Following the successful implementation of the Institute’s first project targeting the creative sector, Executive Director (Nazar Abdelgadir) stressed on the necessity of such an approach for the effective promotion and protection of human rights within Sudan. He further added that targeting the creative arts will aid in popularizing the human rights message.
When asked on the outcome of the workshop, Mr. Nazar Abdelgadir highlighted that beyond the dissemination of human rights principles and mechanisms, Sudan’s stance vis-à-vis principal human rights conventions and protocols and the introduction into the most important human right cases in the Sudanese context, the most vital outcome was the establishment of a group chat between the participants titled “know your rights” , demonstrating the importance in being aware of our constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Furthermore, another crucial realization of the three day workshop was the importance of youth, more specifically the need in prioritizing, supporting and enhancing efforts towards human rights cases related to the youth.
In parallel, women issues were highlighted as particularly relevant in acknowledgement of prevalent practices such as early marriage, Sudan’s stance on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as well as the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Sudan’s Corresponding National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security.
The Executive Director stated that these pertinent topics shall be transformed into dramas and delivered in a simple and comprehensible manner, with the active participation and support of the Geneva Institute for Human Rights.
With reference to the mechanisms concerning the effective implementation of plans, programs and agendas, Mr. Abdelgadir stated that the vital first step is widening the circle for an inclusive and effective impact, while simultaneously ensuring the simplicity of approach in the first stages.
Moreover, Mr. Abdelgadir shed light on the historical impact of Sudanese dramas during the British colonial period and the continuous impact of theatre on social movements related to civil and political rights, corruption and women, as well as the crucial role of radio and television broadcasts on human rights education.
As the State is in a pivotal transitional period, the Executive Director placed an emphasis on enhancing public understanding on concepts such as democracy, political participation, elections, freedom of thought and expression, and freedom of religion or belief.
Mr. Abdelgadir concluded that he is of the firm conviction that these messages can be effectively disseminated through the various creative mediums led by those in the artistic space.