Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
HUMAN RIGHTS TODAY FESTIVAL AT THE O2 CENTRE IN CAMDEN
From Local Communities to a Global Platform for Social Justice
Join us at the Human Rights Today Festival at the O2 Centre in Finchley, Camden, for an inspiring celebration of cultures from around the world! Discover a vibrant programme of visual arts, live performances, theatre, music, panel discussions, creative workshops, and global cuisine — all coming together to spotlight diversity, resilience, and human rights. This is a unique opportunity to connect with communities, hear powerful stories, and experience the richness of cultural expression. Free entry – everyone welcome!
We are deeply grateful to the O2 Centre for their incredible support in hosting the Human Rights Today Festival. Their generosity in providing space and championing community-led initiatives has made this celebration possible.
Wednesday 18 June 2025
Programme
3:30pm
- Human Rights Today an art exhibition featuring the history of the Human Rights Treaty and contemporary artworks from Iranian artist Sareh Moradi, whose calligraphy art takes inspiration by by Iranian poet Saadi Shirazi , and Ukrainian artist Tetyana Frey, whose sculptures made from artillery fragments provide a haunting reflection on conflict and survival.
- Human Rights Global, artworks from artists and NGOs from around the world, including Batool Showghi (on the right the artwork "Displaced"), Dmytro Shavala, LBS, Hasina Darya, Nikoleta Popovych, Khrystyna Khmil, Sabir, Sameneh Kya, Carolina Rapezzi, Nove - Caring Humans and more.
- Sudan: Stolen Dreams by Maisson Hassan Matar
- Portrait(s) of Camden is a vibrant community art project: a quilt composed of 484 unique fabric portraits, each created by individuals during workshops held across Camden — including schools, community and family centres, local businesses, charities, and festivals — between 2023 and 2024. Initiated by Joana Monteiro Gobbi, a PhD student at London College of Fashion, the project is delivered in partnership with the Working Men’s College
- Guided tours, led by Ben Uri Gallery presenting a striking new hoarding installation surrounding the site of the former Homebase. This outdoor exhibition showcases works by Jewish, refugee and immigrant artists, honouring their legacy and contribution to the cultural life of north London.
- Embroidery workshops led by Families 4 Peace and Hopscotch
- Paper workshop led by Hone Books Galore
4:30pm
- The Panel led by Ilaria Esposito from AICEM, brings together artists, community leaders, and organisations for a powerful dialogue exploring the meaning and relevance of human rights in today’s world.
6:30pm
- Live music and performance pieces, including a musical excerpt from “Still Here” by Unique Community, featuring asylum seekers and refugees from Ukraine and Iran.
7:00pm, Unit 7 (First Floor) will be transformed into a vibrant space featuring food from different global cuisines and information stalls, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the organisations driving change on the ground.
- In the Mix presents "A taste from the afar"
- Zhvan Theatre Company present "Snakes and ladders". Written by Hameed Yaseen - his first play – it’s a powerful and eye-opening look at the "games" that are played out by asylum-seekers and migrants as they make their way across Europe."
Zhvan Theatre Company
Snakes & Ladders by Hamed Yaseen
Zhvan Theatre Company was formed in 2022, developing from a weekly theatre class for asylum-seekers in Wembley. The aim is to give experience of theatre to asylum-seekers and refugees, and to create theatre which reflects upon aspects of the migrant situation. This production, for the first time, also includes others with an interest in or perspective upon the refugee situation in this country. Hamed Yaseen is Zhvan’s most committed and prolific member, having performed in all of their productions. Snakes and ladders is Zhvan’s fifth production, and Hamed’s first play. It focuses on the journey of so many migrants through Europe, and draws heavily on his own experiences on his journey from Iran to the UK. It is a powerful and eye-opening piece of theatre, showing both elements of the journey, and reflections upon that from a position of safety. The play is not quite complete. Hamed wanted to focus first upon the land journey across Europe, but the final part, telling of his journey to the UK, is yet to be written. Our hope is that we will refine and complete the story with a production later this year.
Our Partners
