Threats to human rights are many and diverse and can be seen across the globe, whether it be religious persecution, ethnic and racial oppression, violence against women, anti-LGBT+ legislation, or attacks on political space and democratic freedoms. With so many unjust and unfathomable examples of oppression occuring every day, how can we begin to comprehend and respond to such events? Join our panel as they reflect on some of the ways in which we might tackle these challenges to human rights collectively by enhancing awareness and activism through academia, art, broadcasting and film-making.
This discussion will celebrate the opening of David Kato college, named in honour of the human-rights defender and gay-rights activist who was tragically murdered in 2011, having previously been a Protective Fellow on the Human Rights Defenders Programme at the Centre for Applied Human Rights at the University of York.
This programme continues to welcome Human Rights Defenders every year from across the world and works in conjunction with a variety of scholarships and support schemes to maintain York’s status as a University of Sanctuary.
As the University celebrates its 60th anniversary and maintains its commitment to being an institution of social purpose and public good, this event will also mark the launch of the York Sanctuary Fund which will aid the University’s efforts to support and expand these schemes.
This event will be followed by a drinks reception and an opportunity to view an exhibition of artworks and creative activism which reflects upon and responds to the challenges faced by Human Rights Defenders.
Our 60th year offers us a moment in time to reflect on our role as a University for social purpose and public good. We will be marking this mission with the opening of David Kato college, named in honour of the human-rights defender and gay-rights activist. Join us to hear some of the ways we can tackle challenges to human rights collectively, by enhancing awareness and activism through academia, art, broadcasting and film-making. As part of our University of Sanctuary ambitions, we will also launch York’s new Sanctuary Fund.
Source: york
