THEME: Our Right To Be Right.
Word Smash Poetry Movement is calling SADC-based active policy leaders and influencers, human rights activists, scholars, and social commentators to express interest in participating in the panel discussions at the virtual SADC Human Rights and Poetry Festival of 2021 being hosted on 10th December 2021.
International Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950 after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.
Although the Declaration is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights. Today the general consent of all United Nations Member States on the basic Human Rights laid down in the Declaration makes it even stronger and emphasizes the relevance of Human Rights in our daily lives.
The panel discussions will center on the following motions:
- The Role of Art, specifically poetry, in fighting for Human Rights realization.
- Is the enjoyment of Human Rights a delirium or a realistic dream in Southern Africa?
- Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services as Human Rights.
- Sex and Sexuality Rights situation in Southern Africa—Special Focus on Zimbabwe and Zambia as Christian nations.
- Political Rights as Human Rights, how much or how less is enough?
All African states are known for being selective in the application of laws and have been found wanting especially on following international protocols. On the other hand, scholars, social commentators, human rights activists, and policy leaders largely inform the shaping of and maintenance of a healthy society. Therefore, we need pundits like yourselves to speak during the Festival’s discussions and ensure we informedly cast light on the state of Human Rights in Southern Africa to necessitate sustainable enjoyment of and protection of Human Rights.
Abuse of Human Rights has widened the inequality gap. Join the festival to speak against the ugly inequalities.
Submission Deadline
Respond to this call by 21 November 2021 using the Google Form HERE
Response Date
26 November 2021
Festival Dates
10 December 2021
For inquiries: wordsmashpoetry@gmail.com or words@wordsmashpoetrymovement.org
Word Smash Poetry Movement 