Human Rights Today: The Story of an Exhibition

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“Human Rights Today” is a living dialogue between young people, activists, the community, and international artists. Born from a partnership between AICEM (International Organisation for Cooperation and Worldwide Education) and We Restart - Art Centre of Sanctuary, this project uses the power of creativity to bring the principles of the Council of Europe to the heart of London’s communities.

The Vision: Education Meets Art

The exhibition is the creative heartbeat of the "Human Rights Passwords" National Training Course. While AICEM leads the educational mission—equipping young people with the tools to understand and advocate for their rights—We Restart provides the canvas, curating a space where those lessons are transformed into visual stories.

AICEM: Bringing the Mission to Life

AICEM has been the driving force behind this initiative since its inception. By organising the National Training Courses in cooperation with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, AICEM has created a platform where non-formal education and artistic expression coexist. Their leadership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between high-level human rights policy and the lived experiences of local youth.

2024 | Brent: Celebrating 75 Years of the Council of Europe

The journey began in October 2024 in the London Borough of Brent. To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Council of Europe, AICEM and the Young Brent Foundation hosted the first "Human Rights Passwords" course.

The accompanying exhibition at the Brent Museum and Archives featured:

• “Sudan: Stolen Dreams”: A series by Sudanese displaced artist Maisson Hassan Matar.
• “Human Rights Today”: Works created by asylum seekers residing in Brent, curated by We Restart.

This inaugural event proved that human rights are not just legal concepts—they are personal stories of resilience and hope.

2025 | Newham: 75 Years of the European Convention on Human Rights

In October 2025, the project expanded to the London Borough of Newham. This edition celebrated a different but equally vital milestone: the 75th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Hosted at the Stratford Youth Zone, the "Human Rights Passwords" training continued to grow, supported by Compost London and Newham’s Youth Empowerment Service. The exhibition evolved into a truly global showcase, featuring:

• International Perspectives: Artworks from contributors across the globe, reflecting      universal human rights challenges.
• Local Action: Proposals and aspirations from UK youth advocates for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

A Global Canvas

Since its inception, We Restart has brought together artists from around the world to contribute to Human Rights Today. By blending grassroots perspectives with international artistic voices, the exhibition reflects a shared commitment to dignity, equality, and human rights across cultures and borders.

The exhibition offers communities the opportunity to engage with human rights through creative expression and participatory workshops, fostering dialogue, awareness, and a deeper understanding of the values that shape democratic societies.

From its very first edition, Human Rights Today has toured across London’s public libraries, including the West End Arts Library, just a short walk from Trafalgar Square. Each exhibition invites new artists to contribute, creating an ever-evolving platform. Featured artists have includedSareh Moradi (Iran), Fuad Al Gaadi (Yemen), street artist Maupal, and students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.

The exhibition has also inspired the creation of a wider platform: The Human Rights Festival, now in its second edition. Expanding beyond visual arts, the festival opens the dialogue to performing arts, documentary film, poetry, and literature, creating a multidisciplinary space for reflection and exchange. The first edition was held at the O2 in Camden, while the second unfolds across multiple locations—from Barnet to Notting Hill and Wembley—reflecting a growing, city-wide presence. The festival takes place each June in alignment with Refugee Week, strengthening its connection to shared themes of courage, resilience, and human dignity.

Alongside its physical exhibitions, Human Rights Today is also evolving into a digital platform—a growing archive of artworks and contributions from artists and communities worldwide. This living collection aims to keep the dialogue open and accessible, ensuring that stories, perspectives, and creative responses to human rights continue to be shared across time and place.

Partners of the Human Rights National Training Course

This journey is made possible through the collaboration of dedicated organisations:

• AICEM (Lead Partner & Educator)
• Council of Europe Youth Department
• London Borough of Newham & Brent Council
• Young Brent Foundation
• Compost London

Are you an artist or youth advocate? Join us for the next chapter

Credits: Image above by AICEM - Artists: Aisha Koudri, Atwain Johnson, Grace Pascoe, Marco Ferrara, Michaela McKay.