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Artists for Human Rights (AFHR) was formed with the purpose of bringing
artists together with the common cause of raising awareness of human rights
around the world while providing a voice to those artists who have been
suppressed due to governmental, religious or cultural oppression.
In 1948 the United
Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with 190 countries
ratifying and ascribing to this declaration. This document delineates 30
basic articles of universal human rights (see page 2). The startling fact is
that most people have not had the opportunity or benefit of even seeing
these rights clearly laid out. You can't defend what you do not know.
While artists are often
the first-line target when human rights are curtailed, they also have the
ability to influence and change viewpoints on a large scale through their
stories, dance, music and pictures. They have the power to enlighten and
elevate an entire culture, bringing sanity and tolerance to a troubled
world.
Artists for Human Rights
was formed as non profit organization by artists who have taken up this
responsibility and the challenge to make a difference, to increase human
rights awareness and to provide a voice for those oppressed artists who are
being silenced.
Founded by the celebrated
Academy Award nominated film actress and human rights advocate, Anne Archer,
Artists for Human Rights invites artists from all disciplines to contribute.
Participation is broad-based, embracive of all races, creeds and
nationalities with its only prerequisite - support and affirmation of the
United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Working Board members are
exactly that - working board members. Not in name only, Working Board
members attend meetings, take on projects, bring their own creative genius
to the cause for human rights.
Maintaining its goals and
mission statement, Artists for Human Rights works inclusively with allied
organizations to bring the full force of artistic expression to bear in the
human rights arena. What many do not know about AFHR Founder Anne Archer is
that she has tirelessly and unceremoniously fought for human rights across
the globe for nearly two decades. She has led religious tolerance movements
in Germany, France, the United States, Spain and Africa. She has, with other
artists, led protest marches in uneven streets, testified to Congress, met
quietly and openly with State Department officials around the world - always
bringing her creativity and passion to the fight. |