. One idea for International Women’s Day is to hold an open mic night for women. They’ll get a chance to showcase a skill, whether that’s by performing something original or something that means a lot to them. You can hold an open mic night at a traditional venue – like a cafe – or set up a gathering at someone’s home. Depending on the size of the space, you may not even need an actual microphone!

#6. Host a trivia night

Lots of people love trivia, so think about hosting a trivia game night for International Women’s Day. If you want to blend fun with fundraising, consider charging a small cover fee you can donate to a women’s rights organization. To fit with the day’s theme, write trivia questions about International Women’s Day, women’s rights, famous women, and so on. If you don’t have time to write all your own questions, you can find prewritten trivia quizzes online.

Interested in hosting more regular fundraisers or raising awareness of women’s rights issues? Here’s our article on how to become a community activist.

#7. Attend or organize a charity walk

Charity walks (also known as walk-a-thons) are a type of fundraiser. People collect donations for walking or running a certain distance. To improve access as much as possible, good walkathons allow for low-intensity options or donations based on minutes, not miles. See if your area is holding any charity walks in recognition of International Women’s Day or to benefit an organization that helps women or girls in some way.

#8. Attend an educational workshop

NGOs, associations, universities and other institutions regularly hold educational workshops for the community. Research local events or workshops about International Women’s Day, feminism, gender equality or related topics. You can find workshops through online searches while your local library or college is also a good resource. If you can’t find any local workshops, consider joining a virtual event. If you have children, you can find workshops designed for elementary and high school girls, too!

#9. Research what upcoming legislation affects women

You may have the opportunity to vote on issues that directly impact women. If you’re able to vote where you live, take the time to research how upcoming legislation affects girls and women. As an example, a proposed healthcare law might claim to save you money on your taxes, but in exchange, it cuts funding for important preventative care. When you’re researching legislation, always check in with women’s rights organizations to see what they’re saying the impact could be.

#10. Write letters about women’s rights and legislation

Many countries use representative forms of government, so while you may not be able to vote directly on legislation, you can let officials know what actions you want them to take. Letter-writing is one way to communicate. Even if you can’t send letters directly to a leader for one reason or another, you can write open letters, which you can post online or send to newspapers. To celebrate International Women’s Day, research what is affecting women in your area and write letters to government officials encouraging them to take action. If there’s specific legislation on the table, let them know how you want them to vote.

What gender issues are most important right now? Here’s our article on 15 of the most urgent examples.

#11. Recognize the achievements of women in your workplace

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women in your workplace. Organizations can amplify the stories of important women in the organization’s history, bring in a guest speaker, send employees gifts from women-owned businesses, or host a special lunch catered by a woman-owned restaurant. While International Women’s Day is a good time to do something special, organizations should always work to improve gender parity and inclusion in the workplace.

#12. Research and support mentorship programs

Mentorship programs play a big role in increasing gender parity, closing educational gaps, enhancing a person’s skills, and achieving better inclusion. There are mentorships designed for professional development, but there are also mentorship programs for kids. To celebrate International Women’s Day, consider researching mentorship programs for women and girls in your area.

#13. Use social media to advocate for women’s rights

At the time of writing, the state of social media was in flux, but it still remains an accessible, convenient way to share your thoughts with a broad audience. For International Women’s Day, harness your social media to discuss women’s issues and how people can support women’s rights. You can keep it simple with a short paragraph or use tools like Canva to create compelling graphics. If you own a business, celebrating International Women’s Day on your social media is a great way to share your values.

Writing something for International Women’s Day? Our article on writing a women’s day speech has tips that apply to writing letters and social media posts.

#14. Support women-owned businesses

According to the World Economic Forum, women started 49% of new businesses in the United States in 2021, which is a big jump from 2019. Female entrepreneurship is increasing around the world, but men still outnumber women 3-1 in business ownership. For International Women’s Day, consider supporting a woman-owned business! Not every business advertises itself as woman-owned, but some put that information on their websites or social media accounts. To fully embody the values of International Women’s Day, check if the business you’re interested in treats its employees equitably and equally, supports other causes you’re passionate about, and donates money to NGOs.

#15. Donate and/or volunteer at an organization addressing women’s needs

NGOs serving women and girls always need donations and volunteers. For International Women’s Day, consider giving a monetary donation to a local, national, or international NGO working to protect women’s rights around the world. You can also consider volunteering at an organization! Many organizations need help with daily operations, fundraising campaigns and other activities. If you’re unable to volunteer in person, you can find virtual volunteer opportunities with many NGOs.

Here’s our article on 25 organizations fighting for women’s rights and gender equality.

The post 15 Ideas to Celebrate International Women’s Day appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Maya Angelou is one of the United States’ most interesting and important people. Born in 1928, she worked just about every job you could imagine but became best known as a writer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, plays, films, TV shows and more. She was active during the Civil Rights Movement and remained an activist for racial equality, gender equality, and social justice. Her work has won countless awards, and in 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 2014 at age 86, but her words remain. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of her most inspiring quotes found in books and interviews over her lifetime.

#1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

This quote is from one of Maya Angelou’s most important books: I Know Why The Caged Birds Sings. First published in 1969, the autobiography describes Angelou’s life starting from when she was a 3-year-old sent to live with her grandmother to when she became a 16-year-old mother. It’s fitting this quote comes from the first of Angelou’s autobiographies, which share the story of a life well-lived.

#2. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

Letter to My Daughter, Maya Angelou’s third book of essays, was released in 2009. While Angelou has no daughters of her own, she wrote this book in honor of the many women who saw her as a mother figure. Quotes like this emphasize the importance of resilience and hope. As Angelou knows from personal experience, life is full of defeats, but they should not define our entire lives and prevent us from continuing on.

#3. “Nothing will work unless you do.”

This quote is from Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now, Angelou’s first book of essays published in 1993. It takes its title from the African-American spiritual “On My Journey Now.” In the book, Angelou shares insights into topics such as faith, grieving, racism and self-care. It’s considered one of Angelou’s “wisdom books.” In just a few words, the quote above encapsulates how everyone must take action if they want anything to happen in their lives.

#4. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

Another quote from Letter to My Daughter, these words are especially moving considering Maya Angelou’s life. At age 8, she was abused by her mother’s boyfriend, and after he was killed, Angelou went mute for almost five years. She faced many other difficulties in her life, but as her quote says, she was not reduced by any of them.

#5. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

The Heart of a Woman was Maya Angelou’s fourth autobiography. It covers her life from 1957-1962 when she traveled extensively through California, New York, Egypt, and Ghana, all while raising her teenage son, becoming a published author, and working in the Civil Rights Movement. Her life during this time sang with courage, and as this quote emphasizes, courage is the foundation of every other virtue.

#6. “Also, I encourage courtesy. To accept nothing less than courtesy, and to give nothing less than courtesy. If we accept being talked to any kind of a way, then we are telling ourselves we are not quite worth the best. And if we have the effrontery to talk to anybody with less than courtesy, we tell ourselves and the world we are not very intelligent.”

Maya Angelou wrote and spoke often about identity and self-empowerment. In this quote, which is pulled from Psychology Today’s 2009 interview with the author, Marianne Schnall has just asked Angelou what she wished she knew as a child. Angelou first says, “courage,” but then continues with why courtesy matters, too. Accepting anything less than courtesy harms a person’s self-esteem while treating others without courtesy affects both our view of ourselves and how others see us.

#7. “I wish that we could look into each other’s faces, in each other’s eyes, and see our own selves. I hope that the children have not been so scarred by their upbringing that they only think fear when they see someone else who looks separate from them.”

In the Psychology Today interview, Marianne Schnall asks Angelou, “What is your wish for children of the future?” Angelou’s answer, quoted above, represents one of the author’s most enduring sentiments. She always encouraged people to focus on the similarities we share and embrace our identity as humans.

Check out our article on the top 12 quotes about advocacy.

#8. “I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, “No. No, I’m finished. Bye.” And leaving it alone. I will not write it into the ground. I will not write the life out of it.”

In 1990, Maya Angelou was interviewed on stage at the YMHA in Manhattan, New York, in front of an audience of mostly women. The interviewer, George Plimpton, asked Angelou how she began her work day. While writing, she describes trying to pull the language into shape, into sharpness, and taking a few weeks to describe what she’s seeing. Plimpton then asks how Angelou knows when the work is done, to which she says it’s done when it’s the best she can do. It may not be “the best,” but as Angelou’s quote above says, knowing when to let a piece of writing go is one of a writer’s best tools. This interview appeared in Issue 116 of The Paris Review.

#9. “So I decided to try everything, to keep myself wide open to human beings, all human beings — seeing them as I understand them to be, not as they wish they were, but as I understand them to be.”

The quote above comes from Bill Moyer’s first interview with Maya Angelou in 1973. It’s a response to Moyer’s question about how Angelou stays open to the world and to hope, even when the world was so closed to Black women. She describes coming to a place where she realized she had nothing to lose, so closing herself up was foolish. Instead, she resolved to try everything and stay wide open, while recognizing the reality of what people can be.

#10. “Take as much time as you need to make up your mind, but once it is made up, step out on your decision like it’s something you want.”

Maya Angelou always encouraged people to take action when they could. That doesn’t mean she advocated for quick decisions. Rather, she said people should take as much time as they need, but once a decision is made, it’s time to act. The quote above comes from A Song Flung Up To Heaven, the sixth of Angelou’s autobiographies. It takes place between 1965 and 1968. During these years, Angelou faces the assassinations of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr while adjusting to her return to the US after living in Ghana.

#11. “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Much of Maya Angelou’s writings focus on womanhood, motherhood, and other aspects of being a woman in this world. According to the New York Times, this quote first appeared in a video endorsement for Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president in 2007.

#12. “You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.”

This is an excerpt from “Still I Rise,” one of Maya Angelou’s most famous poems. It appears in the book And Still I Rise, which is the writer’s third poetry collection from 1978. It acknowledges hatred, racism, and violence, but triumphantly declares “I’ll rise.” The rest of the poem follows a similar structure that recognizes the injustices against Black people but always ends with a deeply hopeful, determined message.

Poetry often centers on deep themes. Here’s our article listing 10 poems about equality.

#13. “History, despite its wrenching pain / Cannot be unlived, but if faced / With courage, need not be lived again.”

In 1993, Maya Angelou read the poem “On the Pulse of Morning” for Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. Her performance became famous. The excerpt above represents Angelou’s deeply held beliefs about facing history and its injustices, but not letting it reduce or defeat us. Courage, which Angelou believes is the most important virtue, is what helps us never repeat the pain of the past.

#14. “One must nurture the joy in one’s life so that it reaches full bloom.”

This quote comes from Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou. The book collects excerpts from Angelou’s many works on topics like family, community, equality, spirituality, parenting and more. Guy Johnson, Angelou’s son, also contributed with some words his mother would share with him and their family.

#15. What I really want to do is be a representative of my race, of the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be. I have a chance to teach and to love and to laugh. I know that when I finish doing what I’m sent here to do, I will be called home. And I will go home without any fear, trepidations, wondering what’s gonna happen.”

This quote appeared in the trailer of Beyonce’s Netflix film Homecoming, which explores the artist’s preparation for her iconic 2018 Coachella performance. According to Oprah Daily, the quote comes from Maya Angelou’s interview with George Stroumboulopoulos in 2014. It was one of her last sit-down interviews.

The post 15 Inspiring Quotes from Maya Angelou appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The goal of social justice is to end discrimination and achieve equality. Everyone should be able to access opportunities, participate equally in society, and have their human rights respected. Since 2007, the World Day of Social Justice has been celebrated on February 20th. Each year recognizes a different theme, but the focus is always on how social justice reduces poverty, strengthens equality, and makes societies better. What are some ways to celebrate Social Justice Day? Here are 15 ideas:

#1. Donate to a social justice organization

Countless organizations are working to achieve social justice goals around the world. Social Justice Day is a great opportunity to learn more about these groups, what they’re doing, and how you can help their work. Most organization websites make it easy to donate online. They may also run a specific fundraising campaign for Social Justice Day, so you know exactly what your money is going toward.

Here are 10 social justice organizations to consider donating to!

#2. Volunteer

Nonprofits, grassroots community groups, and other organizations need lots of help meeting their goals. Volunteers are essential to the social justice movement, so in honor of Social Justice Day, consider volunteering your time! You don’t need to volunteer on February 20th for it to count, so choose a day that’s convenient for both you and the organization. If you want to participate in social justice more often, organizations love regular volunteers. Can’t volunteer in person? Many organizations offer remote options. Check out the VolunteerMatch website, which helps connect volunteers with organizations with virtual opportunities. You can search by location and cause area.

#3. Create a personal action plan

Social Justice Day is just one day, but the world needs people committed to social justice all year round. To celebrate the holiday, consider creating a personal action plan. What social justice issues matter the most to you? What can you do to promote social justice at work, at school, within your social circles, within your spiritual community, or in any other area of your life? Creating a personal action plan helps you reflect on your values and how you can live them out in tangible ways.

#4. Research your area’s most pressing social justice issues

You’re likely aware of global social justice issues like poverty and gender equality, but what affects your community most urgently? Is a lack of affordable housing a problem? A lack of funds for education? Hunger? On Social Justice Day, take the time to research what social justice issues are right outside your door and what local organizations are doing to address them. If you’re already involved in local social justice work, use Social Justice Day to raise awareness!

Want to learn more about social justice? Read our Social Justice 101: Meaning, Principles, Facts and Examples article.

#5. Write letters or sign petitions regarding a specific social justice issue

There are always social justice issues working through the political system. For Social Justice Day, find out what legislation in your area protects or threatens social justice. With a group of like-minded people, spend a few hours writing letters or signing petitions you can send to your local politicians. There may already be letters or petitions circulating, so be sure to sign your name to those, too. Not sure how to write an effective letter? Amnesty International offers tips such as keeping your text brief, polite and factual.

#6. Host a community panel

Community panels are a great way to bring together various sectors of society to discuss the most urgent social justice issues. They’re based on the belief that the best decisions are made by involving those most impacted by a decision. A panel can focus on specific cause areas – like homelessness or education – or on local issues as a whole. If you’re interested in hosting a panel, you first want to decide on the location. Libraries, universities, religious centers and other places are good choices, although you can also hold community panels virtually.

#7. Host a fundraiser

Do you have a favorite social justice organization? Social Justice Day is a great opportunity for a fundraiser! Thanks to social media, just about anyone can run an online fundraiser, but if you neglect to promote your fundraiser, you likely won’t raise much money. The best fundraisers are carefully planned. As an example, before your fundraiser starts, you can connect to local businesses and ask about matching gifts. These are arrangements where businesses agree to match donations up to a certain amount. This builds your fundraiser on a strong foundation and motivates people to give because they know their impact is doubled.

#8. Organize a food drive

Food insecurity is one of the most persistent issues in many places around the world. Without proper nutrition, every area of a person’s life suffers. It’s especially devastating to children. According to data from the UN, around 45 million kids under the age of five endured the deadliest form of malnutrition in 2021. Food drives, which help collect and distribute food to people struggling to afford items, are a great way to celebrate Social Justice Day. Most communities have some form of food-centered charity, such as a food bank. For a food drive, connect with one of these groups to find out what they need, let people know where they should drop off their items, promote your drive and then deliver your donations.

Here are 30 organizations working to end hunger.

#9. Take a class on a social justice topic

Social justice covers a variety of topics such as tackling poverty, achieving gender equality, fighting racial discrimination and much more. To learn more about social justice on Social Justice Day, consider taking an online class! Institutions like Stanford University and Berkeley offer classes you can audit, while Amnesty International’s Human Rights Academy offers several free classes, too. Most classes are self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 online courses on social justice.

#10. Host a listening party

Music is one of the most powerful tools for social justice, so if you love music, consider hosting a listening party for Social Justice Day! With a group, curate a list of songs about social justice, print out the lyrics, and listen together. Once a song is over, talk about how the music made you feel and what the lyrics mean. As the host, it’s a good idea to provide some information about the song, like who the artist is, why they wrote it, and if it has special meaning to a social justice movement. Don’t forget refreshments! You can provide snacks and drinks, or ask attendants to each bring something.

Not sure what songs to analyze? Here’s a list of 10 social justice songs.

#11. Watch a movie about social justice

Movies often feature social justice topics like poverty, gender equality, racial equality and much more. Social Justice Day is a good day to pick a movie about social justice, watch it with a group, and discuss what you learned and felt. You can keep it small and simple with just a few family members or friends, or host a larger screening with your workplace or a nonprofit. If you want to include kids, just be sure the movie covers topics relevant to a younger demographic.

Here’s a list of 13 social justice movies everyone should see! 

#12. Host an art night

An art night is a fun, meaningful way to celebrate Social Justice Day. It can be a great way to include kids, as well! For your art night, collect a bunch of craft supplies and have participants make art based on prompts such as a world without injustice or specific social justice topics like gender equality or children’s rights. You can show participants examples from other artists and describe what social justice means as they work on their pieces. There’s no wrong way to do art, so let everyone’s imagination flow free!

#13. Host a social justice book club

Countless books – both fiction and nonfiction – have been written about social justice topics. While reading a book is a bigger time commitment than watching a movie, books go more in-depth about issues like gender discrimination, children’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and so on. If finishing a whole book isn’t doable at this time, you can probably focus on one chapter or essay with a reading group. This will increase participation and make the book club more accessible to those who would like to be involved but can’t commit to hours of reading.

Check out our list of 15 of the best books about social justice in the United States.

#14. Bring social justice into the classroom

If you’re a student, teacher, or other education professional, Social Justice Day is a great time to introduce social justice into the classroom! Teaching kids about human rights and social justice is very important as it helps them understand their rights, empathize with others, respect human rights values, and develop skills like critical thinking. There are lots of student-friendly activities and classroom resources available online on websites like Learning For Justice.

#15. Examine your school or workplace’s social justice initiatives

While reducing poverty and achieving gender equality have been important goals for decades, social justice as a concept has become increasingly recognized in recent years. Corporations, universities and other institutions are gradually realizing their roles and establishing initiatives designed to improve social justice. Does your school or workplace have initiatives in place? This Social Justice Day, examine what programs or actions the organizations you’re involved with are undertaking. If applicable, consider participating more in these initiatives. If your organization has been neglecting its social justice duties, now is a good time to see if you can encourage them to do better.

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“Florida is where woke goes to die,” Governor Ron DeSantis said to the crowd gathered for his reelection celebration in 2022. “Stay woke,” blues musician Lead Belly said in 1938. Depending on who you’re talking to, “woke” can mean staying aware of injustices, believing in politically progressive values, or wanting to control what others say and think. While it’s become hard to avoid debates about “wokeness” in the United States, the term and concept are spreading internationally. What does “woke” actually mean? In this article, we’ll discuss the word’s origins, its fraught evolution, and its impact.

“Woke” has become a complex term that for some means being aware of social justice issues, while for others, it means being obsessively politically correct and judgmental. In the United States, it’s been weaponized against BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups.

Where did the word “woke” come from?

Originally, “woke,” or rather, “stay woke” meant to stay aware of the systemic injustices and inequalities targeting Black people. In 1938, American blues singer Lead Belly released a song about the Scottsboro Boys, who were nine Black teenagers accused of rape in Alabama. Despite evidence of their innocence, eight of the nine were found guilty by an all-white jury and sentenced to death. While they escaped execution, they were nearly lynched and ended up imprisoned for years. In an interview about the song, Lead Belly said, “I advise everyone to be a little careful when they go down there (to Alabama). Best stay woke, keep your eyes open.” “Woke” was a term created by and for the Black community; to be woke was to be smart and alert to racism.

The 2010s saw the establishment of the Black Lives Matter organization and increased awareness of police brutality and systemic racism. “Woke” became better known beyond the Black community. It also morphed into a catch-all description for left politics and social justice. It was no longer a piece of advice specifically for Black people, but rather a vaguer, broader summary of what it means to be politically progressive.

How is “woke” used today?

“Woke” originally meant to be aware of injustices, but do people still define the term this way? According to a 2023 USA Today/Ipsos poll, 56% of Americans still believe “woke” means “being informed about social injustices.” 39% defined the term as being “overly politically correct” and policing the words of others. A participant’s political affiliation mattered. 56% of surveyed Republicans saw the term in a negative light. They viewed wokeness as a tool to suppress free speech, control what others say, and inflict moral judgment. These beliefs aren’t limited to Republicans, however. You can find left-leaning groups arguing amongst themselves on whether there’s too much policing, judgment, and division in their communities. These are age-old debates, and many left-wing groups work through their struggles without appropriating “woke.” In recent years, it’s right-wing groups that have weaponized the term most significantly.

Those who see wokeness as a grave threat to society deploy the word freely and without a clear or consistent definition. In a perspective in The Washington Post, Damon Young describes how “woke” has become shorthand for the mere presence of Black people where they (the right-wing) “didn’t expect them to be.” As an example, when the film Jurassic World: Dominion released a promotional image of actor DeWanda Wise, a tweet bemoaning how “woke” the franchise had become went viral. A film simply featuring a Black woman was enough to make the movie “woke,” and according to some, bad. The Little Mermaid remake starring Halle Bailey and Disney as a whole have received similar complaints of having bowed to the “woke mob.” Even financial crises are not immune. When the Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in the 2nd-largest bank failure in US history, many Republicans blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, aka “wokeness.”

What is the impact of attacking “wokeness?”

While labeling movies and banks as woke may seem fairly innocuous, the war on wokeness has serious consequences. Here are four of the biggest impacts:

#1. Attacks on education

In the past few years, attacks on curriculum and books featuring anti-racist teaching and discussions of gender and sexuality have skyrocketed in the United States. The governor of Florida – Ron DeSantis – has been one of the most aggressive anti-woke crusaders. As an article in Vox describes, DeSantis’ actions include legislation that restricts teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ topics and race. Most of the laws are so vague, teachers aren’t sure what they can and can’t say. To DeSantis, “woke” means “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.” In one speech, he vowed to “fight the woke” in the legislature, the corporations, and the schools.

The American Library Association revealed that 2022 experienced the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA started compiling censorship data. Of the 2,571 titles targeted, most were written by or for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. 58% of the targeted books were from school libraries. This attack is coordinated. Censorship groups like Moms For Liberty, a self-described “parental rights group,” pass around lists of books they want to ban. They also run for political office and school boards, so they can fight “wokeness” from within the system.

#2. Boycotts

When a product or company gets labeled as “woke,” there are consequences. In early 2023, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer with millions of followers, did an ad for Bud Light. Conservative pundits responded with fury, calling for a boycott. It appears to have been successful, at least for a time. Bud Light’s parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 10.5% decline in April-June compared to a year earlier. Mulvaney also received significant harassment and no support from the company whose ad exposed her to so much hate.

Other companies have faced calls for boycotts, usually for simply featuring LGBTQ+ people in their advertising or expressing the most basic support. Woolworths, a South African fashion retailer, posted a tweet in honor of International Pride Month on June 1. The company was quickly labeled as “woke,” while some claimed they would never shop there again. Woolworths didn’t back down, tweeting that everyone has the right to dignity.

#3. Normalization of hate

While most people recognize the seriousness of book bans, many of the attacks on wokeness seem silly and bizarre. After all, what does arguing about whether a Disney princess movie is “woke” really accomplish for anyone? Individual attacks on wokeness can seem meaningless, but taken together, the anti-woke movement fuels the normalization of hate against the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and other marginalized groups. The anti-woke movement is primarily driven by voices claiming that learning about or simply seeing Black people, trans people, and others will ruin society. This dehumanizes entire groups of people, which normalizes hatred against them.

Normalizing hate encourages hate speech. The Cambridge Dictionary defines hate speech as “public speech that expresses hatred or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation,” but legal definitions vary. For the anti-woke movement, there’s often a sense of pride in being as “anti-woke” as possible, which encourages a culture built on prejudice and hate. People can say things most people would consider “hateful” without it qualifying as legal hate speech, but it still feeds the normalization of hate.

#4. Distraction from real issues

Seemingly silly and pointless attacks on wokeness contribute to hate, but they serve another important function: they distract from tangible problems. When people get caught up in debates, real or in jest, about whether it’s “woke” for an M&M mascot to wear sneakers instead of boots, they’re ignoring systemic racism, gender inequality, poverty, poor mental health, and other escalating problems. In the United States, one of the two major parties (the Republican party) has become fixated on complaining about candy and Disney, but not even their own constituents are especially pleased. According to one poll, just 24% of Republican participants said they would choose a candidate focused on eliminating “radical woke ideology” from schools, media, and culture over one who wanted to restore “law and order.”

Toni Morrison said the function of racism was distraction, and that it “keeps you from doing your work.” While she wasn’t talking about “wokeness,” the sentiment rings true. When the presence of Black people and teaching the truth about America’s racism qualifies as “woke,” attacking wokeness is a form of racism. Attacks on the LGBTQ+ community fall into a similar category. This isn’t to say that racism, transphobia, and homophobia aren’t real and serious issues, but the anti-woke movement distracts from real conversations about these issues.

How is “woke” perceived globally?

While the term and its impacts have been concentrated in the United States, concerns and confusion have spread to other countries. In France, where it’s known as le wokisme, wokeness is framed as a US import that could tear France apart. The president, Emmanuel Macron, even told a magazine in 2021 that “woke culture” was racializing the country and causing divisions. In Britain, four out of five people had a positive view of wokeness, saying it meant being aware of race and social injustices. Like the US, however, right-wing groups in the UK are on the offensive. When heritage charity the National Trust reported on the property’s links to slavery and colonialism, Conservative lawmakers threatened its funding. Further east in Russia, Vladimir Putin will often signal “anti-wokeness” as part of his strategy to endear himself to American right-wing groups. Globally, “woke” has evolved just as much as it is in the United States, and while there are legitimate criticisms to be made about how vague and broad even positive definitions of the term are, the biggest issue is how it’s been weaponized by right-wing groups.

The post What Does “Woke” Mean? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Since 1950, December 10 has been recognized globally as Human Rights Day. It’s in honor of when the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1948. All across the world, nonprofits, governments, and individuals hold special events to celebrate the UDHR and human rights activism, while also raising awareness of important human rights issues and trends. How can you celebrate Human Rights Day? Here are 15 ideas:

#1. Volunteer at a local human rights organization

Every community has organizations working on human rights and social justice. A few examples include food banks, free medical clinics, refugee services, homeless shelters, and more. Most of these organizations need volunteers. While you may not be able to volunteer on December 10th, volunteering at least once around this time is a great way to honor Human Rights Day. If possible, consider volunteering on a more regular basis, even if it’s just once a month or a few times a year.

#2. Donate to a human rights cause

Nonprofits operate with tight budgets, while there’s no shortage of people on crowdfunding websites asking for help with medical bills, funerals, and more. If you have some extra cash, consider donating in recognition of Human Rights Day. It doesn’t need to be much. While nonprofits love large gifts, it’s the more consistent, smaller funds that keep their work sustainable. You can vet a nonprofit’s reputation on sites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar. If you want to give directly to an individual or family through a crowdfunding website, read the terms of service carefully. Places like GoFundMe take a percentage of each donation for operating costs.

#3. Attend a local (or online) Human Rights Day event

Nonprofits, government agencies, libraries, and other places often host Human Rights Day events. If you want to attend in person, check your local area for workshops, readings, lectures, conferences, and other activities. You can also find events hosted online, which is more convenient for many people. If you can’t find (or can’t attend) an event on Human Rights Day itself, look for other human rights and social justice activities you can attend at a later date.

#4. Host a human rights book club

If you’re part of a book club, consider asking your group to read a book about human rights for December! There are countless fiction and non-fiction books covering topics like racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, children’s rights, refugee rights, and much more. Take some time to write thoughtful discussion questions. You can also create a list of ideas on how to participate in the promotion and protection of human rights, whether that’s through donating money, volunteering, or more actively engaging in existing human rights activities and programs around town.

Not sure what book to suggest? Here’s our list of 13 inspiring books on human rights.

#5. Host a human rights movie night

A movie night is an engaging, low-commitment way to get people together for Human Rights Day. It’s also a good activity because nonprofits, businesses, religious organizations, and individuals can all host. Whether your event features 100 people or just a few close friends, a human rights movie night is a great way to learn more about human rights, build solidarity, and discuss how your community can make a difference in the world. Every movie night needs snacks! If your event will have lots of people, you can reach out to local restaurants to see if they’ll offer discounts. They’re more likely to accommodate nonprofits.

Need ideas for a movie? Here’s our list of 13 social justice movies.

#6. Write a short blog or social media post about Human Rights Day

If you like to write or are active on social media, you can celebrate Human Rights Day by writing a short blog or post. You can write about what human rights mean to you personally or share an issue you’re passionate about. You can share the post with a few close family and friends, or make the post public. If you enjoy writing or are active on social media, Human Rights Day can be a good opportunity to share a post or a short blog. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; it could be a simple reflection on what human rights mean to you, or a mention of an issue you care about. Sharing it with family, friends or publicly allows you to express your thoughts and perhaps get others thinking about human rights too. It’s a small but meaningful way to acknowledge the day and the values it stands for.

#7. Organize a fundraiser

You can make a small donation to a human rights cause on your own, but if you want to encourage your community to donate, consider organizing a fundraiser! If you work for a nonprofit, you’re most likely somewhat familiar with fundraising events, but it’s something just about anyone can do with a little research. Websites like Facebook even let individual users set up fundraisers that benefit their favorite nonprofits. If you decide to organize a larger-scale event with entertainment, food, silent auctions, and other more interactive elements, you’ll need to plan. Even if you can’t host a fundraiser for this year’s Human Rights Day, it could be something you organize for next year!

How do nonprofits organize donor events? Here’s our 10-step guide.

#8. Bring Human Rights Day into the classroom

If you’re a student or teacher interested in Human Rights Day, consider recognizing the holiday in your classroom. Places like the United Nations offer lots of potential resources, while you can also host a movie or discussion in class. For more student participation, ask them to research a current human rights issue and present it to the class on or around December 10th. If you’re the parent of a student, contact your child’s school to see if the school is already planning something or if there are ways you can get involved.

#9. Host a library reading for kids

Kids need to learn about human rights, but it should be done in an engaging, inspiring, and kid-friendly way. Luckily, there are lots of human rights books written with kids in mind. The library is a great place to hold a human rights story hour where parents can bring their kids. Story hours can also include interactive activities, songs, crafting, and more. Best of all, library readings are free, so every child is welcome. If possible, libraries can also ask the author of the book to do a reading themselves!

Here’s a list of human rights books for kids from Amnesty International.

#10. Join “Write for Rights”

Every Human Rights Day, Amnesty International holds its famous “Write For Rights” campaign. It is the organization’s largest annual letter-writing campaign. With the toolkit, which is offered on the AI website, participants write letters on behalf of those whose rights are being violated. Hundreds of thousands of people write letters every year. You can join local letter-writing parties (which are tracked on the event map), write as an individual, or host private events.

#11. Organize a ceremony for human rights advocates

Every community has human rights advocates working on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, houselessness, racial justice, and more. Human Rights Day is a great time to honor their hard work, sacrifices, and achievements. The celebration also lets advocates describe their work and what the rest of the community can do to help. Nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations are great hosts for ceremonies like this. If you don’t have experience planning events, ask around your community for help.

#12. Curate an art exhibit

Art is one of the most powerful tools for human rights. Galleries, art stores, museums, libraries, and other places where it makes sense to display art are great spots for exhibits. There are lots of artists and art pieces depicting various aspects of human rights. Organizers can search for (and get permission) to use art from artists around the world or commission art from members of the local community. You can curate a specific theme (such as human rights and children) or use the exhibit to raise awareness of human rights in general.

#13. Organize a workshop on self-advocacy

Self-advocacy workshops often center on empowering people with disabilities, but they can help anyone understand their rights and how to best advocate for themselves. Discrimination targets people based on their age, race, gender, sexuality, and more. A self-advocacy workshop, which can include role-playing activities, lectures, discussions, and so on, helps people understand the law and their human rights. They also help build communication skills, emotional resilience, and more.

#14. Organize a Human Rights Day festival

Festivals bring community members of all ages together in a fun, interactive way! To ensure the festival is well-attended, it’s a good idea to hold it on the weekend, even if Human Rights Day itself is on a weekday. Ideas for vendors and activities include food carts, live theater and music, activism workshops, book reading, games for kids, art exhibits, and more. Organizing a festival is hard work, so you’ll want to start planning far in advance. Sponsors are also important, so seek out partners who believe in human rights and want to participate in their promotion.

#15. Hold a vigil

Human Rights Day can be encouraging and celebratory, but it also provides opportunities for reflection and remembrance. Lots of people have had their human rights violated. December 10th is a good day to honor them. Vigils, which are often held late in the afternoon or into the night, can recognize specific people or events. They can also honor all victims and survivors of human rights abuses. If you want to hold a public vigil, be aware of any legal requirements or risks to the safety of participants. If you decide to keep the vigil private for safety or organizational reasons, that’s acceptable, too. Vigils often include singing, prayers, short speeches, and moments of silence.

The post 15 Ideas to Celebrate Human Rights Day appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

A cover letter is a formal document typically submitted alongside a job application or resume. It serves as a complement to your resume and provides an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to a human rights employer, highlight your qualifications and skills, explain your interest in the job, and convey why you are a strong candidate for the position. In contrast to your resume, a cover letter is more narrative and can include information not found in your CV. It allows you to tell a story about your career, explain career gaps, or address specific job requirements. In this article you will learn how you can create your own cover letter.

Let’s first have a look how a typical cover letter is structured:

Date

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Your Email Address
Your Phone Number

Recipient's Name
Organization Name
Organization Address
City, State, ZIP Code

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Human Rights Internship position at [Organization Name], as advertised on your website. With my educational background in [Your Relevant Degree], a deep passion for human rights issues, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field, I am eager to contribute to your organization’s mission and objectives.

Throughout my academic journey at [Your University], I have developed a solid foundation in human rights, international law, and social justice advocacy. My coursework has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide and the legal frameworks that underpin human rights protection.

My previous experiences have further enhanced my dedication to human rights advocacy. I have had the privilege of volunteering with [Name of Human Rights Organization or Project], where I assisted in researching and documenting human rights violations, organizing awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local communities to promote education and empowerment. These experiences have not only sharpened my research and communication skills but also deepened my commitment to effecting positive change in the realm of human rights.

I am particularly drawn to [Organization Name] because of its exceptional reputation for its work in [specific area of focus, e.g., refugee rights, gender equality, indigenous rights]. Your organization’s dedication to upholding human rights and empowering marginalized communities aligns perfectly with my personal values and career aspirations.

As an intern at [Organization Name], I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your projects. I am confident that my strong research abilities, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively will allow me to excel in this role. I am also excited about the opportunity to learn from your experienced team members, gain exposure to real-world human rights issues, and make a meaningful contribution to your ongoing initiatives.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details about my educational background and relevant experiences. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview to discuss how my skills and passion align with the goals of [Organization Name]. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining the dedicated team at [Organization Name] and contributing to your vital work in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download: Human Rights Cover Letter Template

How to use the human rights cover letter template above

The template above is a good starting point. You can use the text as a basis to formulate your own cover letter. Don’t simply copy and paste and fill in the gaps. Work on your own unique version that sets you apart. Recruiters will notice the difference.

#1 Identify your strongest qualifications and skills

The first step in the process is to identify what information you should put into your cover letter. There are some obvious ones like your master’s degree and previous work experience. However, as an entry level professional you won’t have ten years of experience to draw from. That means you’ll need to explore what other skills/experiences could be relevant. Below are some examples:

I landed my first Amnesty International internship because I had video-editing and photography skills. That’s what the organization needed to cover our vigils for the blogger Raif Badawi. Over time, when I earned the trust of my team, I was able to take on different tasks, that were more in line with my ambitions.

Don’t underestimate what you bring to the table for the organization. Even if you are very young, you have plenty of experiences to draw from. You could be well-versed in the latest social media tools, possibly surpassing the current social media manager’s familiarity (e.g. with TikTok or Mastodon). Your grasp of trends within your age group may align closely with the organization’s target audience, enhancing your ability to connect effectively. Additionally, your fresh perspective and energy could invigorate the team, injecting vitality into a well-established environment. Your potential to introduce unconventional viewpoints may foster positive disruption, and as a relatively “blank slate”, experienced mentors and leaders may find joy in nurturing your development into a thriving professional.

If you are not so sure what other skills could be helpful, consider reading some of our articles:

• 8 Skills to Expand Your Human Rights CV
• 10 Skills You Need as An NGO Development Coordinator
• 10 Skills You Need as Advocacy Officer
• 5 Skills You Might Need in a Human Rights Job

#2 Tailor your experience to the specific job

Tailoring your cover letter to each job application is a strategic move that makes a significant difference in your job search. Unlike generic templates, a tailored cover letters directly addresses the specific requirements of the position, showcasing the relevance of your background and experience, and ultimately setting you apart. Below is an example how you could tailor the same experience “led a volunteer group” to different positions. Please note that you should never “invent” anything that is not true, but you can choose where you put emphasis, what you highlight and what you skip.

#3 A few things to avoid

While there is no universally accepted right way to do cover letters, there are a few things you should avoid in the context of human rights organizations.

• Don’t start with “Dear Sir or Madam”. “Sir” and “Madam” are binary gender-specific terms. Using them may exclude individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female, as well as non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. If the organization works specifically on such issues, you are better off using a different salutation.
• Don’t include an image. Including a photo can introduce bias into the hiring process. Employers should make hiring decisions based on qualifications, not on a candidate’s physical appearance, race, age, gender, or other personal characteristics. A photo can inadvertently lead to bias, even if unintentional.
• Don’t be overly passionate. Focus on your professional qualifications and how they relate to the position. You won’t get hired just for being passionate and highlighting your passion too much makes you look less experienced.
• Don’t Make It Too Long. Human rights cover letters should be concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or excessive details that may overwhelm the reader. Less than 1 page is enough.
• Don’t Generalize: Be specific in your statements. Don’t make general claims like “I’m passionate about human rights.” Instead, provide examples and evidence of your commitment, such as relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experiences.
• Don’t Ignore Format and Proofreading: Neglecting proper formatting, grammar, and proofreading can detract from your professionalism. Ensure your cover letter is well-structured and free from errors.
• Don’t Overstate or Exaggerate: Be honest about your qualifications and experiences. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims, as they can be easily verified and may damage your credibility.
• Don’t put your best qualifications at the end. Put them first. In movies it’s great to have the showdown at the end but in cover letters they should come at the beginning. Recruiters are busy people and unlikely to read your entire cover letter at the first glance. You need to make a great impression immediately to be considered for the next round.

How to use AI Tools to improve your human rights cover letter

There is nothing wrong about using AI tools to improve your cover letter. But keep in mind what we mentioned above: Tailor! Be specific! Be authentic! If your cover letter sounds too generic, exaggerates or feels out of touch with your real background, an AI written cover letter will be a disadvantage.

If you choose to use AI, the quality of your prompt matters. You should provide the tool with enough information to return more tailored and unique results otherwise your cover letter will be too boring and generic. Below is an example of a prompt. Flesh it out further. Consider adding some achievements, more nuance and detail.

“Please write a cover letter for the internship position as social media intern at Amnesty International. I have studied the Vienna Master of Arts in Human Rights and wrote my thesis about MOOCs as a tool for Human Rights Education. I have worked in a bar for three years and took dancing classes throughout high school. I also worked at a book store, where I was responsible for accounting and sales. I speak three languages fluently.”

And here are some excerpts of AI responses, that demonstrate how ChatGPT has “translated” the information into a cover letter:

• With my diverse work experiences, and proficiency in multiple languages, I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills […]
• My thesis allowed me to explore innovative approaches to making human rights education accessible to a global audience.
• My work experience has further honed my skills and adaptability. I have spent three years working in a bar, where I developed exceptional interpersonal and communication skills while managing diverse customer interactions. My high school years were dedicated to dancing classes, fostering discipline, teamwork, and creativity.

You might want to tone it down a bit in your cover letter and highlight only what find most relevant. AI tools sometimes exaggerate and you don’t want to display a lack of humility or judgement. Working in a bar for three years will probably not make you an expert in human rights law.

While AI written content is normally grammatically flawless it also lacks soul and surprise. So instead of just entering a prompt and sending off your application, spend time editing it and make it sound more like yourself and be prepared that everything you mention in your cover letter could be subject of a more in-depth conversation in the interview. So if you are not convinced that your dancing classes were fostering discipline, teamwork and creativity, don’t mention it.

Strategies for improving your human rights cover letter

There are a variety of other strategies and tools that you can use when drafting your cover letter. Below are some that I’ve used in my job search frequently.

#1 Mimic the language

Before you write your cover letter, you might want to explore the website of your potential future employer. Familiarize with the terminology and language they use. Take a closer look at the job description as well. Mimicking an organization’s language and terminology helps you align your application with the organization’s culture and values. Organizations often use specific words and phrases that reflect their unique identity, and using these in your cover letter can signal that you’re a good fit culturally.

#2 Improve Readability

In academia and during our studies we are taught to write in a very specific way. Unfortunately, this kind of writing is less effective in other contexts. Your cover letter should be catchy with short sentences and easy to read and understand. Use readability tools to identify sentences that are too long and complicated.

#3 Let others read it

Last but not least, ask friends, family or a former professor to read it. The feedback will help you improve it and you’ll learn something in every feedback loop. If this short guide was helpful and you successfully landed a job, please consider sharing your cover letter with us so we can make it accessible to our readers.

The post Human Rights Cover Letter: Templates, Examples and Tips appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

There’s something powerful about movies. They are sensory experiences that connect audiences to emotions they might not feel in other contexts These emotions can inspire awareness and action. Movies also raise intriguing questions about the depiction of human rights, history, and real-life people. The line between exploitation and honesty is often blurry. For those interested in film, here are ten human rights movies to watch and think about:

First They Killed My Father (2017)

Director: Angelina Jolie
Writers: Loung Ung / Angelina Jolie

As a child, Loung Ung lived in Phnom Penh. Her father worked as a high-ranking government official. Life was good for Luong. In April 1975, Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge army captured Phnom Penh. Loung’s family fled, but were soon caught and subjected to beatings, labor camps, and hunger. Loung was trained as a child soldier. Based on Ung’s memoir of the same name, First They Killed My Father is a Cambodian-American Khmer-language film. It was filmed in Phnom Penh and released on Netflix.

He Named Me Malala (2015)

Director: Davis Guggenheim
Writer: Malala Yousafzai (inspired by the book I Am Malala)

This documentary tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist named after an Afghani folk hero. In 2012, Malala was shot by the Taliban, but survived. He Named Me Malala traces the events leading up to the assassination attempt and after, including Malala’s speech to the United Nations. In 2014, at age 17, Malala became the youngest Nobel laureate when she was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

City of Joy (2016)

Director: Madeleine Gavin
Writer: Madeleine Gavin

In the city of Bukavu, there’s a compound known as “City of Joy.” Part health center, part dojo, and part sanctuary, the City of Joy is home to women as they focus on healing from psychological and physical trauma like unwanted pregnancies and rape. The three founders of the City of Joy center – Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege, activist and playwright Eve Ensler (also known as V), and activist Christine Schyler-Deschryver – are close at hand. While this documentary deals with heavy themes, it focuses on hope.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Writer: Cary Joji Fukunaga

When civil war reaches 12-year old Agu (Abraham Attah), he runs. He’s caught by rebel guerrilla fighters, whose leader (Idris Elba) trains him as a child soldier. Based on the novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala, the film doesn’t specify which West African country it’s set in, but Fukunaga spent years researching the civil war in Sierra Leone. Beasts depicts the brutal physical and emotional traumas that child soldiers endure.

13th (2016)

Director: Ava DuVernay
Writers: Spencer Averick / Ava DuVernay

In 1865, the United States abolished slavery through the 13th amendment. There was an important caveat: slavery was abolished except as a punishment for a criminal conviction. In 13th, DuVernay argues that this amendment allowed slavery to persist in a new form. It justified the arrest of poor freedmen, suppressed Black Americans through Jim Crow and lynchings, and led to the War on Drugs and mass incarceration. In interviews with experts, the documentary lays out a compelling case for DuVernay’s thesis. 13th was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards. It’s available on Netflix.

The Whistleblower (2010)

Director: Larysa Kondracki
Writer: Larysa Kondracki / Eilis Kirwan

In 1999, the UN contracted former policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac as a human rights abuse investigator in Bosnia. Upon her arrival, she realized that many of the UN peacekeepers were participating in the sex trafficking of girls and women. When she tried to take action, her complaints were covered up and she was fired. In 2002, she sued. Rachel Weisz stars as Bolkovac with Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci, and David Strathairn in supporting roles. Ban Ki-moon (then the UN General Secretary) screened The Whistleblower for UN officials. The movie received some criticism for its portrayal of violence.

The Report (2019)

Director: Scott Z. Burns
Writer: Scott Z. Burns

Following 9/11, the Bush administration kicked off the War On Terror. In The Report, staffer Daniel Jones (played by Adam Driver) and the Senate Intelligence Committee investigate the CIA’s use of torture. A team reviews 6 million pages of CIA materials. What they discover becomes a 6,700-page report detailing the various human rights violations. Will the team be allowed to tell the truth?

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013)

Director: Justin Chadwick
Writer: William Nicholson

Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiographical book, Long Walk To Freedom explores the icon’s life from his childhood to his 27 years in prison to his election as the first Black president of South Africa. Idris Elba stars as Mandela. The film’s producer, Anant Singh, began work on the project following an interview with Mandela while he was still in prison. Singh was then given the film rights after Mandela’s autobiography came out.

Selma (2014)

Director: Ava DuVerny
Writer: Paul Webb

Selma spans three months in 1965 as Martin Luther King Jr. planned a march for equal voting rights. Dr. King and his allies faced discrimination, death threats, and violence leading up to the iconic walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The Best Picture-nominated film stars David Oyelowo as Dr. King with Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King.

Persepolis (2007)

Directors: Vincent Paronnaud / Marjane Satrapi
Writer: Marjane Satrapi / Vincent Paronnaud

When the Shah was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution of 1978-1979, Marjane was just a teenager. The resulting fundamentalist Islamic laws put many in danger, including Marjane herself, who refused to dampen her rebellious spirit. Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, the film translates her black-and-white art beautifully into film. Persepolis was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 80th Academy Awards and co-won the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.

The post 10 Human Rights Movies Everyone Should Watch appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human rights content encompasses a range of social, political, economic, and environmental topics. Race, gender, sexuality, climate change, and international law represent a handful of the subjects a writer might cover in articles, newsletters, blogs, podcast scripts, books, and more. If you’re writing about human rights – or want to start – here are ten tips to store in your toolkit:

#1. Identify your audience

No matter what you’re writing, knowing your audience matters. It determines the appropriate tone, style, and information you’ll present. For human rights content, your audience could be people well-versed in human rights. They don’t need a primer on foundational information like what human rights are or why they matter. For this audience, a more academic tone with more advanced terms might be appropriate.

On the other hand, your audience could be readers only starting to learn about human rights. They’ll need background on things like human rights history, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and human rights activism. An easier reading style that defines essential concepts and terms would be more appropriate for this audience.

#2. Think about a piece’s scope

How much detail is your piece of writing going to get into? What’s your planned word count? Answering these questions helps you determine how much ground you’ll need to cover and how much research is needed. If it’s a short piece, you won’t cover much beyond the basics, so research will be more limited. If it’s long-form, you’ll need to write a more in-depth piece supported with more research. Thinking about a piece’s scope also helps you estimate how long the writing will take, so you can plan accordingly and meet your deadline.

Need to expand a piece’s scope to meet a word count? Avoid padding the piece with more complex language or irrelevant tangents. You can add more examples to flesh out your points if they strengthen your argument. If possible, you can also address other perspectives. This is an especially useful method if you’re writing about something contentious. Depending on the nature of the piece, you can further clarify why your position makes more sense. If this kind of analysis isn’t appropriate, you can describe other perspectives without adding your own opinion.

#3. Outline

For writers who struggle with starting a piece, outlining is very helpful. Outlines focus the mind and give you something more than a blank page to work with. Because outlines don’t have to be pretty, there’s often less pressure and a writer is freer to just scribble. Depending on the length and style of your piece, outlines can look very different. Maybe yours includes just an Introduction, Point #1, Point #2, Point #3, and a Conclusion. An outline can also help you organize all your research, so you know exactly where a specific piece of information will go and what point it will support.

Transitioning from the outline phase to the writing phase looks different for each writer. Some writers use the outline as a very general guide while others stick very closely to the structure they’ve chosen. There’s no “correct” way. Sometimes an outline is just that – a bare-bones structure with a few points – while other times, an outline is a skeleton that a writer adds meat to until the piece is practically finished.

#4. Use narratives to make your writing interesting

Most human rights content is non-fiction, but that doesn’t mean it must be dry. Instead of only including statistics, look for narratives in the information you’re writing about. That can include describing historical examples or being specific about what an issue like sexism can look like. If you’re interviewing a person, make them come alive by describing where the interview took place, what time of day it was, and so on. Describing a subject’s physical appearance can be tricky. A 2019 blog from ProPublica Illinois discusses how if done well, descriptions can add “useful information about a person’s character.” Descriptions can distract from the main point, however, and even instigate prejudices based on race, class, and gender. Your job as a writer is to consider this and be intentional.

#5. Stick to reliable research sources

A lot of research goes into human rights content. In some cases, most of a writer’s time is spent researching, not writing. Knowing which sources are reliable is essential. UN agencies, major news organizations, organizations and universities with good reputations, and books by experts are good places to start. Ideally, you should cross-reference because even reliable sources make mistakes. If an article or blog cites a report or study, find the original piece and read at least the summary (or do a word/phrase search for the piece of info you’re checking) to make sure the source says what the article claims it says. These original sources often contain other relevant information you can use in your piece, too.

#6. Know when to cite information

Academic citations are complex and taken very seriously, but let’s assume you’re writing content like blogs or articles. Things are a little looser in this space, so most of the time, you aren’t expected to add detailed footnotes or bibliographies. The general rule is that if something is fact-based and accessible to the public (like UN stats on poverty), a link to the source and writing something like “According to a UN report from 2019” is sufficient, and proves you’ve done your research.

If you’re adding someone else’s opinion, analysis, or quote on a topic, you do need to tell your reader where it came from. Again, you’re showing your reader you’ve done your homework, but more importantly, you’re abiding by good writing ethics.

#7. Understand the appropriate terms

Language matters. Terms and phrases can empower or harm individuals or groups, so choosing the appropriate ones is important. As an example, you might wonder if it’s better to use the term “victim” or “survivor” when discussing sexual violence. Different sources use different terms. You’ll often find “survivor” linked to empowerment, but some people who’ve experienced assault prefer “victim.” In general, unless you know for sure what the subject of your writing prefers, “survivor” is likely the better term.

This doesn’t mean there’s no place for the term “victim,” but it depends on the context. As an example, this article about gender prejudice discusses the harmful phrase, “She was asking for it.” When describing those targeted by the phrase, the term “survivor” feels out of place. Since victim-blaming is the topic, the term “victim” makes more sense. “Victim” is also appropriate if the subject died as the result of a human rights violation.

#8. Consider the flow of your writing

Depending on where you work, you might have an editor, but even then, it’s important to polish your work before you send it off. That includes examining the flow of the piece. Think about the order of your points or arguments. Are they impactful in their current order? Is your strongest point buried or highlighted? Even if you’re writing listicles, you can usually order the points in a way that feels natural. As an example, in this article about the ten causes of gender inequality, uneven education access, employment inequality, and job segregation are listed in a row due to their thematic connection.

Flow applies to how the piece reads, as well. Reading your work aloud or using a text-reader gives you a good idea of a reader’s experience. They’re much more likely to keep reading the piece – and remember what’s in it – if it flows nicely.

#9. Use critical thinking when approaching human rights media

When you’re writing human rights content, you’ll interact with news, books, podcasts, films, photography, and so on. As you’re exploring, don’t simply absorb information. Question it. Assume that the media you engage with can’t tell the whole story. Acknowledge that things may be more complicated than they appear and that biases – yours and whoever created the media – influence the presentation. Critical thinking encourages a deeper look.

While all media should be scrutinized, movies and podcasts demand special attention. Why? These are often produced for entertainment as well as education. Creators employ methods to draw a consumer’s attention, which can come at the cost of good ethics or even accuracy. Additionally, complex issues might be flattened for the sake of clarity, time, or “a good story.” Human rights photography also presents unique considerations as images can be stripped of context or exploitative. Keep these things in mind when researching and writing.

#10. Read a lot

In his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King wrote, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” King mostly writes fiction, but his advice applies to all writers, including human rights content writers. You’ll get the most direct benefit by reading books, articles, and blogs on human rights, social justice, and related fields. Not only will you learn what good (and bad) writing looks like, but you’ll get lots of content ideas and sources you can use for research.

Don’t limit yourself to academic texts or dense non-fiction. There are many memoirs, poetry books, novels, and even graphic novels that focus on human rights issues. Creative works illuminate stories through a unique lens, capturing emotions and nuances that a textbook or journalistic endeavor can miss. You most likely won’t directly reference everything you read in your writing, but reading deepens your understanding and expertise.

The post 10 Tips for Human Rights Content Writers  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Lawyers are a popular subject for movies. Depending on the story, they might be portrayed as cutthroat and cold-hearted, or as passionate and willing to sacrifice their well-being for justice. Some of the best compelling films about lawyers showcase the latter. In the real world, human rights lawyers face many challenges.  They focus on human rights violations and the people most often victimized, such as women, racial minorities, refugees and members of the LGBTQ+ community. To see justice fulfilled, lawyers often face off against governments, corporations, the military and other powerful groups and individuals. Harnessing their expertise, lawyers help ensure human rights are upheld and that abusers are held accountable. Here are 13 movies about lawyers fighting for justice and human rights:

#1. Philadelphia (1993)

Director: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Mary Steenburgen

Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) works as a senior associate at a corporate law firm in Philadelphia. He’s gay but chooses to keep his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis private. After he’s fired for misplacing paperwork, Beckett suspects the firm learned about his illness. He decides to sue his former employer. Philadelphia was one of the first mainstream films to discuss homophobia, homosexuality and HIV/AIDs. Tom Hanks won an Academy Award for Best Actor, while the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. It’s inspired by the real-life story of an attorney who sued for wrongful dismissal in 1987.

#2. The Fight (2020)

Directors: Eli Despres, Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg

This documentary follows a team of lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nonprofit human rights organization working to protect individual rights and liberties in the United States. Five legal battles are covered, including the opposition to the Trump administration’s travel ban, which targeted Muslims, and a rejection of the Trump order banning transgender personnel in the military. The four lawyers in the film – and the clients they represent – display powerful, heart-wrenching commitments to justice. The film won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Social Impact Filmmaking at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

What do human rights lawyers do? Here’s our article describing the type of work this professional engages in.

#3. Marshall (2017)

Director: Reginald Hudlin
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson

Thurgood Marshall was the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. This legal drama centers on one of Marshall’s early cases: the State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell. In this 1940 case, a wealthy white woman accuses her Black chauffeur of rape. The event immediately draws the attention of the media, who create sensationalist headlines. It’s the perfect case to fuel racial stereotypes held by the nation. Marshall, who works as the NAACP’s head lawyer, defends Spell with the help of a local lawyer. While Spell’s boss claims he attacked her, Spell has a very different story. Will the truth come out?

#4. Dark Waters (2019)

Director: Todd Haynes
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Bill Camp

Corporate defense lawyer Robert Bilot (Mark Ruffalo) has his life turned upside down when a farmer (Bill Camp) from his grandmother’s hometown arrives at his office. The man wants Robert’s help investigating the chemical corporation DuPont. Robert is initially unsure of what he should do, but when he visits the farm himself, he grows more and more suspicious. Dark Waters follows Robert’s real-life quest to find the truth, the toll it takes on him and how he holds DuPont accountable for their deception. While Robert didn’t start as a human rights lawyer, his battle on behalf of those affected by the corporation’s actions certainly qualifies him.

#5. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart,

In 1993, Erin Brockovich became a whistleblower against PG&E after she discovered the company contaminating the groundwater in Hinkley, California. She was a paralegal, and with attorney Ed Masry, they won their case against the massive corporation. Her story is the subject of the film Erin Brockovich, which stars Julia Roberts and Albert Finney. Brockovich would go on to work on other anti-pollution lawsuits and as a consultant and activist.

#6. Shahid (2012)

Director: Hansal Mehta
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Prabhleen Sandhu

This film is based on the life of Shahid Azmi, an Indian lawyer. During the 1992 Bombay riots, Azmi was arrested. Because he was young and there wasn’t much evidence against him, he was released without jail time. As an adult, he is arrested again. This time, he spends seven years in jail based solely on a confession he never actually made. While imprisoned, he takes a distance course and becomes a lawyer. Following his release, Azmi begins defending others accused of terrorism. Passionate and driven, Azmi attracts the ire of many for his work. What will it cost him?

For those interested in studying human rights law, here’s our article on 12 of the best LL.M. programs.

#7. Just Mercy (2019)

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson

Harvard graduate Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) moves to Alabama to fight for those who can’t afford proper representation. With Eva Ansley (Brie Larson), he starts the Equal Justice Initiative and visits a prison to meet with death row inmates. There, he connects with Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a Black man given the death penalty for a murder he didn’t commit. Working within a complex and racist justice system, Stevenson fights to see that justice is done. Just Mercy is based on Stevenson’s award-winning memoir of the same name. Stevenson continues his work defending the human rights of people caught in the criminal justice system. He’s argued (and won) multiple cases at the United States Supreme Court.

#8. Advocate (2019)

Directors: Rachel Leah Jones and Philippe Bellaïche

Advocate follows the Jewish-Israeli human rights lawyer Lea Tsemel, who defends Palestinians accused of terrorism. Through archival footage of her career, which spans over five decades, as well as interviews with Tsemel, her family and her associates, the film explores the lawyer’s motivations for her work. Viewers also learn more about two contemporary cases Tsmele is involved with. She is a controversial figure, called a hero by some and a traitor by others. The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Festival and has won many awards at festivals around the world.

Interested in human rights and social justice law? Here’s our guide on the job’s tasks, salary and career paths.

#9. Motley’s Law (2015)

Director: Nicole N. Horanyi

After seeing her father fight for the right to disability following a car accident, Kimberly Motley found herself drawn to the law. She earned a law degree and worked as a public defender in Wisconsin for five years, but in 2008, she traveled to Afghanistan for a legal education program. What she experienced led her to stay and become the first foreign attorney to practice in Afghanistan. Motley’s Law, an award-winning documentary, provides a look into her life and work for human rights. She’s represented children, journalists, activists and others whose rights are under threat.

#10. Gideon’s Army (2013)

Director: Dawn Porter

In 1961, a man was arrested for burglary. Clarence Earl Gideon didn’t have the money to hire a defense lawyer, but when he appeared in court alone and asked for a lawyer, the judge refused. In Florida, the court was only required to appoint counsel when the defendant was charged with a capital offense. Forced to represent himself, Gideon was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The case that came from this incident, Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), determined that the right to counsel extends throughout every state and that those who can’t afford lawyers must be appointed counsel. As a result, Gideon was given another trial – this time with a lawyer – and was acquitted. Named after Gideon’s case, the documentary Gideon’s Army follows three public defenders committed to representing disenfranchised people in the Southern United States. It won the Candescent Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

#11. The Uncondemned (2015)

Directors: Michele Mitchell and Nick Louvel

For around 100 days in 1994, Hutu militias in Rwanda targeted the Tutsi minority ethnic group, enacting what is now known as the Rwandan Genocide. In 1997, Jean-Paul Akayesu, a former educator and politician from Rwanda, stood trial for 15 counts of genocide, violations of the Geneva Convention and crimes against humanity. The case was unique because it was the first trial to prosecute rape as a war crime and an act of genocide. The Uncondemned examines Akayesu’s trial. The film features three rape survivors, who anonymously testified, as well as the American prosecutors who developed the case against Akayesu.

#12. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Director: Mimi Leder
Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux

The biographical legal drama On the Basis of Sex explores the early career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. It begins with Ginsberg as a young student in law school. Following her graduation at the top of her class, Ginsberg learns no law firm will hire her because she’s a woman. She takes a job as a professor but soon finds an opportunity to challenge a sexist law in court. The film focuses on a specific case that jump-started Ginsberg’s career as a lawyer committed to striking down sex-based laws.

Gender inequality is an issue many human rights lawyers fight against. Here’s our article on what everyone should know about gender equality.

#13. Illegal Woman (2020)

Director: Ramon Térmens
Starring: Daniel Faraldo, Isak Férriz, Yolanda Sey

Fernando (played by Daniel Faraldo) works as an immigration lawyer in Spain. When his latest client, a sex worker at risk for deportation, is found dead in her cell, Fernando doesn’t believe the official story of suicide. He decides to investigate. With the help of his deceased client’s friend, Fernando risks his own safety to learn the truth. Illegal Woman is in Spanish. It doesn’t appear to be based on a true story, but it shines a light on the brutal treatment often faced by migrants and the lawyers working to protect their human rights.

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For many people, VPNs (virtual private networks) are just about gaining access to things like blocked movies. However, VPNs also combat censorship. In many places, authoritarian governments block social media platforms and information sources. VPNs get around this restriction and provide anonymous access. This anonymity is essential for many nonprofits and activists.

How to choose the right VPN

We’ll recommend five good VPNs, but it’s important to know how to choose the right VPN. There are a handful of things to consider:

Where the VPN is based

Where is the VPN provider’s headquarters? The location affects what data privacy laws the VPN must adhere to. Once you choose one, keep tabs on that area as laws can change.

Claims made by the VPN provider

What is the provider saying they’ll do or won’t do? Examine the provider’s privacy policy closely to learn how your data is used. Always verify any claims made by the VPN before deciding they’re a good fit.

Whether the provider collects your data

When looking at the privacy policy, see if the VPN collects your data. It’s also important to know that if the VPN does collect data, the government can demand to access it. This is where claims come into play again; if a VPN claims to not collect data, but it’s gotten caught for lying, you’ll want to know.

How they make money

Not all VPNs sell user data, so if they aren’t doing that, what are they doing to make money? Some will offer you access for free, but after you rack up a certain amount of data, you’ll start being charged. Knowing how the provider makes money and what’s expected of you informs your decision.

The VPN’s reputation with experts

If a VPN has a bad reputation with security professionals, you’ll want to avoid it. You can find information on what experts think using a web search.

The VPN’s encryption

Encryption is vital. If the VPN uses broken or weak encryption, your data can be easily viewed by others, including the government. Be sure to research how strong the encryption of your potential VPN is and what experts are saying.

The use of VPNs can increase your security but can also decrease it under certain circumstances. Before you use a VPN consider taking Amnesty International’s course on Digital Security and Human Rights.

VPNs for nonprofits and activists

Here are five VPNs we recommend for nonprofits and activists:

NordVPN

Features include next-generation encryption, fast speeds, worldwide access, double-protection, a Kill Switch (which protects devices from making unprotected connections), and much more. NordVPN is also a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative, which educates the public about cybersecurity and sets quality standards for the VPN industry. There’s a monthly plan, a 1-year plan, and a 2-year plan, which offers the best deal. NordVPN offers eligible organizations a discount on their service. That includes journalists, educational institutions, human rights advocates, and other nonprofits. NordVPN supports organizations like Amnesty International, the Cybercrime Support Network, RightsCon, and others.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a variety of VPN apps for top devices, browsers, smart TV systems, and game consoles. Each app comes with features like 256-bit encryption, unlimited bandwidth, a Network Lock kill switch, no activity or connection logs, and TrustedServer technology. With one subscription, you can use the VPN on up to five supported devices. If you need more, you should get the ExpressVPN app for routers. In addition to routers, ExpressVPN is currently supported by Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are three available plans: monthly, biannually, and annual.

PureVPN

PureVPN operates over 6,500 servers in 140+ countries. Features include IPv6 leak protection (which can run end-to-end encryption), split tunneling, router configuration, a fail-safe internet kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and more. Products are available for systems like Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Chrome and Firefox extensions, and Android. There’s a monthly plan, 1-year plan, and 2-year plan, which is the most recommended. If you’re new to VPNs, reviews suggest that PureVPN is a good choice.

Ivacy VPN

Ivacy has a network spanning more than 3,500 servers in 100+ locations. It has all the features you’d need. There’s 256-bit encryption, an internet kill switch, dedicated IP, split tunneling, and more. Advanced security features include IPv6 leak protection, DDoS protection, and secure downloading. You can access the VPN on up to 10 devices at the same time. It supports every major platform, such as iOS, Android, routers, and Windows. It also supports Raspberry Pi, Kodi, PS4, and Xbox. Like the other VPNs on this list, Ivacy does not log or track your data.

TorGuard

TorGuard offers VPN apps for platforms like iOS, Android, routers, Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has a network of 3,000 VPN servers in 50+ countries. Features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak blocking, unlimited bandwidth, Stealth VPN protocols, and more. Apps are also available for Chrome and Firefox. Servers feature 1GBps or 10Gbpbs port speeds. TorGuard commits to not collecting or logging your data. For encrypted webmail services – TorGuard works well.

The post 5 VPNs for Nonprofit Organizations and Activists appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Culture shapes the world, but what is culture? It’s the art, traditions, achievements, languages, and values of social groups. Culture is passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, many cultures, mostly indigenous ones, are in danger. The state of language is a good example. According to UNESCO, almost half of the world’s languages are at risk of disappearing. When languages are lost, a group’s history, stories, medical knowledge, and more are lost, as well. Culture is also threatened by things like climate change, war, religious discrimination, and development. When cultures vanish, the world’s cultural diversity suffers. Why does this matter?

What is cultural diversity?

“Cultural diversity” is the presence of various cultural and ethnic groups within a society. It’s also called “multiculturalism.” Due to drivers like immigration and economic globalization, cultural diversity is a hot-button topic. How does it manifest in society? There are two main theories: the melting pot and the salad bowl. Both these theories are simplified versions of reality. It’s not as if societies wholeheartedly embrace one or the other. They’re still worth knowing about.

The melting pot: unity or assimilation?

The melting pot theory of cultural diversity states that when different cultures meet, they melt together. The “melting pot” metaphor is often used to describe the immigrant experience in the United States. Just like different metals melt together to create something new and strong, different cultures unify into something better. Is this true, though? The positive view of a cultural melting pot says that there’s an equal blend of each culture’s strengths. In reality, however, what tends to happen is that certain cultures are forced to assimilate to the dominant culture and let go of their unique traditions. This is often enforced through government and work policies, as well as fear and shame-based discrimination.

The salad bowl theory: individuality or isolation?

In the 1960s, the salad bowl metaphor of cultural diversity gained traction. Instead of a pot where cultures meld together, cultures remain separate in a salad bowl. They retain their individuality while living side by side. We can see examples of salad-bowl communities in places like New York City, which has areas like Chinatown and Little Italy. A salad bowl preserves individual cultures, but it’s not without issues. There’s concern that society becomes fractured without a shared identity that connects the different cultures. This can lead to increased discrimination and prejudice when cultures do interact with each other. While the melting pot represents one side of the spectrum – assimilation – the salad bowl can represent isolation. There must be a balance between the two where cultures are respected and valued for their differences, but united in pursuit of the true common good. This isn’t an easy undertaking for societies. Is it worth it?

Why cultural diversity matters

Cultural diversity can lead to problems like discrimination, but it has many benefits. It can actually help reduce discrimination as opposed to fueling it. Empathy and a commitment to respect must be present. Mere proximity to a different culture may improve discrimination based on unfamiliarity, but as is clear from the United States and its long history of cultural diversity, closeness alone isn’t enough to significantly reduce discrimination. When proximity is matched with respect and celebration, different cultures benefit greatly from one another’s perspectives, skills, and values. There’s unity in this shared commitment to learning and connecting.

Cultural diversity is also important for the economy. According to research done on cultural diversity in the workplace, it’s shown to improve innovation and productivity. The more diverse a workplace is, the more ideas and perspectives there are. Tasks like problem-solving and brainstorming in particular benefit from diversity. Today, more and more businesses are investing in diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices and seeing results like better recruitment, higher employee satisfaction, and better performance.

Supporting cultural diversity

For the benefits of cultural diversity to become a reality, members of society need to come together to support it. Everyone, including but not limited to politicians, business leaders, and teachers, all play an important role in acknowledging and respecting cultural similarities and differences. Here are some examples:

• Recognize and respect other cultures’ celebrations, traditions, beliefs, etc
• Work to preserve disappearing languages
• Consume media (books, movies, music, etc) from other cultures
• Stand against cultural discrimination
• Be aware of how societies often force people to assimilate
• Encourage learning about other cultures
• Let people from other cultures speak for themselves

As globalization continues, increased interaction between different cultures is inevitable for many societies. How those societies choose to respond to that interaction and the impacts are not set in stone. If fear of the unfamiliar, disrespect, and a lack of curiosity drive decision-making, discrimination and the degradation of culture will follow. When there’s acknowledgment, respect, and celebration, cultural diversity has the power to strengthen economies and communities.

The post What is Cultural Diversity? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

At time of writing this article, there were over a hundred political prisoners in prison in the Philippines. Many of them are tortured and mistreated during interrogations. Many people have disappeared, and civilians were killed over land disputes. The human rights situation in the Philippines is deteriorating in a fast pace and the Filipino government is doing very little to tackle the issues. Nevertheless, these following 10 human rights NGOs are constantly fighting for the improvement of the human rights situation in the country.

Amnesty International Philippines

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than seven million people who are independent of any type of political ideology, religion or economic interest and who take injustice personally. They campaign for the world in which human rights are enjoyed by all.

Through its office located in Manila, Amnesty International employs research, advocacy, lobbying and campaigns to fight for human rights in the country. They lobby for adoption of anti-torture laws, ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, reproductive health policies, abolition of the death penalty, juvenile justice and adoption of laws that would stop violence against women.

Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) was established in 1998 in Manila as a federation of human rights organizations working on the issues of involuntary disappearances in Asia. They see enforced disappearances as one of the cruelest forms of human rights violations and work to support families of the disappeared.

They promote international solidarity among organizations of the families of the disappeared in Asia and other continents and provide support to their member organizations to better respond to this issue. AFAD also conducts campaigns and lobbies to address the issue of enforced disappearances in Asia to ensure there are truth, justice, and the reconstruction of the collective memory of the disappeared.

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates is human rights NGO working with a mission ‘’to develop a strong, progressive, dynamic, and pluralist human rights movement that engages the state to comply with its human rights obligations and non-state actors to fulfill their human rights responsibilities’’.

To achieve their goals, PAHRA conducts campaigns and advocates for the respect of human rights. They work closely with other human rights organizations, as well as with individuals and government agencies to promote and defend human rights. Since their establishment in 1986, PAHRA serves as an advocacy center committed to promotion of human rights and their recognition and realization as embodied in international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

KARAPATAN

KARAPATAN was founded in 1995 as an alliance of groups, organizations and individuals working for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. They conduct several programs to raise awareness about human rights in the country, including education and training, services programs, documentation and research, and networking.

However, a large portion of KARAPATAN’s work involves campaigning and advocacy through which they seek to develop a strong public opinion and support for human rights issues and concerns. To achieve this, they lobby for the defense and promotion of human rights and disseminate information about the importance of human rights.

Philippine Human Rights Information Center

Philippine Human Rights Information Center or popularly known and PhilRights was founded by the PAHRA in 1991 as the research and information human rights NGO, and since then they gained a special consultative status with the UN ECOSOC and the UNDPI.

They conduct research and produce studies on terrorism, child soldiers, the death penalty, poverty and other pressing human rights issues in the Philippines. They also provide human rights education programs and trainings and document the cases of human rights violations, all while providing long-term support to victims of human rights violations and their families.

Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau

Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau (WLB) is ‘’a is a feminist legal non-government organization composed of women’s rights activists, advocates and development workers’’. They were founded in 1990 with a goal of engaging in feminist legal advocacy and to pursue programs that uphold the rights of Filipino women.

Currently, they focus on women’s economic, social and cultural rights through maximizing gains won by women in arenas such as the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against women and other UN agencies and international organizations. They work to transform the society by engaging institutions to support women’s rights and dignity.

Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

The Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples’ is a network of NGOs working to advance rights of indigenous peoples in the country. They envision ‘’a society that promotes and defends indigenous peoples’ rights and upholds their self-determined development.

Their programs encompass network-building and information dissemination, research for enriched knowledge-base on indigenous peoples’ rights, sharing of resources and information exchange and capacity-building and policy advocacy. They also work to ensure indigenous peoples’ rights to their ancestral lands and resources in order to ensure their food security.

Campaign for Human Rights Philippines

Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines (CHRP) was founded in 2006 in response to the increasing number of political killings and human rights abuses in the country. They work to raise awareness of the critical human rights situation in the Philippines and put pressure on the government to investigate these killings and protect its citizens.

Their activities include holding seminars, hosting speaker tours and organizing protest actions. They also work to raise awareness in the UK about human rights situation in the Philippines and to put spotlight on the British investment and trade that benefit from the human rights violations in the Philippines.

PREDA Foundation

PREDA Foundation is a human rights NGO ‘’giving freedom and a new lease of life to the girls rescued from the streets, brothels, human traffickers and sex offenders and pedophiles’’. They also rescue young boys detained by the government from being abused and deprived from their children’s rights.

The heart of PREDA’s mission is working, educating and advocating human rights and especially children’s rights through public seminars and a theater group that tours internationally. They provide therapy and safe homes for children who suffered from abuse and promote their education and employment.

Free Legal Assistance Group

Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAF) is a human rights lawyers NGO committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and civil liberties in the Philippines. They advocate against political repression, police and military abuses, and death penalty.

FLAG is a leading NGO in prosecuting military and policemen and these actions have led to some landmark decisions before the courts. FLAG also incorporates the educative role of lawyers in their work with ‘’ a belief that the legal process is but part of a larger process that should involve those who are directly affected by a problem’’.

The post 10 NGOs Advocating for Human Rights in the Philippines appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

According to Merriam-Webster, “racism” is the belief that a person’s race is a “fundamental determinant” of their traits and abilities. In the real world, this has led to persistent and insidious beliefs about superior and inferior races. Racism is also the “systemic oppression” of a racial group, giving other groups a social, economic, and political advantage. Both definitions matter in this article, which addresses ten root causes of racism (specifically against Black people) on a systemic and individual level.

Register now: 5 Anti-Racism Courses You Can Audit For Free

Cause #1: Greed and self-interest

Many experts believe racist beliefs were developed to justify self-interest and greed. For almost 400 years, European investors enslaved people through the Transatlantic slave trade to support the massive tobacco, sugar, and cotton industries in the Americas. Slavery was cheaper than indentured servitude, so slavery was a business decision, not a reflection of hatred or bigotry.

Chesapeake, which grew tobacco, provides a good example. For a while, land owners used indentured servants, most of whom were young men who signed a 4-7 year contract. Servants were exploited during their contract, but after their time was over, they were free. The first Africans, some of whom worked as indentured servants, likely arrived in 1619. However, by the 1660s, the number of indentured servants from Europe dwindled, so tobacco plantation owners began to rely on slavery to raise profits. What could justify the ownership of other humans? Defenders of slavery had a list of racist reasons, saying that slavery was part of God’s plan, it “civilized” Black people, and that some races were so inferior they were meant to be slaves. As Preston Tisdale wrote in an opinion piece for CTPost, “the demonization and dehumanization of African Americans needed to be powerful enough to obfuscate the horrors of slavery.” Racism has certainly proved powerful.

Cause #2: Scientific racism

While many say ignorance sparks racism, some of history’s most intelligent minds were behind racist ideas. Around the end of the 18th century, science replaced religion and superstition as the intellectual authority. In the way scientists started categorizing animals and plants, they also started categorizing humans. In 1776, German scientist Johann Fredrich Blumenbach classified humans into five groups, putting “Caucasian,” or “the white race” at the top. In the mid-1800s, Samuel George Morton posited that brain size was linked to intelligence. He concluded that white people had larger skulls and were therefore intellectually superior. While scientific texts were not widely available in this era, Morton’s ideas managed to spread in accessible publications, like cheap periodicals.

Scientific racism only grew stronger as the years went by. The Nazis relied heavily on classifications, eugenics, and other racist junk science when justifying their genocide. While no longer held in high regard, scientific racism continues to this day thanks to groups like the Pioneer Fund, which supports publications writing about race-based differences in intelligence.

Cause #3: Discriminatory policies

Policies that discriminate by race reinforce racist beliefs. It sends a message to society that certain people, simply because of their race, don’t deserve the same treatment or opportunities as everyone else. Governments use a variety of justifications, such as natural security or public health, that many won’t ever question. It rarely matters if those justifications are at all based in reality.

Housing laws are a prime example of this. In the United States, regulations kept Black people from owning houses in certain neighborhoods for decades, relegating them to lower-quality housing and preventing them from accumulating wealth. This process of providing housing to white, middle-class, and lower-middle-class families while excluding Black Americans and other Americans of color is known as “red-lining.” The Federal Housing Administration believed if Black Americans bought homes in or near suburbs, the property values would drop. The FHA had no facts to back up this belief. Red-lining had consequences that resonate to this day, including but not limited to a gap in generational wealth and racist beliefs about Black people.

Cause #4: Representation in media

How the media represents people of different races in books, TV, movies, and music has a big impact on how society views race. While the media reflects cultural views, it also shapes culture and implants racist beliefs into young people and those new to a country. As an example, on a 2020 panel about the media’s influence on views about racism, a UNLV graduate student studying social work and journalism discussed how new immigrants are often first introduced to Black people as either criminals or police abuse victims. This negative media representation can convince immigrants they should stay away from Black people if they want to be safe.

Racism in the media is not always malicious, but it has incredibly negative effects regardless of intent. As an example, Black people are over-represented in media stories about poverty and welfare. This affects Black people’s view of themselves as well as society’s perception of Black people.

Cause #5: A desire to “keep the peace”

Racism often persists because “keeping the peace” or maintaining law and order is more important than change. In his book Stamped from the Beginning, Ibram X. Kendi writes that racist ideas in America have long suppressed resistance to racial inequalities. When people believe racist things – like that Black people are naturally more violent and dangerous – they aren’t disturbed by police brutality or mass incarceration. They believe it’s justified.

Even people who (supposedly) disagree with racist ideas can become focused on “keeping the peace” when real change requires troubling the waters. In a 1963 statement, eight Alabama clergymen called protests against racial injustice “unwise and untimely.” They asked the Black community to withdraw support from the demonstrations and “unite locally in working peacefully.” Dr. King responded in the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which includes a piercing criticism of the “white moderate,” who King describes as “more devoted to order than to justice” and who prefers a “negative peace, which is the absence of tension to a positive peace, which is the presence of justice.”

Cause #6: “Good” people who don’t challenge racism

Racist ideas flourish when “good” people refuse to talk about them. While many people don’t agree with racism, they fail to confront it head-on, which makes them ill-equipped to recognize all the forms of racism. This problem has a long history in the United States. White abolitionists may have fought to abolish slavery, but they did not go after the laws and beliefs that kept Black people from being full, equal citizens in America. Many even ended up contributing to racism as they still saw Black people as inferior, though not so inhuman as to deserve slavery. The North, which liked to see itself as progressive compared to the South, was home to numerous hate crimes.

Cause #7. Failing to recognize racism in oneself

In places like the United States, people aren’t good at recognizing racism in themselves. There are a few reasons, including the country’s failure to reckon with its racist legacy and the persistent myth that being “colorblind” is the best way to end racism. Many well-meaning people think if they just “love everyone” and ignore race, they can never be racist. They often fall into the trap that as long as they aren’t wearing a white hood or using racial slurs, they’re in the clear. However, believing in platitudes like “I don’t see race” or “All lives matter” ignores history and pretends that the US has overcome all its problems regarding race.

Cause #8: Community ties

For individuals, finding community with people who share the same beliefs about race can strengthen racist thinking. As an example, if someone grows up surrounded by racist family members or friends, they’ll likely share those beliefs. They’ll repeat racist jokes, believe the same stereotypes, and seek out others who agree with them. Even if they begin to doubt their old views or experience the negative effects of their racism, community ties and fear of isolation can keep people from changing their minds.

Stepping outside an echo chamber can help. In a study that examined data from 46 countries, researchers found that those who live in more diverse places have a stronger sense of commonality (they see themselves as more similar to each other than different) than those who live in less diverse places. There are also organizations like Life After Hate that help former extremists live happier, healthier lives.

Cause #9: Quick, unconscious judgments

People are quick to judge others based on their appearance, clothing, how they talk, and other physical traits. This isn’t something necessarily shameful as humans are wired to make fast judgments on our surroundings so we can stay safe. Our brains also use judgments as “shortcuts,” because it’s very difficult to gather a ton of information before making a decision. However, humans aren’t making judgments in a vacuum. Things like unconscious bias, our upbringings, the kind of media we consume, and more all factor into what we think of others.

Thanks to the persistence of racist beliefs in most societies, it’s easy to categorize entire groups of people as “lazy,” “violent,” “loud,” and so on. Sometimes, the generalizations aren’t necessarily negative, like how Asian people in the US are frequently stereotyped as “smart.” However, any generalizations based on race are harmful. When not challenged, these lightning-fast judgments have a significant impact on how people are treated and the kinds of opportunities they get.

Cause #10: Scapegoating

Society always looks for a scapegoat when things aren’t going well and when people experience personal struggles, they may blame others rather than themselves. Historically, racial (and often religious) minorities get blamed. As an example, when someone gets passed up for a job opportunity, they may say something like, “It’s because I’m white. The minorities always get the jobs.” Scapegoating can lead to violence. “The Great Replacement Theory” is a big example. This racist belief claims that non-European immigrants are “replacing” white people around the world. A handful of mass shootings – like the ones in Christchurch, New Zealand; El Paso, Texas; Buffalo, New York – were carried out by men who believed in the theory.

Register now: 5 Anti-Racism Courses You Can Audit For Free

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Gun violence impacts every part of society. There are certain places in the world where it’s more prevalent. According to a 2018 report, the United States had the 28th highest rate of gun violence deaths in the world. That puts the US above other wealthy countries. Gun violence is also a major issue in places like the Caribbean, Central America, and Venezuela. Here are five essays that address the financial and emotional impact of gun violence, how people use art to cope, and how the problem can be addressed.

“What Does Gun Violence Really Cost?”

Mark Follman, Julia Lurie, Jaeah Lee, and James West

This article opens with the story of a woman and her fiance shot on their way to dinner. After being close to death and staying in a hospital for five months, Jennifer Longdon couldn’t move her body from the chest down. After more hospitalizations, the bills got close to $1 million in just the first year, forcing her to file for personal bankruptcy. More expensive hospital stays followed for problems like sepsis, while wheelchair modifications for her house added up, as well.

For many people, their knowledge of gun violence comes from the news or movies. These venues tend to focus on the moment the violence occurs or the emotional impact. The long-term financial consequences as a result of health issues are less known. This article examines the existing data while telling a personal story.

“I Think of People Who Died At Sandy Hook Every Day”

Mary Ann Jacob

In this essay from 2016, Mary Ann Jacob remembers the horrific elementary school shooting from 2012. She worked at the library at the time and recalls hearing shouting from the intercom on the morning of December 14. Believing someone had pushed it by mistake, she called in, only to have the secretary answer the phone and shout, “There’s a shooter!” Mary Ann Jacob lived through one of the deadliest school shootings in US history. The essay goes on to describe what happened after and the steps survivors took to advocate for better gun control.

“You May Not See Me On TV, But Parkland Is My Story, Too”

Kyrah Simon

In 2018, a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School killed 17 students and wounded 17 others. Several students became vocal afterwards, challenging the lack of gun control in the face of such violence. They founded an advocacy group and many of the young people became household names. Kyrah Simon, a senior at the school, lost one of her best friends. She also wanted to speak up and share her story but realized that the media wanted certain speeches, certain faces. She writes, “I was just a girl that lost her friend. And it wasn’t enough.” Raw, honest, and enlightening, this personal essay is a must-read.

“Mexican Artist Transforms 1,527 Deadly Guns Into Life-Giving Shovels To Plant Trees”

Danielli

In Culiacan, Mexico, the city with the highest rate of deaths by gun violence in the country, an artist and activist began a special project. Pedro Reyes used local media and TV ads paid for by the city’s botanical garden to advertise his gun-trading project. In exchange for bringing their weapons, people received electronics and appliances coupons. Reyes made over 1,500 trades. What came next? The guns were crushed by a steamroller and melted down. Reyes used the material to create shovels. He made the same number of shovels as guns, so each gun was represented as something new.

Turning guns into art is not an uncommon action. Reyes has also made instruments while other artists make sculptures. The transformation of an object of death into something that plays a part in fostering life – like planting trees – sends a powerful message.

“Forum: Doing Less Harm”

David Hemenway

What is the best approach to gun violence? David Hemenway, a professor of health policy and director of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center and Harvard Youth Violence Prevention Center, advocates for a public-health approach. He believes gun violence is a public-safety problem and a problem-health problem, but gun lobbyists dismiss both claims. The gun lobby focuses on the shooter – the individual – so attention is diverted from the firearms industry. In focusing so much on who to blame, prevention is left out of the equation.

A public-health approach returns the attention to prevention and asks everyone to work together on the issue. Hemenway uses motor-vehicle injury prevention as a blueprint for why gun violence prevention can work. Not sure what prevention could look like? Hemenway provides examples of how actors like healthcare workers, consumers, and the federal government can work together.

Learn about the consequences of gun violence in America and which interventions are most effective to reduce gun violence in homes, schools and communities!

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What is racial injustice? It’s racism in action. Racism is the belief that certain people are superior based solely on their race. Historically, white supremacy has been a dominant form of racism. When racist beliefs dictate political actions and systems, racial injustice becomes widespread. Those belonging to the “superior” race are granted more privileges, freedoms, and opportunities than others. Racial segregation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansings are all forms of racial injustice. Here are ten quotes that describe and challenge racial injustice:

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” – Maya Angelou

Writer and activist Maya Angelou experienced racial injustice and prejudice firsthand throughout her career. She was a prolific creator, writing autobiographies, essays, poetry, plays, and more. Her work frequently addressed race and gender. In this quote, she describes prejudice as a burden that affects every space in time – the past, present, and future. It’s disorienting and dangerous.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

James Baldwin didn’t finish his manuscript he called Remember This House, but it gave us this quote. It was also the basis of the documentary “I Am Not Your Negro.” Remember This House was going to be an account of the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. While many apply this quote to a variety of difficulties, Baldwin was specifically talking about racial injustice and America. America has a long history of racism and has not truly reckoned with its past. To move forward, that past must be faced.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde described herself as “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.” She wrote frequently about the intersection of race, class, and sexuality. As someone with many different identities, she understood how differences can be twisted to justify discrimination. In this quote, she emphasizes how it’s not the differences themselves that are divisive, but that society fails to celebrate them.

“The very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.” – Toni Morrison

Celebrated author and speaker Toni Morrison wrote at least twelve books in her career. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to win a Nobel Prize. In this quote, she describes a major consequence of racism for those who experience it.

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word”. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In this quote from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Dr. King expresses his belief that people will one day leave racial injustice behind. He aligns racism with war, and peace with brotherhood. In line with his adherence to nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, he states that truth and love will ultimately win.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu is a South African Angelical cleric, theologian, and human rights activist. In the 1970s and 80s, he spoke out against apartheid and drew international attention to the racial injustice of the system. In 1984, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. This quote expresses the importance of being vocal about injustice and taking a side.

“As long as there is racial privilege, racism will never end.” – Wayne Gerard Trotman

Wayne Gerard Trotman is an award-winning British author. He’s written in a variety of genres, including children’s literature, horror, fantasy, sci-fiction, screenplays, and more. In this quote, he hits upon the fact that privilege based on race and racism can’t be disconnected from one another. As long as certain races get more opportunities and freedom than others, there will always be racism.

“Defeating racism, tribalism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination will liberate us all, victim and perpetrator alike.” –Ban Ki-moon

Former Secretary-General of the UN from 2007-2016, Ban Ki-moon’s tenure included making sustainable development a priority and increasing the number of women in senior management. In this quote, Ki-moon lists racial injustice in its different forms, saying that ending it benefits everyone.

“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.” – Ijoema Oluo

Ijoema Oluo is an American editor and best-selling writer. Her work includes the book So You Want To Talk About Race. This quote makes it clear that to be anti-racist, we must all be willing to take a hard look at ourselves. To fight racial injustice, we must all take responsibility for how and where we hold racist beliefs.

“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” – John Lewis

John Lewis was an American politician, civil rights leader, and Medal of Freedom awardee who served in the House of Representatives from 1987 until his death in 2020. In this quote, Lewis emphasizes how the struggle against racial injustice is persistent. Every generation must participate in the dismantling of racism and racist systems.

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Human rights art encompasses a variety of mediums, including paintings, poetry, and film. Many people might not think cartoons fall under this umbrella, but they have a unique place in human rights activism and advocacy. Cartoons present ideas, issues, and events in a way that an essay or article can’t. As art, cartoons can be purely visual and don’t need text to convey a message. They transcend language. When they do include text, it’s still more readable than traditional books or articles. Thanks to the internet, political and human rights-focused cartoons have an expansive reach. This allows cartoonists to connect with people across the world. Human rights can be a complex and emotionally-challenging subject. Here are five examples of human rights cartoons and artists:

“The Challenges of War” (series)

Somalia experienced a civil war in 1991. It’s been three decades, but conflict still rages on. Millions of Somalis have left, while those who stay must bear the effects of violence. In this series from PositiveNegatives, produced for Peace Direct, artist Pat Masioni depicts the stories of three Somalis: Abdi, Lembaka, and Ayaan. Each story is three pages and available to view on the PositiveNegatives website.

Peace Direct is an international charity that supports local people in their efforts to end war and build peace. Their goal is to provide skills and resources. PositiveNegatives is a group that produces comics on international social issues and human rights. They are funded by media, charity, and philanthropic organizations that use the comics for outreach, advocacy, and education. Team members travel the world to hear stories and capture their context as accurately as possible.

Ali Ferzat (artist)

When cartoonists are attacked for their art, their power is obvious. Ali Ferzat, an award-winning cartoonist from Syria, is familiar with danger. In 1989, he had an exhibition in France, which included a cartoon called The General and the Decorations. It depicted a general handing military decorations to an Arab citizen instead of food. The exhibit prompted Saddam Hussein to threaten Ferzat’s life, while Iraq, Jordan, and Libya banned the artist. Ferzat continued his work, becoming more direct in his criticism of the Syrian government during the Syrian Civil War. In 2011, masked men attacked him, breaking his hands. Ferzat left Syria and Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Many of his cartoons can be viewed on various websites. In the selection on the Guardian link, Ferzat includes a comic of a gun with a razor replacing the trigger. A severed finger lies beneath it. He drew the cartoon in 2002 to represent how violence hurts those who are targeted and those who perform the violence.

“70 Years of Human Rights” (series)

In 2018, the UN Human Rights Office collaborated with Cartoon Movement to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They held a cartoon contest where artists from over the world submitted comics representing the declaration’s 30 articles. One cartoon per article was selected by a public vote. There’s a variety of styles depicted and countries represented. These comics are a great resource for people interested in discussions about the UDHR.

Cartoon Movement is a web platform for professional editorial cartoonists around the world. Their network consists of more than 500 cartoonists. They also commission for clients. All cartoons are available for purchase and should not be used without permission.

March (graphic novel trilogy)

John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Congressman John Lewis (1940-2020) tells his life story in this trilogy of graphic novels. There are a lot of ways to learn about Lewis. Anyone who loves comics and graphic novels will appreciate this form. While focusing on Lewis’ journey as a major figure in desegregation and the fight for civil rights, the cartoons also ruminate on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. The final and third book in the series was released in 2016.

“March” was co-written with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell. The trilogy has won multiple awards including the Eisner Award. It was the first graphic novel to win a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award.

Maus (graphic novel)

Art Spiegelman

One of the most famous graphic novels of all time, Maus tells the story of the artist interviewing his father about the Holocaust. It is notable for depicting Jews as mice and Germans as cats, which has been a source of criticism. Alongside the story of his father’s survival, Spiegelman digs into the difficult relationship they share. Originally serialized between 1980-1991, Maus uses a distinct postmodern style and blends genres like fiction and memoir. In 1992, it won a Pulitzer Prize, becoming the first and only graphic novel to win the award. Alongside comics like Watchmen, Maus changed the public’s perception of what cartoons could be.

Art Spiegelman worked on comics magazines Arcade and Raw. He was also a contributing artist for The New Yorker for ten years. In 2004, he released In the Shadow of No Towers, which described his experiences on September 11th. He lived close to the towers at the time of the attack.

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Studies show diversity in the workplace benefits organizations. Innovation, creativity, and productivity are just a few benefits. Diversity can also create tension. If differences aren’t respected, they can even become sources of conflict. That’s why inclusion matters just as much as diversity. DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts seek to harness the strengths of diversity and make the workplace an equitable, inclusive space. Activities can help. To ensure success, facilitators and organizers should always consider things like visual needs, physical mobility, and dietary restrictions. For an activity to work, everyone needs to be able to participate. Here are 13 diversity activity ideas:

#1. Committee-led panels

An effective DEI program requires a committee. If an organization doesn’t establish a committee, DEI efforts tend to fall by the wayside or on the shoulders of the 1-2 employees most interested in DEI. Committees better equipped to enforce DEI goals and initiatives. Every quarter or so, the committee can lead a panel event where members update everyone on DEI initiatives and events.

What does a successful panel look like? There are many ways to run a panel, but at its core, it’s a structured conversation with multiple perspectives. They’re good compliments to presentations and keynote speeches. Moderators play an important role, too, so the committee should be sure to choose a moderator with experience.

#2. Town halls

Town halls are meetings open to everyone in an organization, regardless of where they fall on the hierarchy. The purpose is to share information first-hand with all employees, let employees of all levels interact, and open management to direct feedback. At a DEI-focused town hall, management should emphasize the importance of DEI efforts and empower all employees to work together to achieve diversity and inclusion goals.

Because town halls involve so many people, they can be complicated. Organizers should plan carefully to prevent any technical or logistical mistakes, poor time management, dull information, or irrelevant content.

#3. Movie clubs

Movie clubs are often easier than book clubs. Watching a movie takes significantly less time than reading a book, which increases potential interest and the likelihood of participation. An organization can enhance its DEI efforts and encourage emotions like empathy and understanding through curated films and discussions. Movies can also make diversity and inclusion more entertaining!

For convenience, many organizations will need to host movie clubs virtually or have virtual options. They should be sure to invest in the proper technology and qualified professionals who can provide a smooth experience.

#4. Guest speakers

Guest speakers are a great compliment to regular DEI initiatives and policies. They can offer diverse perspectives, inspirational messages, and unique insights that break up what can feel like the mundane, everyday work at an organization.

When choosing a speaker, there are a few factors to consider, such as budget, audience, and the event’s purpose. Budgeting can often be the trickiest part. You want to pay a guest speaker what they’re worth, but many organizations make the mistake of paying high speaking fees while cutting their own DEI budgets. Don’t forget that the DEI efforts within the workplace are more important than an impressive guest speaker.

#5. Inclusive language training

A workplace can exclude or include members of the workforce with the words it uses. Inclusive language demonstrates respect and belonging to everyone. Because language is fluid, it’s important to keep the workforce on the same page about the words they use. Inclusive language training helps explain the importance of language to DEI efforts, workplace safety, intersectionality, belonging, and much more.

Inclusive language training can be a fraught area. There aren’t always clear-cut rules because language is deeply personal. It’s arguably more important to emphasize values like respect and dignity than specific do’s and don’ts. When done properly, inclusive language training is essential to a welcoming workplace.

#6. What This Day Means To Me

For the “What This Day Means to Me” activity, team managers gather with their employees and discuss what days over the next month are important to them. Employees get the chance to explain what religious days/holidays mean to them and share personal stories if they like. Conversations like this increase cultural understanding among a team. Team managers should then consider giving these employees the days off. To be fair to everyone, holiday policies should be flexible and non-discriminatory.

“What This Day Means” meetings should happen before team managers plan other events for the month. It’s less of an “activity” than some other ideas on this list because respecting holidays/important days is not optional. Coming together as a group to discuss it, however, can be a great opportunity to learn more.

#7. What Respect Means

The “What Respect Means” activity is simple. Participants gather in a room and talk to a coworker. It’s better if they talk to someone they don’t know well. They should introduce themselves and then talk about what “respect” means to them. How do they define respect? What are some examples of respect in a workplace setting? Each person should get a chance to speak without interruption.

When everyone is finished talking, the group should come together. The moderator will go around the room and ask everyone about the different examples that came up. Are there similar examples? Or examples that people may not have thought about before? Through the responses, the participants will get a well-rounded idea of what respect means to different people. In future interactions, people are more aware of what behavior or words their coworkers consider respectful or not respectful.

#8. Walk of Privilege

For the “Walk of Privilege” activity, a group meets in a room with enough room to walk around. Everyone starts a few steps away from the wall. The moderator will then begin saying different general statements. For statements like “People with my sexual identity have always been able to get married,” the people who answer “yes” should step forward. When hearing a “negative” statement like, “I had to take out loans for my education,” a person to whom this applies steps backward. When all the statements are read, participants will be in different places in the room. There will be people who have stepped forward most of the time, while others have stepped back more. Some might even be against the wall.

The goal of this activity is to give participants an idea of what privilege looks like. This is a higher-risk activity because people are revealing personal information. It should only be offered if the group trusts each other. Also, keep in mind that this activity requires people to stand and step forward and backward. If someone in a group is unable to do this, the activity should be modified or swapped out for something else.

#9. A potluck

Sharing food is one of the most powerful ways for people to connect. In an office setting, choose a day where everyone in the group brings in a dish from (or inspired by) their culture. Everyone has varying levels of cooking and baking skills, as well as free time, so food doesn’t need to be homemade. People should also feel free to bring appetizers, main meals, snacks, or desserts. During lunch, people should get a chance to explain their dish and why they chose it.

Since this activity involves food, moderators need to consider dietary restrictions. If people are on board with a potluck, there should be options for those with food allergies and personal/religious restrictions. Everyone should be aware and respectful of restrictions.

#10. I Am, But I’m Not

The “I Am, But I’m Not” activity is rooted in listening, not discussing. Moderators should make that clear at the beginning. Everyone in the group should get a sheet of paper with two columns. One column should read “I am” while the other one says, “But I am not.” On the “I am” side, people should write in what they identify as. On the right side, they should write the things that don’t apply to them but might be assumed because of biases and stereotypes. When people are finished writing, they should read out their responses. People may be tempted to chime in or even get defensive, but the moderator should make sure no one gets interrupted.

This activity can be challenging. The group should have been through other diversity activities together and established trust. While some of the stereotypes might be held by people within the group, it’s best to avoid calling out any specific names. An experienced moderator should facilitate.

#11. Mentoring programs

Mentoring relationships exist between two people – a mentor and a mentee. The mentor provides knowledge, experiences, and skills to the mentee. The focus tends to be on professional development, but mentorships are typically more flexible and open-ended, depending on what both people want. Mentorship can play a vital role in DEI efforts as it strengthens relationships and helps promote employees from minoritized backgrounds.

Reverse mentoring has also gained some steam in workplace settings. With this type of relationship, the less experienced person fills the role of mentor. They help their more experienced counterpart with newer technologies and trends, while the more experienced person shares their knowledge, too. Ideally, any mentorship relationship should be based on collaboration.

#12. Classes

Many organizations and universities offer classes focused on DEI and related topics. Organizations can provide classes on a mandatory or voluntary basis to employees. These classes can go more in-depth than a 1-day training and encourage more active participation.

DEI classes and certificates are available online on learning platforms like Coursea, edX, and LinkedIn. To ensure classes aren’t a burden on employees, the organization should pay any required fees. If the class is mandatory, participants should also be paid for their time.

#13. Employee resource groups

Employee resource groups (ERGS) are teams of people who gather based on shared experiences and identities. When among people like them, employees feel more comfortable being themselves, discussing any issues they’re experiencing at work, and improving their communication. ERGS are employee-led.

ERGS can be organized in a variety of ways. Types include groups with shared cultures or ethnicities, disabilities, gender, age, sexual orientation, and so on. Employees can be part of multiple ERGS at the same time. What are some common challenges with ERGS? They may make different groups feel detached from one another. ERG leaders may also feel overworked because leading a group is voluntary and doesn’t come with increased pay. The most successful ERGs have high participation, support, and clear ideas about their purpose.

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According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is defined as behaviors that physically harm, provoke fear, prevent a person from doing what they want, and force them to do things that they don’t want to do. Emotional abuse, sexual violence, and threats all fall under the umbrella of domestic violence.

While women are not the only ones who endure domestic violence, almost ⅓ of women worldwide who report being in a relationship at some point have experienced it. In households where there are children, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a 45-60% chance that child abuse is occurring in tandem with violence against a partner. Children also witness a high percentage of assaults and the effects are devastating. Considering how common domestic violence is, it makes sense that many filmmakers would tackle the subject. There’s a fine line between bringing attention to the issues and exploiting it. Here are five movies that wrestle with domestic violence:

A Vigilante (2019)

The “vigilante” of this film is Sadie, played by Olivia Wilde. A domestic abuse survivor, Sadie now spends her time finding and punishing abusers. At the same time, she’s attempting to track down her own abuser, her ex-husband. “A Vigilante” is a revenge fantasy, but unlike many in its genre, the world of the movie is realistic and grounded. It’s our world, where Sadie can find more than a few abusers living their lives free and easy. Olivia Wilde’s performance is powerful and painful. Though her character takes action in a way that’s truly cinematic, the emotions driving them still feel real, and the movie focuses on her inner life just as much as the violence.

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Based on Stephen’s King book of the same name, “Gerald’s Game” might seem like an odd movie to include on this list. However, this film isn’t about supernatural horrors or monsters. The real villains in this story are very human and very close to Jessie, the movie’s heroine. One of them, her husband Gerald, actually dies very early in the film. He suffers a heart attack after cuffing Jessie to their bed and attempting to force a rape fantasy on her. She can’t free herself, and Gerald appears in her delusions, taunting her. The other villain emerges from deep within Jessie’s memories as she realizes the effects that one day from her childhood has had on her whole life.

For the vast majority of the film, Jessie is trapped, both physically and in her thoughts. When she begins to unravel her past, however, she figures out how to escape her present. The film is much more than just a tense thriller. It’s a powerful metaphor of the effects of domestic violence and abuse, no matter how long ago it happened or how much it’s repressed.

Berlin Syndrome (2017)

Clare meets Andi while in Germany and they enjoy a one-night stand. However, the next morning, Andi is gone and he’s locked Clare in his apartment. At first she thinks it might be an accident, but it becomes clear that he intends to keep her there forever. Like “Gerald’s Game,” the plot of this film is not based in realism. It serves as a metaphor for what domestic violence can look like. For many people, the idea of leaving an abusive partner is like asking Clare, who is literally locked in Andi’s apartment, to just leave. While her walls are physical, the psychological walls are just as real for those enduring domestic violence.

The film does take time to dig into the psychological aspects of Clare’s situation, as well, which get complex. While trapped and tormented by Andi, Clare actually begins to adjust to her new “life.” She starts to play the role of a dutiful partner, cooking, cleaning, and comforting her abuser. However, as it goes with domestic violence, Clare’s changed behavior isn’t enough for Andi and he continues the abuse. “The Berlin Syndrome” does an apt job at depicting both abuser and survivor, and why “just leaving” isn’t a simple decision.

Dangerous Intentions (1995)

The oldest movie on this list, “Dangerous Intentions” originally aired on CBS. The issue of domestic violence (and that specific term) first started being discussed in the 1970’s, so in 1995, it was still a fairly recent subject matter for movies. “Dangerous Intentions” is (allegedly) based on a true story and follows a woman dealing with an abusive husband, parents who don’t believe her, and a legal system that won’t protect her. This is an interesting movie to watch because it is a bit older, but it also portrays problems that still happen today, like victim-blaming.

Private Violence (2014)

While the stats on domestic abuse are overwhelming, often the best way to communicate its effects is through intimate portraits. This 2014 documentary zeroes in on a justice advocate and the domestic abuse survivor she’s representing. Despite the fact that Deanna’s husband kidnapped her (along with their daughter) and beat her so badly that the doctors were horrified, he was not immediately arrested. The film follows Deanna’s case, which is taken up by advocate Kit Gruelle, who herself is a survivor of domestic violence. “Private Violence” shows just how challenging and complex navigating the legal system can be.

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The world is going into a new decade. Unfortunately, it’s not been the best few years for human rights. Research like the 2018 Rule of Law index shows threats to human rights exist in ⅔ of the surveyed 113 countries. Since 2016, the index has reported diminishing scores. Many of the human rights issues fuel each other. As one becomes more significant, so do a host of others. Looking into 2021, what are the top 10 human rights issues of the future?

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is growing around the world. According to numbers from the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), there’s been an increasing global trend since 2010. The executive director pointed out that armed groups and terrorists use human trafficking to spread fear. Victims often end up working in the sex trade or other forced labor. Human trafficking isn’t limited to certain countries. Of those trafficked, women and girls make up the majority. As the issue becomes more severe and widespread, the international community needs to ramp up its efforts. Read our other articles about human trafficking essays, facts, causes, documentaries, books and movies.

Refugee crises

According to the U.N. chief, the world is dealing with the “highest levels of displacement on record.” Reasons include climate change and armed conflict. Refugees fleeing their homes also experience persecution and discrimination. Other reports suggest the situation will only get worse in the future. What can be done? Providing assistance is expensive. The 2019 Global Humanitarian Overview estimates that the 132 million people displaced by conflicts in South Sudan, Yemen, Nigeria, and Somalia require over $20 billion. Because climate change and armed conflict aren’t easily resolved, the refugee crises will be of the biggest human rights issues in the future. Learn more about the refugee crises in a free online course.

Worker rights

In Article 23.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all people have “the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.” These rights are threatened around the world in a myriad of ways. Injustices like wage theft, discrimination, and physical endangerment occur all the time. Work systems can make work-life balance difficult, taking a toll on employees’ mental health. In many places, inadequate pay is also an issue. The federal minimum wage in the United States has remained the same since 2009. As we go into a new decade, worker rights will become more significant.

Gender equality

Gender inequality has been a human rights issue for hundreds of years. Even with decades of progress, the World Economic Forum believes it could take the world another century to realize gender equality. It’s a complicated issue because there isn’t just one problem to address. Access to education, political representation, reproductive rights, economic opportunities, and more contribute to gender inequality. Making significant changes and monitoring progress will remain a top human rights in the future. Learn more about Gender equality in a free course.

LGBTQ+ rights

LGBTQ+ rights are not an especially recent human rights issue, but they will evolve in the future. Depending on the country, the state of these rights varies widely. All over the world, definitions are changing and expanding. This makes navigating the issues more challenging and complex for society and the human rights community. In the future, how we approach LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity may change, but standing against discrimination will remain necessary.

Human rights and technology

Looking at the past, innovations spread at a lightning pace. Inventions like the internet impact how we communicate and how ideas develop. Technology also changes our relationship with powerful institutions. Unfortunately, legal protections and structures have not developed at the same speed. The future will include questions about human rights as they apply to data privacy, the definition of hate speech, surveillance and digital security. These issues will trigger the development of organizations dedicated to this area.

Nationalism

Despite seventy years of multilateralism and global leadership from institutions like the UN, nationalism is on the rise. It can be found in countries like the United States, Europe, China, and Turkey. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights warns that nationalism threatens rights such as the right to life, food, and health. Vulnerable groups like refugees and the LGBTQ+ community face significant danger under nationalism. In the coming years, the world will have to reckon with this shift.

Attacks on journalists and the spread of misinformation

The concept, definition, and spread of “fake news” will continue to be a major issue for societies around the world. Fake news, defined as misinformation and propaganda, causes divisions and endangers a free press. Journalists face significant obstacles and dangers to their work and lives. 2018 was the worst year on record for journalists according to Reporters Without Borders. With nationalism gaining strength, this trend will continue. Human rights as a whole suffer when truth and access to information are endangered.

Responding to climate change

The climate crisis will only get worse as time goes on. Our current state reflects climate scientists’ worst-case scenarios. How to respond will be one of the world’s most serious questions in the future. In a 2019 report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development stated that the energy industry needs a careful transition. Otherwise, the loss of money from the energy industry could cause destabilization “internally, regionally, and even internationally.” However, a transition is essential for the survival of humanity. How to respond to humanitarian crises caused by climate change will also be a significant human rights issue.

A more effective UN and commitment to human rights

2018 reflected the 12th year of a global decline in political and civil rights. When reports on 2019 come out, they’re likely to echo this disheartening reality. As we enter a new decade, the international community has an opportunity to show a renewed commitment to human rights. Countries need to hold themselves and others accountable while raising awareness of human rights and social justice issues.

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Ads are so ingrained in most cultures, we aren’t always aware of them. Sometimes, they’re obvious as spots on the radio, before a Youtube video, and on TV. Other times, they’re more subtle and placed strategically into movies or blended into a busy city environment. Human rights organizations use ads to draw a person’s interest and raise awareness of an issue. They want to ignite a spark in people and encourage them to support the organization’s goal. The most powerful ads are the ones that embrace creativity in unexpected ways. Here are five of the best:

“The Autocomplete Truth” campaign

Organization: UN Women | Year: 2013

Developed by Memac Oglivy and Mather Dubai for UN Women in 2013, this web/print ad campaign used Google to demonstrate the need for women’s rights. The one-page ads put phrases from Google’s autocomplete feature over different women’s faces. The autocomplete filled in a variety of offensive and negative stereotypes about women, such as “women shouldn’t…vote.” The goal of the ads was to show that while women have broken barriers, the popular understanding of women is still saturated with inequality. The suggestions that come up with autocomplete are based on a few factors, including common and trending searches. Using autocomplete is a very creative, visually-impactful way to get a conversation going.

UN Women turned the campaign into a video, using clips from women’s history and then displaying Google’s autocomplete statements. The organization suggested using the autocomplete feature yourself. Now, Google says it tries to remove search predictions that are “hateful” against groups and individuals.

Amnesty International Indonesia’s Signature Poster Campaign

Organization: AI | Year: 2019

Amnesty International began with signature campaigns. Today, they still rely on this simple, but effective method. To encourage young people to get involved, Amnesty International Indonesia worked with agency Grey Indonesia. Their posters focus on three human rights issues: child marriage, gender-related persecution, and suppression of freedom of expression. Using single-line illustrations, a person’s signature links two images. The first image represents the issue – i.e. a child in a wedding dress – while the second represents freedom – the child playing with a balloon. The text on the poster reads: “Your signature can free Indonesia from child marriage/gender-related persecution/violations of freedom of expression.”

The posters were put up around the Amnesty International office and the surrounding area, which was a very popular spot for young people. The goal was for the posters to end up in other places frequented by young Indonesians, including art galleries and cafes. This ad is a great example of a simple, beautiful design used for maximum impact.

“Only for Children”

Organization: Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk Foundation | Year: 2013

This ad campaign took creativity to a different level, creating a visual illusion with powerful results. A Spanish organization, the Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk Foundation (ANAR) teamed up with ad agency GREY Spain to send their message. Adults see one version of the poster while kids see another. How? Using lenticular printing, the poster shows different images depending on the angle. Anyone taller than 4-feet, 5-inches sees a sad child with the text, “Sometimes, child abuse is only visible to the child suffering it.” Anyone under that height sees a picture with tell-tale bruises and injuries. The text is different, too. It says: “If somebody hurts you, phone us and we’ll help you.” The foundation’s phone number is also included.

In this ad, the high-tech isn’t a gimmick. The foundation hoped that kids, who may be standing right next to their abuser, would feel seen and motivated to call the number. This is an example of an organization using an ad not only to raise awareness of an issue but to reach out to those directly affected by it.

“2100 in 2010”

Organization: Human Rights Watch | Year: 2010

In June 2010, Human Rights Watch and ad agency JWT developed a powerful way to raise awareness about political prisoners in Burma. They set up an art installation made of miniature prison cells in New York’s Grand Central Station. Each cell contained a picture of one of the 2100 political prisoners in Burma at the time. The bars were made from detachable pens. People were encouraged to remove the pens and sign a petition asking Burma’s military government to free the prisoners. A highly-interactive ad, it represented how something as simple as a signature could help free someone from unjust imprisonment.

The ad resonated with people. Thousands of signatures were collected. JWT was honored with six international advertising awards, including a Grand CLIO in Environmental Design. The “2100 in 2010 campaign” shows that organizations don’t need to limit themselves to print or web campaigns.

“Malak and the Boat”

Organization: UNICEF | Year: 2016

One of the most powerful ads in recent times, “Malak and the Boat” is one animated video from a campaign called “Unfairy Tales.” Based on the true stories of children escaping conflict, “Malak and the Boat” tells the tale of a seven-year-old fleeing Syria by sea. Without knowing what the story is about, it starts like a traditional fairy tale. Things take a turn when it becomes clear what’s going on. The last shot is especially powerful: it shows the real Malak introducing herself.

UNICEF developed the campaign with agency 180LA, which gave “Malak and the Boat” to House of Colors. Andre Holzmeister is credited as the writer and director. He also completed all the CGI by himself in five weeks. UNICEF and 180LA won the Cannes Grand Prix for Good for the campaign.

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Human rights are an important aspect of everyone’s everyday life, whether we are aware of it or not. We have compiled a short list of five activities you can engage in, to learn more about human rights in just a weekend.

#1. Watch a human rights movie

Watching a human rights documentary or movie is a great way to learn more about the harsh realities people are facing around the world. Human rights movies are available on all popular movie streaming platforms such as Netflix. If you are lucky enough to live close by, you may also want to attend one of the human rights film festivals. These festivals provide important platforms for independent filmmakers and offer the opportunity to engage in discussions and learn first-hand about their experiences.

#2. Read a human rights book

No matter if you are a human rights student, a seasoned professional or an activist who supports human rights, there is a human rights book for everyone. You may be interested to start with an introduction to human rights or delve into a more specific topic such as human trafficking, social justice or refugee rights. You do not necessarily need to spend money on human rights books. Here is a list of human rights law books you can download for free.

#3. Take a human rights course

If you want to learn more about human rights and how you can defend human rights, you may want to join a free online course on human rights. Some courses provide a general introduction and overview of human rights, while others deal with specific issues such as Women’s Rights, Child Rights or Diversity and Inclusion. If you like, you can opt-in for a paid certificate and earn a credential for an extra fee.

#4. Visit a human rights museum

Human rights museums are very intense experiences. They provide immersive ways to better understand current and historic atrocities such as the Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge and the refugee crises. When you plan your next trip, don’t forget to visit a human rights museum.

#5 Volunteer for a human rights cause

If you want to get active on your weekends, consider joining one of the human rights organizations in your city. If you are living in a remote area there are still plenty of opportunities to get active with organizations like Amnesty International, Oxfam or Human Rights Watch.

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Set in Italy in the 1930s, Life is Beautiful follows the story of Guido, a light-hearted Jewish bookkeeper who marries and has a child with a woman he loves. After a short yet blissful life together, his family becomes victims of the Holocaust. Thrown into a gruesome concentration camp, Guido strives to do everything that he can to keep his family together and protect his son during those horrific times; he imagines that the Holocaust is actually a game to be played and that the prize for winning the harrowing game comes in the form of a tank.

Set in 1997, The Uncondemned is a story about the prosecution of the very first case of genocide in history that began at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. At the heart of the story is a group of young activists from all over the world, led by a 27-year-old graduate of Columbia Law School and a 31-year-old deputy district attorney from Los Angeles. Together with hardly any supplies or guidelines, the small group of courageous women tackles many obstacles on their way to pushing for charges for rape as a crime of war.

Incendies follows the story of twins named Simon and Jeanne as they make a journey to the Middle East where their family originates. They aim to learn about the history of their family to fulfill the last wishes of their late mother, wishes that they discover upon opening her will. Adapted from an acclaimed play by Wajdi Mouawad, this is a moving tale of the journey of two young people to a land filled with deeply set hatred, wars that never seem to end and the power of a love that endures it all.

Set in the 1990s during the Rwandan crisis, Hotel Rwanda is the story of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina who took in more than one thousand Tutsi refugees. These refugees were fleeing from the Rwandan Hutu militia, the group responsible for the brutal murders of over one million people in the country. While the rest of the world was kept in the dark on the matter or chose to turn the other cheek, the brave and determined hotelier invoked great courage to help save the lives of helpless refugees from the brutalized country by keeping them all safe in his hotel.

Five-time Oscar nominee Blood Diamond is a story that follows a man named Archer who has a troubled family history. Determined to survive his hardships, he becomes a major player in the business of conflict diamonds. The citizens of Sierra Leone where the film takes place are warring desperately with one another during this time, causing double the trouble for those who want to get their hands on a priceless diamond which has found itself in the hands of Archer’s business. Archer eventually meets two people who end up changing his life for the better as he gets the chance to make peace with the conflict surrounding him.

Anne Frank is a film adaptation of the diary that young Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Holland, kept during her time in hiding when she moves into a secret annex with her family along with other Jews trying to escape the grip of the Nazis. The account is told from Anne Frank’s perspective and tells a story of true family bonds in trying times along with Anne’s transition from girlhood into motherhood while stuck in hiding. Ultimately, Anne and her family get arrested in 1944 and shipped off to concentration camps where they were separated from one another forever.

The Killing Fields is a story that surrounds Sydney Schanberg, a journalist trapped in Cambodia during the notorious “Year Zero” cleansing carried out by the tyrant, Pol Pot. This “cleansing” brutally took the lives of over two million citizens considered to be “undesirable.” Living in Cambodia to cover the civil war, Schanberg works with a local representative named Dith Pran to get all of the news on the event. Pran sends his family away from the country when the American forces withdraw, but stays behind and fights to get away from the grip of the cleansing alongside his American counterpart.

Beasts of No Nation is a harrowing tale that surrounds the life of a child soldier named Agu. Agu is a young boy who has been forced to fight in a war in a fictional West African country. Agu’s youth is ruined by both his participation in battle and his fear of his commander and the men he fights alongside. This film unapologetically shows the different mechanics and components of war and makes no attempt to hide the explicit, gruesome details to paint an intricate, and at times, hard to watch picture of the life of a child soldier.

Set just over ten years after the end of racial segregation in America, Selma, an Oscar-winning film, documents a harrowing and difficult three-month time frame in 1965. During this time, Dr. Martin Luther King led a brave yet dangerous campaign against the racist, violent opposition that aimed to trample equal voting rights for all. Detailing the famous march from Selma to Montgomery that ultimately got the President to sight the Voting Rights Act of 1965, this story chronicles one of the most important victories that the civil rights movement ever had.

In the film Houligan Sparrow, Ye Haiyan, known as Sparrow, traveled to the Hainan Province to seek justice for elementary school girls who were abused sexually by their principal. She knew she was facing a number of terrible obstacles. These included things like harassment, state surveillance and even possible imprisonment. Still, she persisted, even as the intense reaction to her presence ended in a relentless pursuit of the woman and shocked activists all over China. Chased from town to town by the national secret police and local governments, this moving story follows Sparrow on her tireless quest for justice.

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In recent years, the undeniably devastating effects of climate change have become clearer and clearer. Higher global temperatures lead to drought, flooding, rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions on an unprecedented scale. This affects not only the environment and animal species, but humans and their rights as well. Marginalised communities and vulnerable groups suffer the most from the consequences of climate change.

What happens when people are unable to stay where they are, faced with droughts, flooding, disease, and other dangers? They become climate refugees. Data from the World Bank suggests that by 2050, climate change could displace many as 140 million people. Here are five films available online that explore this issue further:

Planet SOS from Palau to Alaska: Where Will Climate Refugees Go When The Tide Rises? (2019)

Available on: Youtube |  From: Al Jazeera English
Al Jazeera reporters travel to Palau, an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, to investigate the effects of climate change. For thousands of years, the people have depended on the ocean, but as sea levels rise, they’re in danger. In this short film, Al Jazeera takes a closer look at what Palau is doing to protect itself and its biodiversity. The film also features a reporter going to an Alaskan village. There, natives deal with rising seas. In the Netherlands, people consider building homes on the water.

The Al Jazeera Media Network owns Al Jazeera English. It’s won numerous awards since its launch in 2006. The network is available via live streaming on its website. “Planet SOS” proves that the effects of climate change aren’t something on the horizon. They’re happening right now.

Fleeing Climate Change – The Real Environmental Disaster (2019)

Available on: Youtube | From: DW Documentary | Report by: Thomas Anders

In this 42-minute documentary, viewers are taken to “hotspots” or areas most affected by climate change. These include the Sahel Zone, Indonesia, and the Russian Tundra. In the Sahel Zone, Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% over the last half-century. Without rain, around 40 million will need to leave their homes. In Indonesia, rising waters from rivers will destroy poorer neighborhoods and ruin crops. In Russia, melting permafrost endangers both people and infrastructure.

DW Documentary is part of the DW-TV family of television channels from Deutsche Welle. Broadcasting began in 1992 with a focus on news and information. Documentaries like “Fleeing Climate Change” come from German broadcasters and international production companies. The film shows how climate change affects the world in different but equally devastating ways.

Climate Refugees (2010)

Available on: Tubi (US only, free), Youtube (rent) | Director: Michael P. Nash

Director and producer Michael P. Nash explores the human impact of climate change around the world. He and his producing partner Justin Hogan went to 48 countries to collect information.  The film features politicians like John Kerry and Al Gore, as well as scientists and environmental activists. What will happen when countries run out of food and water? Where will the people go?

“Climate Refugees” premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. The film has an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, but received some criticism for its portrayal of climate refugees as “victims” and wealthier Western nations as “saviors.” Because of the breadth of research involved in making the film, it’s still worth watching and discussing.

The Age of Consequences (2016)

Available on: Tubi (US only, free), Youtube (rent) | Director: Jared P. Scott

This film looks at climate change effects like human migration and conflict within a national/global security framework. Military members and politicians like Madeleine Albright discuss how climate change plays a role in issues like the rise of ISIS and the conflict in Syria. Climate change triggers water and food shortages, drought, flooding, and other societal disruptions. This leads to violence and political instability. If nothing is done to address climate change, the world will see more refugees, terrorism, and political upheaval.

“The Age of Consequences” has a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for an Emmy for Oustanding Politics and Government documentary. It goes beyond the science of climate change and digs into the societal impacts. Solving climate change is about more than saving the environment; it’s about saving ourselves.

The Island President (2012)

Available on: Tubi (US only, free), Youtube | Director: Jon Shenk

The Maldive Islands is one of the places most vulnerable to climate change. As sea waters rise, the island is in danger of vanishing completely. This film features Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the island. He tries to protect the island and prevent Maldivians from becoming climate refugees. Once a political prisoner, Nasheed brought democratic reform to the island after three decades of a dictatorship.

Before the film’s release, Nasheed resigned in response to protests from political opponents and a police mutiny. Director Shenk hoped that the film would draw attention to the Maldive Islands and demonstrate that Nasheed was essentially forced out. “The Island President” has a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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The trafficking of people for sex and labor is a global issue. It’s fueled by desperation, conflict, inequality, and greed. Learning more about human trafficking feels overwhelming for many people. While there are countless books and articles, movies may provide a more engaging way to find out more about this heart wrenching topic. Here are ten movies – a mix of documentaries and fictionalized stories – that center on human trafficking.

Tricked (2013)

This documentary film takes the viewer to big cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York City. People like police officers, pimps, and people forced into the sex trade paint a picture of the situation. What’s being done about it? Tricked follows a Denver vice squad as they rescue survivors and track down traffickers. In spite of their work, the problem persists. Budget cuts and a legal system that doesn’t keep traffickers off the streets complicates things. Tricked is rated TV-MA and has a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Storm Makers (2014)

Focusing on Cambodia’s industry, this film pulls back the curtain on the “storm makers,” or human traffickers. Of more than half a million Cambodians working abroad, about ⅓ have been sold. Young women make up the majority. They’re forced into labor or sex work in countries like Taiwan and Malaysia. The Storm Makers follows the lives of two traffickers, the head of an agency, and a recruiter.

The Whistleblower (2010)

A Canadian-German-American production, this biographical crime drama stars Rachel Weisz as Kathryn Bolkovac. While working as a UN peacekeeper for DynCorp International in Bosnia, she discovered a sex trafficking ring run by DynCorp employees. When she tried to take action, she was fired. What happened next educates the viewer on how corruption affects attempts to deal with human trafficking. The film contains intense violence that some felt was exploitative. Others believed it was necessary.

Sex Trafficking in America (2019)

This documentary aired as part of PBS Frontline’s 2019 season. It follows a Phoenix-based police unit dedicated to stopping sex trafficking and relates a survivor’s story. Sex trafficking is often something that Americans believe is an international problem. This film proves that it’s a serious issue right here, as well. Viewers can watch the documentary for free on the PBS Frontline website.

Priceless (2016)

A project from the band For King and Country, this romantic-drama can serve as a good introduction to human trafficking for younger people. It tells the fictional story of James Stevens, a widower who agrees to drive a truck against the country no questions asked. He soon learns he’s working for a human trafficking ring. The film received mixed reviews, but it does introduce viewers to the role that trucking plays in trafficking. The nonprofit Truckers Against Trafficking addresses the problem by training drivers to identify and report suspicious activity.

I am Jane Doe (2017)

This Netflix documentary focuses on the legal suits brought against Backpage.com, a classified ad website notorious for sex trafficking. It follows the mothers of victims who sued, their lawyers, and groups who pushed back on attempts to hold Backpage accountable. Congress held a private screening of the film. In 2018, the FBI seized Backpage.

Girl Model (2011)

This documentary explores the disturbing relationship between Siberia and Japan. In the Japanese market, young girls from Siberia are very popular. Scouts bring them to Tokyo, where they’re manipulated and exploited. Though not legally human trafficking, the practices of the industry and modeling agent are right on the doorstep. The film fails to dig into the possible forced sex work that might be happening but it does show how the agents groom potential victims.

Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids (2004)

When documentary photographer Zana Briski went to Calcutta, she made the sex workers there a deal. In exchange for portraits, she would teach their kids some photography skills. They could document their lives. Many of the photos, as well as the children’s stories and relationships with the filmmakers, appear in this film. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2005.

The Chosen Ones (2015)

This drama centers on the relationship between Sofia and Ulysis, two teenagers in love. There’s more to the story: Ulysis is in charge of grooming his girlfriend for his family’s prostitution ring. Things get complicated when he realizes he actually cares about her. The Chosen Ones, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award, digs into the causes and effects of forced sex labor in Mexico.

The Twelve Thousand (2020)

“The Twelve Thousand” is a movie shot in Kathmandu that portrays the harrowing journey of Sona, a young woman who falls victim to human trafficking. Initially enticed by the promise of a better life in the city, Sona is deceived and eventually sold into sex trafficking at an Indian brothel. After enduring three years of captivity, she is eventually rescued and repatriated to Nepal, where she finds refuge in a safe home and begins her healing process. The film features no professional actors, only Nepalese nationals—all of whom have been affected by sex trafficking.

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Justice is the concept of fairness. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in society. That includes fairness in healthcare, employment, housing, and more. In a socially-just society, human rights are respected and discrimination is not allowed to flourish. What’s the origin of the phrase “social justice?” It was most likely first used in the 1780s and appears in Paper #7 of The Federalist Papers. As the Industrial Revolution wound down, American legal scholars applied the term to economics. Today, its use has expanded significantly and applies to all parts of society. It’s seen through the lens of traits like race, class, sexuality, and gender. What does social justice look like?

Take a free course on Social Justice by top universities and NGOs

The principles of social justice

For social justice to become a reality, four pillars must be built: human rights, access, participation, and equity. Social justice can’t be achieved without these four principles.

Human rights

The connection between social justice and human rights has strengthened over the years to the point where many use “social justice” and “human rights” interchangeably. While they are technically different, it’s clear to activists that one can’t thrive without the other. When a society is just, it protects and respects everyone’s human rights. When a society respects and promotes human rights, social justice flourishes. This connection is essential because human rights are recognized globally. When activists fight for social justice, they can lean on the connection with human rights to hold governments, corporations, and individuals accountable.

Access

A just society depends on access to essentials like shelter, food, medical care, and education. It isn’t enough for a society to invest in innovations or create new opportunities; society must also prioritize access. If access is restricted based on factors like gender, race, or class, it leads to suffering for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Social justice activists spend a lot of time working to restore and increase access for everyone and not just a few select groups.

Participation

Who gets to have a say in society? Social justice isn’t possible if only a few voices are respected. Unfortunately, the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable are often silenced in favor of those with more wealth, cultural influence, and political power. This is even the case when people have good intentions and want to address major societal problems. If the voices of those most affected aren’t heard, solutions are likely to fail or possibly make things worse. Participation must be promoted, encouraged, and rewarded so everyone – especially those who haven’t had a chance to participate before – can speak.

Equity

Many people believe “equality” is one of the principles of social justice, but it’s actually “equity.” What’s the difference? Equity takes into account the effects of discrimination and aims for an equal outcome. There’s an often-cited and adapted graphic (originally created by business professor Craig Froehle) which demonstrates this clearly and simply: three people are trying to watch a baseball game over a fence. All of them stand on a box. One can easily see the field, while the other can just barely see, while the last person is still unable to watch. “Equality” has given everyone just one box to stand on, even though the tallest person doesn’t need a box and one box doesn’t allow the shortest person to see. “Equity” gives the tallest person’s box to the shortest person, allowing them to see. Now, everyone can watch the game.

Examples of social justice issues

When the four principles we discussed above are prioritized, a socially-just society is possible. Where do these principles need to be applied? Depending on the place, some social justice issues are more pressing than others. That said, most societies struggle with similar issues. Here are three examples:

Racial inequality

Racial inequality is one of the most common social justice issues in the world. Most nations have a history of racial discrimination and prejudice of some kind. As an example, the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow persists in the United States. Racial inequality affects a racial group’s ability to find work, get access to healthcare, and receive an equal education. Because race is not a biological reality, but rather a social and political construct with real consequences, progress takes social and political solutions.

Gender inequality

The way things stand, it will take 135 years for global gender equality to become a reality. Obstacles like the gender pay gap, weakening reproductive rights, and unequal education opportunities hold women back. The Covid-19 pandemic also erased a lot of progress as its impact on work and household responsibilities hit women harder. Social justice activists consider gender equality, which intersects with other issues like racial and sexual equality, one of the most important social justice issues of our time.

LGBTQ+ rights

People in the LGBTQ+ community face high levels of violence and discrimination. Prejudice at home, in the workplace, and at school could be a big reason why. Among other challenges, prejudice affects a person’s ability to find employment, shelter, healthcare, and safety. In recent years, the trans and non-binary community has experienced a surge of discrimination, which is already leading to violence and a rollback of rights. The state of LGBTQ+ rights is more in peril in some places than others, but even in the most progressive countries, social justice for the LGBTQ+ community is not well-established. As an example, by March 2022, almost 240 anti-LGBTQ rights – most targeting trans people – were filed in the United States.

Explore our collection of free LGBTQ+ online courses if you would like to learn more.

Courses to increase your understanding of social justice

Social justice is a broad field with many branches. Within the field, you can explore topics like feminism, racism, climate change, poverty, and more. To learn more, here are five courses to consider:

#1. Feminism and Social Justice (University of California Santa Cruz)

This online MOOC, which is adapted from Distinguished Professor Bettina Aptheker’s iconic course, offers students a fascinating journey through feminist history using three events: the Empire Zinc strike, the trial of Angelia Davis, and the #MeToo Movement. Students examine a working definition of “feminism,” explore the causes and effects of the three major events, and engage in discussions. The course takes about 8 hours to complete over four weeks.

#2. Causes of Racial Inequity in Healthcare (The University of Michigan)

This course is part of the “Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare” specialization. Students explore what causes racial inequity in healthcare, which is one of the most urgent and significant social justice issues. Topics covered include the United States healthcare system, the history of racial discrimination in healthcare, and how the system still perpetuates racial disparities. With 3-5 hours of study per week, most students can complete the course in about 5 weeks.

#3. Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice (The University of Michigan)

The final course of the “Environment on Global Public Health” specialization, this course can be taken on its own if you’re interested in environmental justice, risk management, and more. In this course, students are introduced to environmental justice and EJ issues around the world. You’ll also learn what groups are most vulnerable to environmental health hazards, how to employ a 4-step risk assessment, and how to mitigate environmental injustices. The course takes about 17 hours to complete and can be audited for free with limited access.

#4. How To Change The World (Wesleyan University)

“How to Change the World” covers topics such as gender, education, poverty, activism, the environment, technology, and healthcare. If you’re looking for a broad overview of the most important social justice issues facing the world today, this course is a great choice. Students engage with videos, readings, quizzes, and discussions. Taught over six weeks, the course takes about 26 hours to complete.

#5. Love as a Force For Social Justice (Stanford)

Can love make the world a better place? What is the role of love in social justice movements? In this course, students are introduced to different types of love, non-violent communication, and how to apply love as a force for social justice. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of love’s role in community, connection, and change. Topics include biological, social, psychological, and religious perspectives on love. The course takes six weeks to complete or 28 hours.

What social justice means

Social justice means everyone’s human rights are respected, protected, and promoted. Everyone has access to equal opportunities and the resources necessary to thrive. This doesn’t guarantee a perfectg society where everyone is always happy; however, everyone will have a fighting chance at the life they want. They aren’t held back by things they can’t control like systemic barriers, prejudice, and discrimination. There isn’t one clear framework for what successful social justice looks like in practice, but that’s why principles like participation and equity are so important. As long as a nation values social justice and remains committed to its principles, true progress is possible.

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Social justice thrives when everyone is treated fairly and not discriminated against based on traits like gender, sexuality, race, wealth, or any other status. In addition to respecting all basic human rights, a just society invests in equal opportunities, reparations for past injustices, and privileges within a society. By drawing attention to areas of injustice, social justice advocates work to change laws, raise awareness, and shift public attitudes. Movies can be one of the most effective and accessible vehicles for progress. Here are 13 social justice movies everyone should see:

Table of Contents

#1. The Janes #2. Loving #3. Bedlam #4. The Accused #5. Fruitvale Station #6. The Invisible War #7. The Hate U Give #8. Coded Bias #9. Writing with Fire #10. Belly of the Beast #11. Dear White People #12. Spotlight #13. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

The Janes (2022)

Directors: Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes

Before Roe v. Wade, a group of Chicago activists called “The Janes” built an underground network in the late 1960s. They helped women access safe low-cost or free abortions. Ads would appear in places where women tended to gather, reading “Pregnant? Call Jane.” For years, only a few of the group members, including leaders Ruth Surgal and Jody Parsons, spoke publicly. In this 2022 documentary, more women came forward about their activist roles for the first time. The Supreme Court has now overturned Roe v. Wade, making “The Janes” essential viewing for those who care about reproductive rights.

Loving (2016)

Director/writer: Jeff Nichols

In 1958, Richard and Mildred Loving were sentenced to a year in prison. Their crime? They were an interracial couple. Mildred, a woman of color, and Richard, who was white, had violated Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924 by getting married. They appealed their conviction until it reached the U.S. Supreme Court. This film, starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, tells the story of the couple and their fight to have their marriage recognized. The film received many award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Ruth Negga for Best Actress.

Bedlam (2019)

Director/writer: Kenneth Paul Rosenburg

Filmed over five years, this powerful documentary exposes the mental health crisis facing the United States. Viewers go into psychiatric emergency rooms, jails with psychiatric patients, and homeless camps. The director, who is also a psychiatrist, brings his personal experience into the film, as well. His late sister had schizophrenia. The film features experts, activists, individuals with mental illness, and family members of those struggling with mental illness. The film has been screened by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the Vera Institute of Justice, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and others. The 2019 book BEDLAM: An Intimate Journey in America’s Mental Health Crisis, expands on the film’s ideas and provides concrete solutions.

The Accused (1988)

Director: Jonathon Kaplan

After Sarah (Jodie Foster) is gang-raped in public at a bar, she and the deputy district attorney try to get justice. The problem? Sarah was taking drugs and acting flirtatiously, therefore not fitting the role of a “perfect victim.” The attorney must demonstrate that Sarah’s actions did not bring the attack on herself and that the rapists are the ones on trial, not Sarah. The case must also reckon with everyone who watched the attack instead of stopping it. While controversial in some areas (including in the filmmaker’s decision to depict the assault), the film was ahead of its time in tackling issues such as victim-blaming, harassment, and the court system. Jodie Foster won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Director/writer: Ryan Coogler

Based on true events, “Fruitvale Station” tells the story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, a Black man killed by a BART police officer at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, California. Viewers follow Oscar during his last day alive on New Year’s Eve, 2009. He argues with his girlfriend, tries to get his job back, and goes to his mother’s birthday party. Through these seemingly mundane events, the film paints a picture of a life cut off for no good reason, drawing attention to police brutality in a realistic, truthful way. The film propelled both Michael B. Jordan and director/writer Ryan Coogler into superstardom. “Fruitvale Station” has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Invisible War (2012)

Director/writer: Kirby Dick

This documentary pulls back the curtain on sexual assault within the US military. It follows veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces as they share their stories of harassment and assault. When survivors tried to get justice, the military justice system punished them instead of the perpetrators. More often than not, the careers of those who came forward were destroyed. The film significantly increased awareness of the issue and led to policy changes. “The Invisible War” won a Peabody Award and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.

The Hate U Give (2018)

Director: George Tillman, Jr.

Based on the bestselling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “The Hate U Give” tells the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter. After leaving a party, Starr and her best friend Khali try to drive home. They’re stopped by a police officer, who orders Khalil to get out of the car. When the teenager reaches for a hairbrush, the cop shoots and kills Khalil in front of Starr. The film explores the aftermath of the murder as it becomes national news and Starr deals with her grief and desire to bring Khalil’s killer to justice. The film features Amandla Stenberg as Starr, who won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

Coded Bias (2020)

Director: Shalini Kantayya

As artificial intelligence weaves itself into more of our lives, who is watching out for us? In this documentary, M.I.T. Media Lab computer scientist Joy Buolamwini discovers that some facial recognition technology doesn’t recognize dark-skinned faces or women. This means that the algorithms meant to eliminate bias and prejudice are just as biased as the people programming them. Why does this matter? As AI seeps into areas like housing, job interview selections, healthcare access, and more, that bias spreads, too. Buolamwini begins advocating for more transparency and accountability. The film features other figures in the field, including data journalists, watchdog activists, human rights lawyers, and more.

Writing with Fire (2021)

Director: Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas

After 14 years of print, the newspaper Khabar Lahirya, which is run by Dalit women, starts the move to digital journalism. With smartphones, the female journalists report from India’s most dangerous regions, risking their safety and lives to share the truth. The film follows these journalists as they defy tradition. “Writing with Fire” was the first Indian feature documentary to receive an Academy Award nomination. It has received universal critical acclaim and international awards.

Belly of the Beast (2020)

Director: Erika Cohn

Filmed over seven years, “Belly of the Beast” exposes the horrendous human rights violations happening in female prisons like the Central California Women’s Facility. The investigation uncovers violations like sexual abuse, assault, forced sterilizations, poor healthcare, and targeted malice against women of color. With accounts from current and formerly incarcerated people as well as lawyers, “Belly of the Beast” reveals how eugenics is still a part of society and how it targets some of the most vulnerable people in the country. The film was a 2021 Peabody Nominee and won an Emmy for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary.

Dear White People (2014)

Director/writer: Justin Simien

This satirical comedy-drama follows a group of Black students at a fictional Ivy League college. Student Samantha White (Tessa Thompson) sparks controversy when she criticizes white people on her radio show. When she runs to become the head of house of an all-Black house on campus, tensions increase, including between her and Troy, her ex-boyfriend. Things reach a tipping point when an influential white student throws a blackface party. Through dark humor, the film examines racial identity in the supposed “post-racial” America before Donald Trump’s election, as well as what it means for young people to try and find themselves. In 2017, Netflix adapted the series into a show which ran for four seasons.

Spotlight (2015)

Director: Tom McCarthy

In 2001, The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” investigative team began looking at sexual abuse in the Catholic church. Initially reporting on one story, the team uncovers a disturbing pattern involving other priests in Massachusetts. They also learn that the Church is actively protecting abusive priests. The newspaper’s coverage increased awareness and reporting on the many other abuse cases in the United States and abroad. One of the most striking movies about how journalism holds the powerful accountable, “Spotlight” received six Academy Award nominations and won Best Picture.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

Director/writer: Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht

In 1971, teenagers head off to summer camp at Camp Jened, a camp designed as a “free-spirited” camp for teens with disabilities. Years later, James LeBrecht, who was born with spina bifida, talks to his co-director Nicole Newnham about how he wants to see a documentary involving his work as a disability rights advocate. He mentions wanting to see a movie about Camp Jened. It became more than a fun place for kids with disabilities; it inspired a group to join the disability rights movement and advocate for radical change. The movie was released on Netflix in 2020 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

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Director/Writer: Sudabeh Mortezai
Starring: Anwulika Alphonsus, Mariam Sansui, Angela Ekeleme
Studio: Films Boutique
Runtime: 99 minutes
Rating: NR

Human trafficking and forced sex labor are a major issue today. In recent years, thousands of poor women from countries like Nigeria come to Europe in search of a better life. Many arrive to work in the sex trade already indebted to traffickers for the cost of their travel and other expenses. It takes years to earn their freedom. Even then, escape isn’t a guarantee and a high number end up back in the trade, although this time, it’s in the position of the exploiter.

This cycle is key to Sudabeh Mortezai’s “Joy,” a film more interested in realistic depictions of Austria’s sex industry than dramatic plot twists. Shot almost like a documentary, “Joy” observes the life and choices of its complex title character without judgement, leaving the viewer to grapple with hard questions and not many answers. It’s not an easy film to watch, but its compassionate realism is essential to bringing awareness to human trafficking.

Human connections take priority over plot

While most movies (that aren’t documentaries) show the sex trafficking world as a network of kidnappers who target strangers and force them into slavery, “Joy” centers on the close-knit community and complex relationships that keep the system functioning. Soon after the film begins, we meet Joy, a woman who has been working the streets for years and is almost finished paying off her debt to her madame. She is told to help guide a new girl, Precious, who is terrified of the job. There’s a very difficult scene where Precious begs the madame for any other work, but as punishment, she’s taken to another room and raped.

The camera doesn’t follow the violence, but remains on Joy as she listens to Precious’ screams. Her reaction may be hard for some to interpret, but that’s the point.

While she clearly feels some compassion for the girl, Joy has a young daughter of her own and Precious threatens Joy’s ability to provide and earn her freedom. The relationship between the two women – one experienced with trauma and one just beginning her trauma – is complex and hard to reconcile with.

“Joy”  also explores the relationships people have with their community and culture. The significance of the black magic – a juju ceremony – that binds women to their debts before they leave Nigeria comes up frequently throughout the film. Women like Joy are tied to their communities and families through fear of black magic, not just a sense of duty or love. They truly believe that if they are unable to hold up their end of the deal, they face supernatural repercussions. Knowing this is very important for understanding many of Joy’s decisions in the film, especially when she’s presented with an opportunity to expose her madame.

Caught in a cycle

While relationships are central to the story, what is arguably most striking about “Joy” is the cyclical nature of the industry. The film takes an unrelenting look at how those who have been exploited and abused often eventually become the exploiters and abusers. When researching, director Mortezai was shocked to learn that many madames were once slaves themselves. After earning their freedom, they turned back around to victimize other women, though they may not see it in this light.

Joy’s madame says things like, “I brought you from Africa to this place to have a good life.” She justifies her position by saying that in her time, women believed they were going to be cleaners, but once they arrived, they were enslaved into prostitution. The newer generation, according to the madame, at least knew what they were getting into. These conversations are a sobering insight into why a person who experienced the trauma of forced prositution would inflict that trauma on others.

While the film may attempt to explain the mindset of a madame, it doesn’t excuse it. Late in the film, there’s an excruciating scene where very young women are paraded in front of a room of madames considering who to buy. The girls look shell-shocked, their body language withdrawn and timid. They look so young that even one of the madames expresses concern about one girl’s age. The one man in the room – who we assume brought the girls – insists she’s 18. This scene depicts a slave auction, pure and simple, but what is most disturbing is that the buyers are other women who were most likely once sold themselves.

What should viewers expect from this movie?

“Joy” is not a plot-driven movie, at least when compared to most movies made these days. It’s centered completely on its characters and the choices they have to make regarding their own lives and the lives of others. Many other cast members are not actually professional actors, but former sex workers themselves. That commitment to realism carries over into the editing and camera choices – it looks and feels like a documentary. Many reviews went so far as to say that Joy doesn’t show much emotion, but considering how hardened and guarded she is, it makes sense. “Joy” won the Best Film Award at the 2018 London Film Festival. It’s available on Netflix, and anyone interested in human rights and human trafficking should seek it out. It shines a light on the industry, and most importantly, the people involved in it at every level.

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1 Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than seven million people who are independent of any type of political ideology, religion or economic interest and who take injustice personally. The movement campaigns for the world in which human rights are enjoyed by all.

The core activities of Amnesty International are research, advocacy and lobbying and campaigns and action. The organization employs experts who do accurate and facts-based research into human rights violations by governments and other actors. This analysis is, then, used to influence and press governments and decision-makers to undertake the necessary steps to stop or prevent human rights violations. The organization also employs the methods of campaigns and advocacy through petitions, letters and protests to call for action. In this way, the Amnesty International covers a big spectrum of human rights from seeking the release of political prisoners to protecting sexual and reproductive rights.

2 Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights organization that investigates and reports on abuses of human rights around the world. Currently, it employs around 450 people, mostly country-based experts, lawyers, journalists, and human rights workers who work to protect those at right.

The organization works with and advocates towards governments, businesses and other groups, forcing them to change their policies and laws. To stay independent, Human Rights Watch refuses government and corporate funding. Researchers, who work directly in the field, uncover facts about human rights abuses. These facts are shared with millions of people through social media every day to gain global reach. The scope of the work of the Human Rights Watch is wide and the organization is highly committed to reaching justice, dignity, compassion and equality for all.

3 Civil Rights Defenders

Civil Rights Defenders was established in 1982 in Sweden as an independent expert organization, with the mission to defend civil and political rights of people and empower human rights defenders at risk around the world. The organization is currently active in some of the most repressive regions in the world and collaborates with 200 local partners while focusing on innovation and sustainable change.

The organization uses advocacy, litigation, and public campaigns to advance people’s rights globally. Through advocacy, the Civil Rights Defenders provides expertise and support to human rights defenders while holding those in power accountable for their actions. The organization also actively works on improving people’s access to justice and freedom through increased respect for their civil and political rights.

4 Human Rights Without Frontiers International

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) is an international non-profit organization that promotes respect for human rights around the globe and advocates for democracy, the rule of law and social justice. Based in Brussels, Belgium, the HRFW became one of the most active organizations promoting human rights in EU institutions and shaping European policies towards human rights.

At the core of HRWF’s activities is advocacy, which includes activities such as publishing research, sharing information, organizing public events and speaking to political leaders on a particular issue. The core of the HRWF’s advocacy is are international treaties and covenants, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, that bind its parties to respect human rights. Therefore, the HRWF is an active participant in several coalitions and networks advocating for the respect of these treaties.

5 Physicians for Human Rights

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is an international organization that uses the medical and scientific tools to attract attention to severe human rights abuses and mass atrocities. It was established on idea that physicians, scientists and other medical professionals own unique skills that would give credibility to investigation and documentation of human rights violations.

The PHR uses its expertise to document mass atrocities, prevent torture, advocate for persecuted medical staff and hold those who abuse human rights accountable. In its work, the organization focuses on psychological and physical effects of sexual violence and torture, excessive use of force on civilians, the forensic documentation as well as the protection of medical professionals and institutions. PHR gives voice to witnesses and survivors of human rights abuses and makes sure that perpetrators are accountable for committed crimes.

6 Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International is an international organization committed to eliminating all forms of slavery and similar practices. It is one of the oldest human rights-based organizations in the world that bases its work on the UN treaties against slavery to influence decision-makers and inspire global change.

The organization holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, as well as observer statutes at the International Labor Organization. It uses its status to raise awareness and campaign against bonded labor, descent-based slavery, forced labor, forced marriage, the worst forms of child labor, the exploitation of migrant workers in conditions amounting to slavery and human trafficking. It partners with local organizations in the field to understand the local contexts and facilitates access to education, justice and compensation for people freed from slavery.

7 Global Rights

Global Rights is an international human rights non-governmental organization that was established in 1978 in Washington. In 2014, the organization moved its seat to Nigeria and currently works in partnership with local activists in Africa, Asia and Latin America to build the grass root movements that promote and protect the rights of marginalized populations.

The organization works on building capacities of underserved communities and builds platforms for participatory governance. It uses teaching and trains other organizations and coalitions to document and expose human rights abuses, advocate for legal and policy reforms and provide legal services to those in need. The Global Rights mostly focuses on working on cross-cutting issues such as access to justice, women’s rights, security of human rights and natural resource governance. The focal points of all organization’s programmes are women’s rights, access to remedies and disabilities issues.

8 UN Watch

UN Watch is a non-governmental organization based in Switzerland. It was established to promote the protection of universal human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and monitor the UN in accordance with its founding Charter. The organization’s vision is a just and strong UN.

The organization is an accredited NGO in Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council, as well as an associate NGO to the UN Department of Public Information. It actively participates at the UN Human Rights Council and in this way advance the UN’s mandate in promoting human rights and international peace.

9 European Centre for Minority Issues

The European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) is human rights organization that conducts policy research, provides information and documentation, as well as advisory services related to national minorities in Europe. ECMI serves European governments and closely cooperates with the academic community and general public.

The aim of ECMI is to facilitate diversity in all aspects of society. The organization is committed to work for improvement on the issues related to minorities in Europe, as well as raising awareness of minority rights amongst all relevant actors. The specific purpose of the organization is to provide actors with knowledge and tools that will empower them to exchange views through constructive dialogue to be able to build a peaceful and diverse Europe.

10 International Federation for Human Rights

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an international human rights non-governmental organization comprised of 184 organizations from 112 countries, active in defending and promoting respect for civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

FIDH operates based on interaction with its member organizations. The organization uses tools such as urgent public and private response, investigative missions, judicial observation, legal defense, political dialogue, advocacy and public awareness campaigns to draw attention on human rights abuses. Through its network of national organizations, FIDH addresses human rights abuses directed at states, armed opposition groups and multinational corporations. Through these actions, FIDH is committed to helping victims of human rights violations and holding those accountable of committing international crimes to be brought before the court.

11 Human Rights Foundation

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit organization that promotes and protects human rights on a global level while focusing on closed societies. The organization follows the principles of all people being entitled freedom to self-determination, freedom from tyranny, the right to speak freely, and to leave and enter their countries. In addition, the organization believes that all people have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment and exile.

The HRF unites people to defend human rights and promote liberal ideals of democracy. It provides platforms for human rights defenders who are making an impact in their communities and ensures that freedom is promoted and preserved around the world. The HRF focuses its work on the ideals of human rights movement enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

12 Front Line Defenders

The Front Lines Defenders is an independent human rights organization working to protect rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as to protect human rights defenders around the world.

The core of the organization’s activities is providing of security and protection grants to human rights organizations and to individual human rights defenders at risk. The grants are provided for strengthening the protection and security of human rights defenders to be able to continue their work. This often covers digital and communication security, legal fees for those who are judicially harassed, medical fees for those who have been attacked, and family assistance for imprisoned human rights defenders. The part of the organization’s work is also campaigning and lobbying at the international level for the protection of human rights defenders.

13 Human Rights House Foundation

The Human Rights Foundation House Foundation (HRHF) is an international human rights organization that supports and empowers human rights defenders and their organizations through Human Rights Houses. The Human Rights Houses serve as collaborative projects of non-governmental organizations who work together to promote respect for human rights in their countries and abroad.

Organizations that are placed within the Human Rights Houses remain independent and follow their own human rights agenda, but share expertise, solidarity and advocated together on human rights issues. Thus, the Human Rights Houses are the cores of the HRHF’s work, including advocacy, awareness raising, capacity building and protection. By doing this, the HRHF ensures that human rights defenders enjoy freedoms and are able to carry out human rights works. The HRHF promotes the fundamental freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and the right to be a human rights defender.

14 Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundation is an international organization that works on building vibrant societies with accountable governments and open participation of all people. The organization actively works on strengthening the rule of law, respect for human rights, minorities, democratically elected governments and civil society organizations that will keep governments accountable. It works in every part of the world and places a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people living in marginalized communities.

Every year, the Foundation distributes thousands of grants to groups and individuals who work on promoting tolerance, open debate and transparency. The Foundation also actively engages in strategic human rights litigation by advocating for positive change towards governments and policymakers. It takes strong stands on unpopular causes and works in hostile environments. The organization also responds to sudden crises that require immediate funding and shapes its priorities by listening to local and global experts.

15 Freedom House

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for human rights and democracy. Since it was established, the Freedom House has opposed tyrannies around the world and promoted democratic values.

The organization supports human rights defenders to promote open government and defend human rights. It also supports civil society organizations by strengthening their capacities. This is done through trainings, international exchange programs grant giving and networking activities. In addition to that, the Freedom House also offers its moral support by advocating and providing visible demonstrations of solidarity on behalf of counterparts abroad.

16 Human Rights First

Human Rights First (HRF) is an international non-governmental human rights organization that believes that American leadership is essential in the struggle for human rights. Thus, the organization’s mission is to pressure the US government and private companies to respect the rule of law and human rights. The HRF demands justice, reform and accountability of those that violate human rights.

The organization focuses on making a difference by protecting refugees, combating torture and defending persecuted minorities. It partners up with human rights activists and lawyers to tackle these issues and works around the world on harnessing American influence to secure core freedoms. Therefore, the organization conducts campaigns to pressure policy makers in the US to hear about human rights issues.

17 Survival International

Survival International is a human rights organization that campaigns for the rights of indigenous tribal and un-contacted peoples. The organization has more than 50 years of experience in international lobbying and campaigning, mostly focusing on desire of tribal people to keep their ancestral lands.

The organization considers tribal people as ‘’some of the most vulnerable on earth’’. Therefore, it’s goal is change perceptions on misconceptions that are usually used to justify human rights violations. The organization also publicizes the risks that tribes face from actions of states and corporations. Thus, it actively works in partnerships with tribes to raise their voices on the global stage and help foster their self-determination.

18 International Service for Human Rights

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is a non-governmental organization working on promoting and protecting human rights by providing support to human rights defenders, strengthening human rights systems and participating in coalitions for human rights change.

According to the organization, the work of human rights defenders is essential in protecting human rights because they directly contribute to prevention of human rights violations, while strong international and regional levels human rights mechanisms ensure accountability for human rights violations and contribute to change. Therefore, the ISHR is the most active in strengthening the capacity of human rights defenders and of human rights systems, as well as promoting accountability for human rights violations and securing implementation of human rights law at national levels.

19 Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is an international non-governmental organization working for the practical realization of human rights across Commonwealth. The organization works on the police and prison reforms and promotion of access to information. One of the core activities that the organization implements is monitoring of human rights situation in all 53 countries of Commonwealth, with a special focus on the situation of human rights defenders, compliance of states with international treaties and their performance at the UN Human Rights Council.

The CHRI draws attention to the setbacks and progress in regard to human rights through reporting, research and advocacy. To achieve its goals, the CHRI advocates on measures to prevent human rights violations by addressing major actors such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, the UN Human Rights Council, civil society and the media. It also works on public education programmes, policy dialogues, research, advocacy and networking related to issues of access to information and justice.

20 Center for Economic and Social Rights

The Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) is an international human rights organization promoting social justice through human rights. The CESR upholds universal human rights of all people, including the right to education, health, food, water housing, work, as well as other economic, social and cultural rights that are essential to human dignity. The organization fights against extreme poverty and inequality and holds governments and other actors accountable to respect and fulfill human rights.

The organization’s aim is to fulfill two goals-to promote development and socioeconomic policies that reduce inequality and realize human rights and to support civil society groups in their efforts to claim their social and economic rights. It achieves this by exposing violations of human rights and working with civil society groups around the world assisting them to hold all actors involved accountable for these violations.

21 Minority Rights Group International

The Minority Group International (MRG) is an international human rights organization that works on promotion of rights of minorities and cooperation between communities. The MRG works in over 60 countries with around 130 partners and campaigns over the world for marginalized ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous people. The MRG makes sure that their voices are heard.

The organization works for recognition of minority rights in several ways. It advocates and lobbies governments and the UN, publishes publications that are valued by academic communities, produces documentary movies on minority issues, and conducts legal cases to protect minorities in accordance with the international law. The MRG’s work, therefore, leads to more inclusive and cohesive societies.

22 The Advocates for Human Rights

The Advocates for Human Rights is an independent nonpartisan human rights organization that envisions a world in which all people live with dignity, freedom, justice, equality and peace. The organization implements the international human rights standards to protect the rule of law and promote civil society. With a broad network of volunteers, the organization, the organization builds broad constituencies around the world.

The organization works on investigating and exposing human rights such as against women, representation of immigrants and refugees who become victims of human rights abuses. It also trains and assists to groups that protect human rights, as well as using research, education and advocacy to involve the general public in implementation of international human rights standards.

23 Humanity in Action

Humanity in Action (HIA) is an international non-profit educational organization that globally connects students and leaders who are dedicated to promoting human rights, as well as active citizenship and diversity in their respective communities and around the world.

The organization develops professional development programs at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the European Parliament, the US Congress and other important institutions for its fellows, as well as organizes seminars and exchanges creating and supporting the network of its senior fellows and the broader public. HIA educates young leaders on human rights issues and challenges through cross-cultural dialogues and critical history.

24 Protection International

Protection International (PI) was established in 1998 with a purpose of working with grass-roots human rights defenders who are at risk. The mission of the organization is to “enhance the security and the protection of threatened civil society actors with non-violent means, especially those who fight for their legitimate rights and for the rights of others as they are guaranteed by the international humanitarian law and the human rights conventions”.

The organization provides human rights defenders with training and tools for them to be able to develop and implement protection measures that will enable them to defend human rights freely. It also reviews existing public policies regarding protection of human rights defenders and contributes to the recognition of human rights defenders as actors of positive social change in the societies.

25 International Society for Human Rights

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), together with its national branches of independent non-governmental organizations, base their work on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by promoting international tolerance in all aspects of society and culture. The organization was founded to support individuals who share its philosophy ‘’that the realization of human rights and the improvement of social conditions cannot be pursued through the use of force’’.

ISHR has approximately 30.000 members in 38 countries worldwide. Its main areas of work include support of individuals who are discriminated, persecuted and imprisoned because of their religious beliefs or political affiliation, public relations related to human rights issues and education on human rights issues for those who live in countries that are transitioning to democracy.

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Since its birth, cinema has served as a mirror to society. It has reflected our greatest hopes and successes, as well as our fears and failures. Movies about human rights explore every angle of the human experience and raise awareness of the most urgent human rights issues of the day. Here are 15 human rights movies available to watch on Netflix:

Note: At the time of writing, these films were available to watch on Netflix in the United States. Availability may vary by region.

#1. Crip Camp (2020)

Directors: Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht

Every summer, thousands of kids leave home to attend summer camp. Camp Jened was special. It gave kids with disabilities a space to play, make new friends, experience first love, and talk about their futures. It closed in 2009. Over lunch one day, filmmaking partners James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham were discussing the camp, which James had attended. They decided to make a movie. Their film, which went on to be nominated for an Academy Award, explores how several campers and counselors from Camp Jened grew up to become leaders in the disability rights movement.

#2. Coded Bias (2020)

Director: Shalini Kantayya

While working as an MIT media researcher, Joy Buolamwini noticed that facial recognition systems didn’t work for her. She soon learned that many facial recognition tools didn’t work for people with dark skin. We know humans discriminate based on skin color, but what happens if the technology we use daily discriminates, too? “Coded Bias” digs into this question, as well as other issues surrounding artificial intelligence and human rights.

#3. Reversing Roe (2018)

Director: Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg

Released before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the film “Reversing Roe” examined the history of the battle between the pro-choice and anti-choice movements. Using interviews with experts, activists, politicians, and journalists, the movie provides an essential explainer on how the US got to where it is today. “Reversing Roe” was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary.

#4. Rustin (2023)

Director: George C. Wolfe

Bayard Rustin was a leader in the Civil Rights movement, as well as the movements for socialism and gay rights. He helped organize the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington. In his later years, he participated in many humanitarian missions. As a gay man, he was frequently discriminated against and his contributions were not publicly recognized in his time. “Rustin,” which stars Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, releases on Netflix on November 17th, 2023.

#5. Disclosure (2020)

Director: Sam Feder

Trans people have always existed, and they’ve always been represented on the movie and TV screen, as well. The documentary “Disclosure” examines the history of Hollywood’s depictions of trans people and how their stories have impacted American culture. For years, depictions have not been positive. Trans people in the film industry (like Laverne Cox, Jamie Clayton, Chaz Bono, and many others) discuss these films and TV shows, which include “Ace Ventura,” “Victor Victoria,” and “To Kill A Mockingbird.”

#6. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)

Director: David France

In 1992, Marsha P. Johnson died under mysterious circumstances. While the death was ruled a suicide, activist Victoria Cruz performed her own investigation. The film follows her journey while relating the stories of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Riveria, who were iconic figures of the gay liberation and transgender rights movement in New York City. “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix.

#7. Descendant (2022)

Director: Margaret Brown

In 2019, the wreckage of the last known slave ship to travel from Africa to the United States was found in the Mobile River in Alabama. When it arrived on the shore in 1859 or 1860, it had carried 110 African men, women and children. The documentary “Descendant” takes a close look at the community of Africatown, which is home to descendants of a group of West Africans enslaved on the last slave ship. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and was released on Netflix.

#8. Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga

Based on the 2005 novel of the same name, “Beasts of No Nation” tells the story of a young boy forced to serve as a child soldier in an unnamed West African country. For years, West Africa has had a high number of child soldiers. According to a 2021 UN report, more than 21,000 kids have been recruited into conflict over the last five years. While “Beasts of No Nation” came out years ago, children are still enduring the human rights abuses depicted in the film.

#9. 13th (2016)

Director: Ava Duvernay

The Civil War ended slavery in the United States, but we have still not achieved racial equality in the century and a half since. As the film “13th” explores, the United States instead reimagined systems of racial disenfranchisement through the Jim Crow laws, the war on drugs and the prison-industrial complex. The film gets its name from the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery but made a troubling caveat: slavery and involuntary servitude could be used as a punishment for crimes. “13th” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

#10. Adú

Director: Salvador Calvo

This Spanish drama tells three stories related to African immigration to Europe. In one tale, a six-year-old and his sister try to flee Cameroon. In the second, an activist fights against illegal poaching, while in the third, a group of guards and African immigrants trying to flee to Spain clash. The film won four Goya Awards, which is Spain’s equivalent of an Academy Award.

#11. 7 Prisoners (2021)

Director: Alexandre Maratto

In this Brazilian drama, 18-year-old Mateus leaves his home for a job working in a Sao Paulo junkyard. However, he and a group of other boys are quickly trapped in an exploitative system. With no other options for work, Mateus must choose whether to leave or stay in the human trafficking world. While the film isn’t based on a true story, the director and writers wanted to capture what human trafficking in Brazil often looks like.

#12. The Swimmers (2022)

Director: Sally El Hosaini

Syrian teenagers Yusra and Sara are refugees, but when they flee Damascus, their boat, which carries 18 other refugees, begins to sink. The sisters pull the boat for hours through the Mediterranean Sea. Yusra would go on to swim for the Refugee Olympic Team in the Rio 2016 Olympics, and in 2023, Time Magazine named Yusra and Sara as two of the 100 most influential people in the world.

#13. Pray Away

Director: Kristine Stolakis

Conversion therapy (also known as “reparative” therapy”) is any attempt to change a person’s sexuality or gender by a counselor, religious leader, or through peer support groups. It’s illegal in many places, and all major medical associations consider the practice deeply harmful. However, for years, organizations like Focus on the Family and Exodus International advocated for and performed conversion therapy in the United States. The film “Pray Away” examines this harmful practice and interviews several of the people once involved in its promotion.

#14. Trees of Peace (2022)

Director: Alanna Brown

In this film about the Rwandan genocide, four people hide beneath a house to escape the bloodshed. The women all come from dramatically different backgrounds. There’s a Hutu moderate, a Tutsi woman, a Catholic nun, and an American volunteer. As they try to survive the genocide, the women grow closer. The film was crowdfunded on Kickstarter. On Netflix, “Trees of Peace” ranked in the top 10 English-language films in more than 30 countries.

#15. Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019) 

Director: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Toni Morrison (1931-2019) was an award-winning American novelist and thinker. She was the first Black female editor of fiction at Random House, and the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Through interviews and archival footage, “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” explores her life, her writing and the themes that thread through her literary career. People who have been influenced by Morrison – like Barack Obama and Angela Davis – also make appearances.

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Film is one of the most powerful ways to highlight human rights issues around the world. Thanks to visuals, sound, and other features of cinema, you don’t even have to speak the language of the filmmaker to be moved. Festivals are a great place to go if you are a filmmaker trying to get your message out; an employee who is part of an NGO in the human rights field; or just someone who wants to get involved in the human rights community. In addition to watching films, festivals provide opportunities to participate in discussions and Q&A’s with creators, and to meet new people passionate about human rights issues. Here are six human rights film festivals taking place in 2020:

ACT Human Rights Film Festival

Date: April 3rd-11th, 2020
Held at Fort Collins’ Colorado State University, the ACT Human Rights Festival’s goals are to “Awaken” audiences to global human rights issues, “Connect” them to filmmakers and each other, and “Transform” how audiences engage with ideas, cultures, other people, and communities. The first festival occurred in 2016. Each year, the festival is held in April and goes for a week. There are screenings, Q&A’s, and panel discussions. Past festivals have included Oscar-nominated filmmakers such as James Longely, whose film “Angels are Made of Light” screened last year. This film explores the daily lives of people adjusted to the frightening presence of both American soldiers and the resurgent Taliban. As the 2020 festival draws closer, film schedules will be released.

This Human World

Date: 28. November – 10. Dezember
Vienna’s first international human rights film festival is a platform of cinematic art and critical discourse, a space of encounter and dialogue, and a meeting point for young innovative filmmakers, both local and international. The organisers consider cinema not only an artistic form wherein narrative experiences are performed or created, but also an opportunity for the audience to step out of their comfort zone and into dialogue with new challenging realities.

One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival

Date: March 5th-14th, 2020
The One World film festival is held in Prague in the Czech Republic. It’s organized by Czech nonprofit “People In Need.” Since its founding, One World has become one of the largest human rights film festivals in the world. The org holds another festival in Brussels; a festival that goes into schools; and a festival that travels through Czech Republic towns. One World gives awards in three competition categories, as well as non-competition thematic categories, and an interactive or “Docs for Kids” category. In total, there are seven awards given out, such as Award for Best Film in the International Competition, Student Jury Award, and Audience Award.

International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights

Date: March 6th-15th, 2020
Held in Geneva, the capital city of human rights, this film festival gathers filmmakers, activists, policymakers, and citizens. It’s been going on since 2003, and has seen over 233,000 audience members, the majority of whom are young people under 35 years old. In addition to the festival, the FIFDH runs a forum alongside the UN Human Rights Council. The goal is to show the best of international cinema, fiction, and documentaries on human rights and encourage public support of human rights. Each night of the festival, people are invited to talk about topics such as climate change, corruption, and more. This year, any film submissions are due October 31, 2019.

HUMAN International Documentary Film Festival

Date: February 24th-March 1, 2020
Currently Oslo’s largest documentary film festival, HUMAN’s goal is to engage with and promote human rights issues and other social issues. Each year, the festival joins with 60-70 NGOS, think tanks, newspapers, and more. The film program has 40+ new Norwegian and international documentaries in three categories: a competition program for new Norwegian docs; a program for international docs with a specific human rights focus; and an international program with new docs focused on a variety of political and social topics. The festival also has a Live program, with debates, art exhibits, plays, and more. For documentary filmmakers and NGOS, there’s a seminar on the future of social/political doc films.

Movies That Matter

Date: March 20th-28th, 2020
Every year at the end of March, the Movies That Matter org holds a film festival in The Hague. It is the Netherlands’ main platform for cinema and hosts 70+ documentaries and films. There are three competitions: “Activist,” a competition with Amnesty International that focuses on films paying tribute to human rights activists; “Camera Justitia,” which focuses on international justice; and “Dutch Movies Matter,” a competition specifically for Dutch filmmakers. The festival also has an education program, debates and discussions, music, and exhibits. The submission dates for films is December 1, 2019.

Human Rights Film Festival Barcelona

Date: November 15-24, 2020
The oldest human rights independent film festival, this event has been going on for nearly 20 years. Its central headquarters is in Barcelona. Its goals are to “make us think, awaken our conscience, denounce justice, and reflect the social and cultural diversity of humanity.” Like most human rights film festivals, there are awards. Categories include “Best Feature Film,” “Best Documentary Short Film,” and “Best Fiction Short-Film.” There are also special awards, like the Voices Award for radio and Human Rights award.

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Human Flow (2017)

Human Flow was the “movie of the refugee crisis” as critics often called it. Let me put it like this, you have a friend or a family member who often hears about refugees in the world, sees a diverse community or newly-resettled refugees in your community or neighborhood but who has never understood why people from other countries are welcomed in other places around the world, this is the movie to play on a movie night with him/her.

If one has time only for one movie to watch about refugees, Human Flow is your go-to choice.

It is the fruit of big efforts of the Chinese contemporary artist and activist Ai Wei Wei who, through this great work, aims at showing to different audiences the root causes behind displacement of people all over the world. He travelled through 23 countries in different continents to visually capture the reality of the “refugee crisis” in today’s world and bring it to the audience in a very captivating format and in simple words and visuals to explain the phenomenon of displacement to all people. The documentary focuses on different regions and countries, especially those which have been notably affected by the biggest numbers of refugee arrivals such as Greece, Turkey, France, Germany, Jordan, Kenya, Iraq…

Human Flow is not a fictional movie, which means there is no particular story or protagonist that the audience follows from start to end. It is more like a documentary which follows the migratory situation in different countries around the world.

One more thing to highlight about this movie is definitely the production quality. Having a full high quality drone scenery of the biggest refugee camps in the world gives you the impression that you are physically present in the field, especially if you watch it on a big screen, like I did when it was premiered in Brussels in February 2018. I could not wait for it to be available locally, and I was lucky to find cheap flights to Brussels during that week. So, I did not hesitate one moment to book my trip. I had no idea what else I would do for the rest of my time in Brussels, or which friends I would meet, but all I knew was that I wanted to watch Human Flow; everything else would come later.

It was a very emotional experience, especially that I was there on the Greek Island of Lesvos when Ai Wei Wei was filming the documentary. Watching those beautiful scenes in places I knew very well and seeing few familiar faces on the screen made me relive beautiful moments I spent in Lesvos with very brave refugees.

Register now: International Migrations (Free online course)  

First They Killed My Father (2017)

Inspired by a book with the same title, written by activist Loung Ung, the movie tackles the issue of forced displacement, child encampment and Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Realized and directed by Angelina Jolie, UNHCR Special Envoy, the movie is a biographical historical thriller of Cambodian activist Loung Ung who was forced to be a child soldier since the early age of 5 during the Communist Khmer Regime.

I must say that parts of the movie are hard to watch, especially if you have not read about child soldiers and mistreatment of children in wartime previously. With my professional focus on child protection, it was quite frustrating to follow scenes of torture and mistreatment inside labor camps in Cambodia, knowing that these incidents are still happening every day in countries like Eritrea, and that the people I work with today in the camps have either been through the exact same atrocities or have fled their countries to avoid them.

This 1975 thriller depicts the problem of forced internal displacement as families are forced out of their homes and villages by the Regime and pushed away into camps where they undergo forced labor, starvation, mistreatment, confiscation of belongings, deprivation of healthcare and foreign medicine and the list goes on. It also deals with the pertinent issue of children’s human rights in wartime and conflict zones, by illustrating the life of child soldiers, children IDPs and depicting children’s life-saving journey fleeing their homes for a better future.

Register now: Harvard launches free online course on Children’s Human Rights!

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Again on the issue of child protection, child refugees and IDPs, Beasts of No Nation is an internationally renown movie that has recently been added on Netflix and that everyone working on the issue of refugees should watch. There are usually a lot of movies on wartime, and a lot of movies on children. However, it is rather rare to find movies tackling the issue of children actively yet forcibly participating in war. In this context, Beasts of No Nation follows the story of Agu, a Nigerian child living in the “buffer zones” which are areas protected by the United Nations from the internal conflict in the country. But this temporary security soon comes to an end when his area gets invaded by the local government, killing families, bombing huts and kidnapping children to be forcibly taken to military training camps. He ends up being part of a whole child army run by The Commandant, played by Idris Alba. It illustrates the gradual yet fast transition from an innocent playful child to a perpetrator of the war, highlighting the trauma of forced displacement, forced labor and war on the psychology of children.

It is crucial to watch Beasts of No Nation for those who work with African refugees and asylum seekers, especially with children, and who might encounter similar stories to Agu’s. The movie would serve not only as an eye-opener to what is happening in civil wars in Africa but also as a very accurate Country of Origin Information resource for people involved in Refugee Status Determination procedures.

Register now: Child Protection in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)

Born in Syria (2016)

Following the stories of 7 Syrian refugee children in Europe, Born in Syria is one of the rare movies that focus on the whole journey of refugees from home country to local integration in the host country. It follows children by depicting their life in Syria before, during and after the conflict, thus highlighting the traumatizing experiences they have been through in detail. It follows their journey in reception centers and refugee camps in Turkey, Hungary and Greece and what that resulted in later on in their life. And finally, it follows up on their integration in their final destination in Europe during their first 6 months in the country. Through this last stage, you can see the different ways of acculturation that newly-arrived refugees usually adopt, which often differ even within the same family. You follow their asylum procedures from the first reception center until the happy and very emotional moments of receiving the refugee status, and you continue to see the transitions in people’s lives, especially children’s lives through the efforts made to integrate into a new country, including language learning, communicating with the local community and starting a new school for the first time in years.

Refugee (2016)

Refugee is a filmmaker project realized by 5 renowned photographers including Clementine Malpas and Leslie Knott. The photographers travelled the world to illustrate the atrocities of war, political persecution and other root causes of refugee displacement. The very first scene of the movie actually starts with the refugee definition in the 1951 Geneva Convention, which I thought was very clever as it caters for all kinds of audiences. It also sheds light on the issue of family reunification of refugees in Europe and the effects family separation has on displaced communities in different places. It is not the easiest watch, or the kind of movie you would play after a bad day at work, as it depicts the issue of migration from a very realistic perspective; but it is a must watch if you want to know more about refugees.

Register now: Human Rights – The Rights of Refugees (Free course by Amnesty International)

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Social justice covers a variety of issues involving race, gender, age, sexual orientation, income equality and much more. How do you write an essay on a social justice issue that’s engaging, informative and memorable? Here are eight tips you should take to heart when writing:

When writing a social justice essay, you should brainstorm for ideas, sharpen your focus, identify your purpose, find a story, use a variety of sources, define your terms, provide specific evidence and acknowledge opposing views.

#1. Brainstorm creatively

Before you start writing your social justice essay, you need a topic. Don’t hesitate to look far and wide for inspiration. Read other social justice essays, look at recent news stories, watch movies and talk to people who are also interested in social justice. At this stage, don’t worry about the “trendiness” of your idea or whether a lot of people are already writing about it. Your topic will evolve in response to your research and the arguments you develop. At the brainstorming stage, you’re focused on generating as many ideas as possible, thinking outside the box and identifying what interests you the most. Take a free online course to get a better understanding of social justice.

You can take a creative brainstorming approach! A blog on Hubspot offers 15 creative ideas such as storyboarding, which involves laying out ideas in a narrative form with terms, images and other elements. You can also try freewriting, which is when you choose something you’re interested in. Next, write down everything you already know, what you need to know but don’t already, why the topic matters and anything else that comes to mind. Freewriting is a good exercise because it helps you decide if there’s any substance to a topic or if it’s clear there’s not enough material for a full essay.

#2. Sharpen your topic’s focus

The best essays narrow on a specific social justice topic and sharpen its focus, so it says something meaningful and interesting. This is often challenging, but wrestling with what exactly you want your essay to say is worth the effort. Why? An essay with a narrow, sharp focus has a clearer message. You’re also able to dig deeper into your topic and provide better analysis. If your topic is too broad, you’re forced to skim the surface, which produces a less interesting essay.

How do you sharpen your essay’s focus? Grace Fleming provides several tips on ThoughtCatalog. First, you can tell your topic is too broad if it can be summarized in just 1-2 words. As an example, “health inequity” is way too broad. Fleming suggests applying the questions, “Who, what, where, when, why and how,” to your topic to narrow it down. So, instead of just “health inequity,” you might end up with something like “The impact of health inequity in maternal healthcare systems on Indigenous women.” Your topic’s focus may shift or narrow even further depending on the research you find.

Writing a human rights topic research paper? Here are five of the most useful tips.

#3. Identify your purpose

As you unearth your topic and narrow its focus, it’s important to think about what you want your essay to accomplish. If you’re only thinking about your essay as an assignment, you’ll most likely end up with a product that’s unfocused or unclear. Vague sentiments like “Everyone is writing about social justice” and “Social justice is important” are also not going to produce an essay with a clear purpose. Why are you writing this essay? Are you wanting to raise awareness of a topic that’s been historically ignored? Or do you want to inspire people to take action and change something by giving them concrete how-to strategies? Identifying your purpose as soon as possible directs your research, your essay structure and how you style your writing.

If you’re not sure how to find your purpose, think about who you’re writing for. An essay written for a university class has a different audience than an essay written for a social justice organization’s social media page. If there are specific instructions for your essay (professors often have requirements they’re looking for), always follow them closely. Once you’ve identified your purpose, keep it at the front of your mind. You’ll produce an essay that’s clear, focused and effective.

#4. Find a human story

The best social justice essays don’t only provide compelling arguments and accurate statistics; they show your topic’s real-world impact. Harvard’s Kennedy School’s communications program describes this process as “finding a character.” It’s especially useful when you’re writing something persuasive. Whatever your topic, try to find the human stories behind the ideas and the data. How you do that depends on the nature of your essay. As an example, if you’re writing something more academic, focusing too much on the emotional side of a story may not be appropriate. However, if you’re writing an essay for an NGO’s fundraising campaign, focusing on a few people’s stories helps your reader connect to the topic more deeply.

How do you choose what stories to feature? Harvard suggests choosing someone you have access to either through your research or as an interview subject. If you get the opportunity to interview people, make sure you ask interesting questions that dig beneath the surface. Your subject has a unique perspective; you want to find the information and stories only they can provide.

#5. Rely on a variety of sources

Depending on your essay’s purpose and audience, there might be certain sources you’re required to use. In a piece for Inside Higher Ed, Stephanie Y. Evans describes how her students must use at least 10 source types in their final paper assignment. Most of the time, you’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to research and choosing your sources. For best results, you want to use a wide variety. There are a few reasons why. The first is that a variety of sources gives you more material for your essay. You’ll access different perspectives you wouldn’t have found if you stuck to just a few books or papers. Reading more sources also helps you ensure your information is accurate; you’re fact-checking sources against one another. Expanding your research helps you address bias, as well. If you rely only on sources that reflect your existing views, your essay will be much less interesting.

While we’re talking about sources, let’s touch on citations. If you’re writing an essay for school, your teacher will most likely tell you what citation method they want you to use. There are several depending on the discipline. As an example, in the United States, social science disciplines like sociology and education tend to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Some places are very rigid about citation styles, while others are more relaxed. If you’re writing an essay where your citation won’t be checked, you still need to give credit to any ideas, thoughts, or research that’s not yours. Proper citation builds trust with your reader and boosts your credibility.

Here are more tips on writing a human rights essay!

#6. Define your key terms

To make your essay as clear and effective as possible, you want every reader on the same page right at the beginning. Defining your key terms is an important step. As Ian Johnston writes, creating an effective argument requires “the establishment of clear, precise, and effective definitions for key terms in the arguments.” You may have to adapt an existing definition or write your own. Johnston offers principles such as adjusting a definition based on the knowledge of who you’re writing for, focusing on what a term is and not just on its effects, and expanding a definition so it covers everything a reader needs to know.

How do you decide which terms are important in your essay? First, never assume a reader understands a term because it’s “obvious.” The most obvious terms are often the ones that need the clearest definitions. If your reader doesn’t know exactly what you’re talking about when you use a term like “health equity,” your essay won’t be as effective. In general, you want to define any terms relevant to your topic, terms that are used frequently and terms with distinct meanings in the context of your essay.

#7. Provide specific evidence and examples

Social justice issues are grounded in reality, so an essay should reflect that. Don’t spend your whole paper being philosophical or hypothetical. As an example, let’s say you’re writing an essay about desertification in Mali. Don’t discuss desertification as an abstract concept. Include real statistics and case studies on desertification in Mali, who it’s affecting the most and what is being done about it. For every argument you make, present supporting evidence and examples.

The strength of your evidence determines the strength of your arguments. How do you find strong evidence? Cite This For Me lists a handful of examples, such as studies, statistics, quotes from subject matter experts and/or reports, and case studies. Good evidence also needs to be accurate and in support of your argument. Depending on your essay topic, how current a piece of evidence is also matters. If you’re not relying on the most current evidence available, it can weaken your overall argument. Evidence should also be as specific as possible to your topic. Referring back to our desertification in Mali essay, that means locating examples of how desertification affects people in Mali, not in Chad or Russia.

Academic essay writing requires specific skills. Here’s an online introductory course on academic writing.

#8. Acknowledge your critics

Not every social justice essay requires an acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints, but addressing critics can strengthen your essay. How? It lets you confront your critics head-on and refute their arguments. It also shows you’ve researched your topic from every angle and you’re willing to be open-minded. Some people worry that introducing counterarguments will weaken the essay, but when you do the work to truly dissect your critic’s views and reaffirm your own, it makes your essay stronger.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a four-step strategy for refuting an argument. First, you need to identify the claim you’re responding to. This is often the trickiest part. Some writers misrepresent the claims of their critics to make them easier to refute, but that’s an intellectually dishonest method. Do your best to understand what exactly the opposing argument is claiming. Next, make your claim. You might need to provide specific evidence, which you may or may not have already included in your essay. Depending on the claim, your own thoughts may be a strong enough argument. Lastly, summarize what your claim implies about your critics, so your reader is left with a clear understanding of why your argument is the stronger one.

The post 8 Tips For Writing A Social Justice Essay appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

If you are a human rights student, you will often be asked by your professors to do research on a certain human rights issue and write a research paper. Research papers are considered to be academic writings based on your original research, interpretation and commentary of other research findings. They are done in order to demonstrate your academic knowledge of a certain human rights issue and your acquisition of different research methodologies.

Also read: 10 Tips for conducting human rights research

Research papers on human rights can focus on any type of human right or a broad overview of human rights. For example, you can focus your research paper on the right to labor or do a research on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which includes 30 human rights.  This article offers five tips for writing your human rights research paper with an aim to assist you to keep good organization and focus.

Step 1: Choose a Human Rights Topic

When writing a research paper the first thing you have to do is to choose a topic. So where can you get inspiration? A common tactic is to skim through thesis directories to discover topics or issues that spark your interest. Another option you can try, is to visit your favorite online magazine and look at the articles through a human rights lens. The fashion brand, where you buy your clothes, do they care about human rights? What are the human rights implications of the latest developments in artificial intelligence? What happens when you apply a human rights perspective to the netflix series you saw last week? Human rights are everywhere, and so are the topics for your research paper.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have selected your topic, the next step is to conduct research. This can take various forms. Most students start with skim reading through the available literature. When you are searching an online library, make sure you also use synonyms and similar keywords in your search. It might be possible that your topic is well researched already but that most researchers choose a different term than the one you had in mind to describe the issue.

Look for articles and books that were written by human rights experts that deal with your chosen topic. Articles and books usually contain an empirical research that was already conducted within the field you are writing about. Once you find articles and books about your topic, check out the reference list or bibliography. The sources listed there can be a great tool for you to identify more suitable literature.

A great source for conducting research is the Internet, where you can find scholarly articles, books, journals, blog posts, encyclopedias and case directories. However, make sure you distinguish between invalid sources (i.e. Wikipedia, forums, etc.) and valid sources (i.e. scholarly article published by a university research center). Usually, your professor will outline and define what type of sources are acceptable to use in a research paper (i.e. scholarly articles, books, online journals, media articles etc.).

However, the most important is that information you find is trustworthy and based on facts. Academic publications often go through a rigorous quality assurance process and are thus considered more trustworthy than a message anyone can post on social media without much accountability. Your research paper should be based on at least five reliable sources.

Research traditions also vary in different universities and locations. At universities in Germany and Austria it is more common to reference twenty to fifty sources, even for a short research paper while in the UK less sources and more original writing is often state of the art. Make sure you discuss expectations with your professors especially if you are studying abroad and may be used to a different university system.

Citing well known authors and academics will make your research more reliable and your arguments well supported. It is a common best practice to summarize the key arguments of two or more authors and then, based on the research that has already been done, develop your own thoughts and conclusions around the topic. Once you have collected enough information on your topic, you can begin creating the outline of your research paper and developing your main argument.

Step 3 : Create an Outline

One of the most important steps in writing a research paper is creating a proper outline which will, later on, serve you as a guide and keep you on track. However, prior to creating an outline you should develop your research question and thesis statement which serve as a main idea and central point of your research paper. The arguments in your research paper should revolve around answering your research question (Is murder a violation of the right to life?) and testing your thesis statement (Murder is not considered a violation of the right to life, but killings are considered a violation of the right to life). The majority of your research paper will be based on arguments to verify or falsify your thesis statement based on facts and reliable sources.  

Once you defined your research question and thesis statement, you should be able to create an outline of your research paper which will help you organize your arguments. Creating an outline usually means organizing your thoughts into a linear structure with headings and subheadings presenting the main points of your argument.

Usually, a research paper, no matter what topic concerns, has the following structure:

1. Title page (This includes the title, the author’s name, date, the university name and name of your professor)
2. Abstract (This is a brief summary of your research paper with only main points outlined)
3. Introduction (Introduction should contain your research question, thesis statement and brief background information on the topic with the main arguments presented)
4. The main body (This part contains several sections in which you are going to summarize, analyze and present your literature findings and your arguments answering your research question and testing your thesis statement. In this part you are also going to explain how you have conducted your research and what research methodologies you used)
5. Conclusion (In conclusion you should shortly summarize your main arguments and explain the significance of your research. In this part, you should outline whether or not your research question has been answered and if your thesis statement has been confirmed)
6. Reference and Literature (In this section you will list all references and literature that you have used in your research paper)
7. Appendix (This section is necessary only if you have any additional information to support your argument such as charts, tables or figures)

Step 4: Write the paper

Once you finished outlining your paper it is time to begin writing. When starting this process it can be helpful to skip the introduction and start with the main body text. Usually, introduction and conclusion are written last because only then you will have a clear picture of your research paper and will be able to summarize it more concretely without skipping the important points. During the writing process you will develop new ideas and thoughts and the paper might move in a different direction that you originally planned. That’s normal but you need to update all aspects of the paper accordingly to ensure everything is consistent.

While writing, organize your arguments into paragraphs in order to get a clear and concise line of arguments. During the writing stage you will consult the literature and information you collected during the phase of conducting a research. However, it is really important to pay attention to how you summarize your literature in order to avoid plagiarism. This means using someone else’s exact words and copying them into your own research paper. Plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable in any academic discipline and considered as a form of theft.

A common way to avoid plagiarism is to paraphrase a certain argument or a fact in your own words and add a footnote to the original source. If you want to use word to word quotes you must mark them with quotation marks. In addition, always make sure to cite at the end from which source the fact or information derived or came from.

When writing, you should always keep in mind that the main purpose behind writing a research paper is to present arguments supported by the evidence from research.

Step 5: Edit, Revise and Celebrate

After you finished writing your research paper it is important to edit and revise it. At this stage, put your paper away for some time to gain distance to your own writing before you come back and revise it. After a few days, you will be able to notice mistakes more clearly and see whether or not you have presented clear and concise arguments. During the edit phase you should check for typos and spelling mistakes and if language you have used is clear and concise. Also, you will be able to notice if there was repetition in some parts of the paper and repetitive words or phrases that could be replaced with synonyms to improve the style of your paper. Once you have handed in your paper, don’t forget to celebrate! One step closer to your human rights masters.

The post 5 Tips for Writing Your Human Rights Research Paper appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Talking about human rights through the medium of film is one of the most effective ways to point out a specific humanitarian issue or human rights crisis. A short movie is any movie which lasts less than 40 minutes and is, therefore, not long enough to be considered a feature film. Although short movies date a while back, they have become quite popular in recent years due to their compactness and the ability to convey a powerful message in a short period of time. That said, short movies are also a tool many human rights defenders use to raise awareness about a particular human rights issue and inspire social changes.

We have selected five amazing short movies which deal with an array of human rights topics and concerns – from the rights of the disabled to environmental issues. Each of these art pieces lasts for about half an hour or less and is definitely a must-watch.

Angela

Directed by Botand Püsök (2015) Romania | 33 min

“Angela” is directed by a young Romanian director and has won the hearts and minds of the viewers on different documentary film festivals in the past couple of years. This short movie deals with the issue of discrimination towards the Roma people in Southeastern Europe and the everyday struggles they face. The story is set in the Romanian region of Transylvania where the majority of the population is Hungarian speaking. The viewers follow a young Roma girl (Angela) as she is preparing to give birth. She discusses her relationship with God, the gender roles in her communities, and the difficulties that Roma girls encounter during their upbringing.

Along the road, pieces from her disadvantaged past are revealed – the girl was kidnapped to be married, and then taken again by her future husband. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the movie “Angela” is not only about Angela. It is about all the challenges that Roma people face in Romania and Hungary as well as elsewhere in Europe, as they try to integrate into local communities.

What is so special about this movie is that it contains raw footage of the everyday lives of Transylvanian Roma and it tries to depict how they cope with living on the margin of the society.

E-Wasteland

Directed by David Fedele (2012) The UK | 20 min

For people in the “developed” Western world, buying new electronic appliances and gadgets and discarding the old ones is a common thing. But, do we ever wonder what happens with our old electronics?

In total, humans produce around 50 million tons of electronic waste every year. Some 200,000 tons of these electronic goods are sent to Ghana in West Africa. Percentage-wise, this could be a small figure, but it is still a lot of waste for a not-so-large, developing country. Many of these electronics are sold and used as second-hand goods, while others are simply thrown away at a dump.

E-Wasteland is a movie set in one of the slums in Ghana which were built around a dump site where many of these electronics end up. The directors follow the people who live in the Agbogbloshie slum in Ghana’s capital Accra. Agbogbloshie is, in fact, the largest electronics (or e-waste) dump site in the whole of Africa.

At the time the movie was made, there were over 30,000 settlers from different poorer regions in Ghana who called the slum their home. These people are largely uneducated, ignored by state authorities, and left with no job prospects or marketable skills. That said, they resort to the waste that surrounds them and try to make a living by recycling it.

In “E-Wasteland,” the viewers are taken on a visual tour through the consequences of unregulated e-waste and failed development policies, as they learn about another defeat of the modern economy.

Machine Man

Directed by Alfonso Moral and Roser Corella (2011) Spain | 15 min

This amazing short film is concerned with issues of modernity and global development in the 21^st century. In only 15 minutes, the directors of the film manage to draw our attention to the millions of minimum wage laborers who tirelessly work day and night like machines.

The story follows several workers in Bangladesh, one of the most populous and poorest countries in the world, known for being a supplier of cheap labor. In this small, but crowded country, thousands of people do machine-like repetitive work with their hands. The directors take the viewers on a journey through many different industries. We see women who collect coal and work all day with their bare feet. Young boys who should be in school make bricks. Other children collect and sort plastic bottles for as long as twelve hours a day. Thin, starved men transport heavy sacks.

All of these people destroy their health by working in conditions which must be considered inhumane. Yet, they have no other options as hundreds of employers stay eager to pay the minimum wage for the worst possible conditions.

What this movie shows is that, in spite of the development of modern technologies, producers still hire a large labor force to perform the most difficult of tasks, ignoring their workers’ and human rights.

Girl-Hearted (Mädchenseele)

Directed by Anne Scheschonk (2017) Germany | 37 min

“Girl-Hearted” is one of the few short films which explore the struggles and aspirations of transgender children. The movie, set in Germany, follows 7-year old Nori and her mother as they debate whether Nori is a girl or a boy. In her eyes, Nori was born as a boy, but she has a girl’s heart, which is why it is clear to her she is a girl.

Knowing that her child would be rejected by the community and the society, the mother argued with her son for five years about what he was going to wear to school and how he was going to present himself.

As the story unfolds, the viewers understand it took some time for the mother to understand she never had a son – Nori has always been her daughter. The child’s appearance does not matter anymore – what comes first is that Nori is happy. “Girl-Hearted” rightfully points out the incredibly difficult path of trying to live a life outside the commonly accepted norms. It is already hard enough for adults, yet, this beautiful movie gives us novel insights into how the struggle impacts children.

“Girl-Hearted” came out in 2017 and has already won several international prizes, including the Documentary Feature Film Award at the 3^rd Montevideo World Film Festival.

The Glass Man

Directed by We Ra (2013) Myanmar | 20 min

“The Glass Man” is one of the most inspiring human rights short movies. It deals with a topic of monumental importance – the rights of the disabled. While educating the viewers about all the stigma that comes with a physical or mental disability, the movie also leaves us with great optimism in our hearts, knowing that things can be improved.

This movie is a story about a young disabled boy called Kaung Htet. He grew up in Myanmar in poverty. Kaung Htet suffers from osteoporosis, which has led him to break his bones over 40 times since his birth. Still, he continued to live without proper treatment or medication. Since his childhood, he has been treated as odd and different by the members of his community and hasn’t had a chance to develop up to his potential.

Nevertheless, Kaung Htet perseveres. He volunteers as a teacher in a local school, and he gives support and advice to other disabled children and adults who want to improve their lives. The young man feels empowered and is full of hope that others can be empowered, too. In “The Glass Man,” we see an incredible struggle for the rights of the disabled in a small, local community as well as in the entire country. In only 20 minutes, the movie certainly teaches us lessons which can be taken and applied in different cultural contexts.

These are only some of the many fantastic short films which human rights students and professionals can use to educate themselves on a particular topic or region, share with like-minded friends and family, or even play in the classroom or at a meeting. We hope you will enjoy watching them as much as we did!

The post Five Brilliant Short Movies Which Deal With Human Rights Issues appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Deciding to work in a conflict zone is a tough choice. On the one hand, recent graduates often become frustrated with office jobs, feeling like they are not making any actual changes for the betterment of the lives of those whose human rights are endangered. At the same time, organizations working in particularly unstable countries prone to civil conflict or terrorist attacks are always in need of staff members and highly skilled personell. On the other hand, those considering making such a career move expectedly worry about their safety and whether they will be able to cope with everything that living under constant threat of an attack brings. Essentially, it is a career move that affects not only you, but your family as well.

Taking these concerns into consideration, how do those who do end up doing human rights-related work in a conflict zone make their decision? What does working in a conflict zone really look like? Is it worth it? These are some of the questions we asked Julieta Nikolova, a Young Professional working for the EU Delegation in Russia, in the attempt to better understand this aspect of human rights careers.

Native to Bulgaria, Julieta decided to pursue her interest in Central Asia soon after graduating from her interdisciplinary Master of Laws (LLM) in Germany, having specialized in international security. As a result, she spent two years working in Afghanistan. She started in a law firm, and then moved to a non-governmental organization to work as a research project manager. More specifically, she was working on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda for Afghanistan. Her work was to follow, analyze and measure how far Afghanistan is progressing with regards to the promises the government made to meet certain targets of the global agenda and women’s and human rights in general.

Living and working in the human rights sector in Afghanistan for so long was both rewarding and challenging, Julieta says. She spoke to us about how she made a decision to go, what her life in Kabul looked like, all the challenges she faces and the rewards she got out of the entire experience.

Getting ready to work in a war zone: books, blogs and emergency manuals

Preparing well for your big move is absolutely necessary, even if you are only at the applications stage. Oftentimes things will move very quickly and you might be in a position to accept an offer within several days. We wanted to know how Julieta went through this entire process.

I: What inspired you to apply for a job in Afghanistan in the first place?

J: Before Afghanistan, I worked for the UN Women in Tajikistan for a couple of months. I wrote my Master Thesis on Central Asia, so I wanted to go and experience the region myself. My experience in Tajikistan was fascinating; I could travel and communicate with the beneficiaries of the projects, women and men, who understood that they could make a change in their society.
I had to go back to Europe and finish my studies but I already knew that I liked the field experience, and I was ready to risk with something bigger, namely going to a war zone. I liked the region, the people and the culture. I started searching and applying for different positions in local and international NGOs in Afghanistan, but in the end I decided to use my legal background and go to work in the legal sector.

I: How did the application process go?

J: Of course I made all applications online. The interview for my first job was via internet as well. When I received the offer, the rest of the administration-related work started. Sometimes, visa processes for Afghanistan can take time, so be ready for that.

I: How did your family react?

J: My family knew from the very beginning that I wanted to go to Afghanistan. They couldn’t understand this decision, and they were not happy about it either. But my family never restricted me in any way. It is true they were not particularly happy that I received a job there, but they didn’t stop me from giving it a try and fulfilling my wishes.

I: How did you prepare for moving to Afghanistan?

J: While I was waiting for the visa, I read a lot of blogs online about the country, written by both locals and by expats. In addition, I read a lot of manuals about what to do in emergency situations and I watched movies about Afghanistan just to get to know the country culture-wise.

Working in a war zone: “No one can prepare you for this”

Packed with book knowledge and the essentials, Julieta flew off to Kabul. Besides the obvious cultural shock, she also had to adapt to distinct conditions applicable to both her work environment and her daily routine.

I: What was your first impression when you came to Afghanistan?

J: My first impression was that in Afghanistan everything was different. I had to change my work habits. I had to adapt myself to the working way of my colleagues, clients and partners. For this, no one can prepare you, no books or blogs. You can either observe carefully and learn, or at some point it will become evident that you don’t fit in the environment.

I: What challenges does being in a conflict zone bring?

J: Well, to be honest, there are many challenges to living and working in a conflict zone. They start from how you do your work, because you are very restricted when it comes to going out for meetings, meeting people, travelling. Of course, at all times, there is a risk that something can happen to, whether you are behind the desk, at home, or going for a meeting.

I: And, are there additional difficulties you experienced simply because you are a woman and a young professional?

J: I would not exaggerate if I said that for a female expat, it is even more uncomfortable. I am a person who likes her freedom, and in a conflict zone, I had to give up a big part of it.

I: Did your education help you prepare for the work you did? What was your work environment like?

J: Education is important. I studied about different schools of politics, war theories, psychology of war and so on. Of course I didn’t need those in Afghanistan. But my degrees were important because they taught me a specific way of thinking, and this helped me a lot in Afghanistan. It helped me cope with both of my jobs.

When it comes to the work I did, the only thing I couldn’t do, was to be among the people, among these very women that need the government, Ministries and President to know about their needs. Nevertheless, thanks to the wonderful colleagues I had, I was able to have access to every piece of information I needed, to research the topics that were important to me and to write extensive reports.

I: In your opinion, how do professionals who live in conflict zones cope with the overwhelming insecurity? Did you experience any stress?

J: I think how one copes with the stress is very personal. There were many stressful moments for me, especially when I knew that I was lucky to pass the street where a blast happened just five minutes before it happened, and that many other people were not that lucky.

After such an event, you need time, time to reflect, to rest, to recover. For me, to maintain my contacts with people was important. I am a very social person, and although in a war zone it is not easy to be social, it is important that one meets people, talks and shares.

Julieta’s advice: “Be ready to realize your limits”

Living in Afghanistan was a real rollercoaster for Julieta but, speaking to her, one realizes she thinks it was totally worth it, despite the insecurity. Why is that?

J: To my mind, Afghanistan is really a special place, with different people, traditions and customs. Indeed, I have studied about war, politics of war, history of war, strategy, but never have I studied the social aspects of war. At the university, it was always just about the numbers. In Afghanistan, I saw the social aspects of war, how war reflects on individual lives, on families, on generations. I can say that it was worth going to the war zone even only for that because I could never get this experience and knowledge in any other way.

I: What advice do you have for human rights professionals who want to relocate to conflict zones to do humanitarian or human rights work?

J: Think about it! I have always believed that if a person wants to achieve something, there is a way. I believed that I can cope with everything. In Afghanistan, I realized my limits. And this was a positive exercise for me. We are not machines, we are human beings. We need to realize when we have reached our limits and then maybe step back. Otherwise, there could be very negative physical and psychological implications.

I: Last but not least, what is the most valuable lesson you learned from your experience?

J: I have learned a lot from my stay in Afghanistan. I learned a lot about my work, about myself and people’s nature. I do not know which is the most valuable. Maybe I have learned about the value of life.

There is no greater motivation to pursue a career path than getting to adopt a whole new perspective on your own life and what it is means to you, while at the same time investing your time and resources to help people who still put their lives at great risk every single day. Julieta’s inspiring story reminds us of that, and encourages us to work in the field. Making a decision to move to Afghanistan or another unstable country to do human rights-related work shouldn’t be too easy. After all, there are all these concerns Julieta mentioned to be taken into consideration. However, it shouldn’t be too difficult either, because it is the best way to put years and years of your human rights education into practice.

The post Human rights work in a conflict zone: Julieta’s insights from Afghanistan appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

1. What Tomorrow Brings

Shot entirely in a village in Afghanistan, “What Tomorrow Brings” tells the story of teachers and students at the Zabuli School, the first school to allow for the legal education of girls in the town. Set 12 years after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and declared war on the Taliban, the film by director Beth Murphy follows the girls and the educators who are seeking to teach them as the fledging school holds its first classes. The film also shows how fundamentalism is reemerging in the area, making the future of the school and the students themselves very uncertain.

2. Call Me Kuchu

Filmed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, this powerful documentary tells the story of David Kato, the first man in Uganda to be openly gay. The film shows how Kato bravely faced the dangers of being out and proud and gives you a feel for the activism that’s taking place in the African nation to fight for equality despite the obstacles. Although the bill that made homosexuality illegal in the country was struck down after the film was made, the fact that similar conditions exist for LGBTI individuals in more than 40 African nations makes the film a must watch.

3. 5 Broken Cameras

This film takes you inside a village located in the West Bank to see firsthand what Palestinians are confronted with on a day-to-day basis. The point of view is that of a local resident, a father of four, who originally began shooting film for home movies. He managed to capture interactions with Israeli troops that give a glimpse into what life is like in Palestine.

4. The Thin Blue Line

Although it was made in 1988, this documentary about the American court system shows how justice can easily be subverted in a country that wrongly prides itself on being a bastion of human rights. Considered a landmark in documentary film making, it’s one you can’t afford to miss if you’re interested in the abolition of the death penalty.

5. Camp 14: Total Control Zone

This heartbreaking film tells the story of Shin Dong-Huyk, a young man who was born in one of the notorious labor camps in North Korea. Now a refugee in South Korea, Dong-Huyk takes viewers on a journey into the horrific conditions of the camps that the West has been able to gain little information about due to the secrecy of the North Korean government.

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