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human rights today
An exhibition to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Council of Europe
Founded in London in May 1949, the Council of Europe has long been a beacon for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe. To commemorate its 75th anniversary, AICEM and the Young Brent Foundation, in partnership with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, organized a national human rights training course. This initiative was part of the "Youth Revitalising Democracy" project, supported by the London Borough of Brent.
In collaboration with WE RESTART, a local charity dedicated to empowering asylum seekers and refugee artists, they also launched the exhibition “Human Rights Today” at Brent Museum. This exhibition has become a platform for the community to reflect on the importance of human rights and share their aspirations for a more democratic Europe.
The exhibition is structured in three parts. The first presents 15 panels narrating the story of the Council of Europe, offering a historical perspective on its foundational role in promoting human rights and democracy. The second segment, “Sudan: Stolen Dreams,”features a powerful solo exhibition by Maisson Hassan, a former UN Ambassador from Sudan. Her artwork reflects on the tumultuous history and struggles faced by her homeland.
The third part showcases works created by young people from Brent and participants of WE RESTART’s Art Café— an art programme supporting asylum-seekers led by artist Marco Ferrara. Among these contributions is “Right to Equality” by Sareh Moradi, an Iranian asylum seeker. Her artwork is inspired by the famous Persian poem Bani Adam (Sons of Adam) by the 13th-century poet Saadi Shirazi, which speaks of the interconnectedness and equality of all humans. The poem’s message that "if one limb is hurt, the whole body shall be in unease" powerfully resonates with the themes of human rights and empathy.
Following its success at Brent Museum, the exhibition will tour the borough, starting with Kensal Rise Library from 14 to 28 November. At this venue, it will also feature “Unhomed” by Olga Kuznetsova, a refugee artist whose work explores the emotional and psychological landscapes shaped by displacement, migration, and the search for belonging.
A highlight of the exhibition’s tour will be a public Q&A session with the artists on 20 November at 7pm, offering the community a unique opportunity to engage directly with the creators and their stories.
The exhibition will conclude its tour at the newly refurbished Brent Civic Centre Library from 6 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, providing a fitting finale to this celebration of human rights and artistic expression.
This series of events not only commemorates the Council of Europe’s 75 years of protecting and promoting democracy and human dignity but also amplifies the voices of those who continue to fight for these ideals today—through art, activism, and community engagement.
SUDAN: STOLEN DREAMS
The exhibition
"Sudan: Stolen Dreams" is a compelling series of mixed-media collages on canvas that delves into Sudan's complex history and ongoing struggles. Through a powerful visual narrative, the exhibition highlights the resilience of the Sudanese people while acknowledging the historical tensions and repeated military coups that have shattered hopes for democracy since independence. Central to this narrative is the crucial role of Sudanese women, whose relentless efforts to secure democratic rights, inclusivity, and equality are prominently honoured. Their fight for women's rights adds a profound layer of complexity to Sudan's story, showcasing their unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
"Sudan: Stolen Dreams" aims to honour the indomitable spirit of the Sudanese people and bring much-needed attention to a nation often overlooked in global conversations. Despite its vibrant cultural heritage, Sudan's journey towards democracy has been repeatedly obstructed by a cycle of military coups, stealing the dreams of its citizens. By raising awareness about Sudan's intricate past and present, this project fosters solidarity with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of a unified and democratic future. Through Maisson Hassan's evocative collages, the exhibition seeks to engage audiences in a meaningful dialogue about Sudan's resilience and the critical role of women in shaping its future.
My dreams were stolen
A letter by Maisson Hassan
My earliest memory is vivid. In 1985, I was seven, standing with my family outside my grandparents' house, which overlooked the airport. We witnessed a seemingly endless stream of people. Young and old, men, women, and children, marched with a unified, powerful voice. Their voices, strong and unwavering, pulsed through the air. Clueless, I turned to my mother, who explained they were protesting against Nimeiri's regime. We joined them.
Four years later, the fragile democracy that followed was snatched away by al-Bashir's coup. I grew up under his oppressive rule, witnessing the damage inflicted on Sudan and its people. In the 90s, the war with South Sudan was fueled by the forced recruitment of young men, and turned them into pawns in a so-called Jihad, only to be declared martyrs by a deceitful government. The genocide in Darfur and South Kordofan. The corruption and the suffocating laws, especially against women. The Public Order Law, which was a shackle on our freedom of expression.
This regime stole a large chunk of my life. Regardless, I refused to leave Sudan. This land, fractured as it may be, was still my home. I couldn't abandon it to the clutches of those who sought to exploit its vulnerabilities. Instead, I chose to become a social activist, a voice for the voiceless. We, the Sudanese people, had a responsibility to each other, especially the most vulnerable. If we all left, who would fight for the future we so desperately craved? Who would nurture the seeds of hope amidst the ashes? I wouldn't let Sudan become a lost cause. My dream of a democratic nation, where my daughters could flourish, wouldn't die. It would fuel my fight.
After three decades, I found myself back on the streets, this time against al-Bashir. For six grueling months, we raised our voices, demanding democracy. Many friends and family members were lost, their peaceful protests silenced forever. But we managed to remove al-Bashir in April 2019, however, our success was short-lived. Al-Bashir's generals and militia, plunged the country back into war. Now, displaced like millions of others, I seek refuge. My family, scattered.
Despite everything, my love for Sudan runs deep. It's a complex bond – a love-hate relationship. The history, the rich diversity, the vibrant culture of my people – these fill me with pride. But the actions of our own governments leave me filled with anger and frustration.
For years, I've dreamt of a different Sudan, a democratic nation where the voices of the people are heard and respected. A place where my daughters can grow up with dignity.
My dreams were stolen!
Maisson Hassan
About the artist
Maisson Hassan, a self-taught artist with an MSc in Physics, has made significant strides in leveraging art for social change. In 2013, she founded Fandora in her home country, Sudan. This social enterprise, whose name translates to "The role of art in the community," focused on reducing poverty and addressing waste management issues in Khartoum through innovative recycling crafts. Maisson's entrepreneurial spirit was recognized when she became a top-four finalist in the Mashrouy competition for entrepreneurship. She and her team trained hundreds of women in income-generating activities, collaborating with international organizations and local NGOs, while also organizing specialized art workshops for youth and children.
Maisson's impact has been internationally acknowledged. In 2015, she was nominated and selected as Sudan's ambassador for Women Entrepreneurship Day, joining a global team of ambassadors who celebrate and support women and girls worldwide. To further promote recycling art, she initiated and managed Khartoum's first environmental festival, the "Trash Secrets Festival," in 2016, featuring over 40 Sudanese artists who use recycled materials. This festival significantly raised awareness about environmental issues in Sudan. Despite the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, which forced Maisson to seek asylum in the UK, she remains determined to rebuild her life. Currently, she is an asylum seeker and has been awarded a studio residency at WE RESTART Charity, participating in the A.R.I.A. Hub programme to continue her work and reach her full potential in a supportive environment.