Purpose of Artists for Human Rights Artists for Human Rights (AFHR) is a non-profit organization that is mobilizing the power of the arts and artists to raise awareness of human rights and their abuses, creating global solutions by utilizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to know them, demand them, and defend them.

Artists for Human Rights (AFHR) has been working hand-in-hand wtih effective human rights advocates and leading organizations worldwide in getting our human rights message out. By raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948, AFHR seeks to bring about greater understanding and adherence to these 30 fundamental human rights through the culture of the arts. Our organization recognizes that artists, through their films, writing, music, painting, can alter hearts and minds overnight and thus bring about change.

AFHR has, in less than four years, reached millions across the globe with human rights messages. From appearances on Voice of America reaching over 30 million people in the Middle East, to screenings of documentaries and films throwing light on human rights abuses today, to human rights exhibits in New York, Mexico, Austin, Los Angeles, and Florence, Italy, to concerts in Union Square, New York, to Human Rights Summits at the United Nations, New York, and at the seat of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, we as artists are raising awareness and inspiring action to eradicate human rights abuses across the globe.

We continue to raise awareness through our hugely successful Hope and Human Rights Speaker series, which has featured:-

President Jose Ramos Horta, Nobel Pece Prize Laureate, who brought his country to democracy after 25 years of terror.

Kevin Bales, the Co-founder / President of Free the Slaves, an organization taking dramatic steps to end slavery in 25 years.

John Prendergast, Co-founder of the Enough Project and Raise Hope for the Congo, whose purpose is to end genocide and crimes against humanity as well as empower and protect Congolese women from sexual violence.

Gary White, Co-founder along with Matt Damon of water.org, who is working with CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) to implement new and effective ways to deliver water infrastructure to impoverished areas all over the world.

John Bul Dau, one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan, whose epic journey across the borders of Ethopia and Kenya seeking safety and shelter led to his eventual relocation into the USA.

MP Mu Sochua of Cambodia, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and human rights activitist fighting to end sex slavery, empower the women of Cambodia, and help alleviate poverty through supporting, training and promoting women leaders.

Suraya Sadeed, Founder and Ex. Dir. of helptheafghanchildren.org (HTAC) and author of "Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse", who is committed to educating and empowering a new generation of Afghan children to become proud, productive citizens and future leaders of their country.

In Washington, D.C. AFHR hosted, along with IRD (International Relief and Development) and CCD (Council for a Community of Democracies), an evening with John Dau, including guest speaker John Prendergast, who discussed the future of Southern Sudan as the upcoming referendum vote in that country approached. An APPEAL (petitition) was initiated urging increased international diplomacy to avoid renewed conflict and genocide in the area. The appeal has registered 30,000 signatures to date.

Artists for Human Rights Founder, Anne Archer, was honored at The Global Action Awards, acknowledging persons who have committed time, talent and resources to taking action in order to save lives, solve problems and empower future generations. The awards were presented to people who showed innovation, effectiveness and measurable solutions to global challenges and who have collaborated on projects and in campaigns which have served as catalysts for action.

With all this said, we need your passion, your commitment and your heart to end human rights abuses for good. We are starting a movement fuled by dedication and volunteerism.

For more information, watch the below video and visit us online at www.artistsforhumanrights.org.

Sincerely,

Anne Archer, Founder