Human Rights Today Festival
Human Rights Today Festival
Join us on Wednesday 18th June for an inspiring day of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and discussions to spotlight the cultural contributions and lived experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and the grassroots organisations supporting them in celebration of Refugee Week 2025.
To celebrate this year’s theme, ’community as a superpower’, we are inviting local guests to come together in celebration of strength, creativity, and the vital role of community in welcoming and empowering people who are displaced.
Where and when: The event will take place at the O2 Centre on Wednesday 18th June, 3.30pm - 9pm.
Entry: Entry is FREE and open to all. The event is curated and managed by WE RESTART.
Take a look at what's on:
Day events
Art Exhibition 3.30–9PM, ACROSS THE O2 CENTRE
Art exhibition featuring the history of the Human Rights Treaty and contemporary artworks from Iranian, Ukrainian and Sudanese artists.
Video Exhibition 3.30–9PM, IN THE HUB, LEVEL 1
A video exhibition from Human Rights Global, featuring artworks from artists and NGOs from around the world.
Community Art Project 3.30–9PM, ON THE GROUND FLOOR
Portrait(s) of Camden is a vibrant community art project: a quilt composed of 484 unique fabric portraits, each created by individuals during workshops held across Camden.
Embroidery Workshops FROM 3.30PM ON A DROP-IN BASIS, ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Led by Families 4 Peace and Hopscotch
Paper Workshops FROM 3.30PM ON A DROP-IN BASIS ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Led by Hone Books Galore transforming second hand and damaged books into beautiful paper sculptures.
Guided Tours of Open-Air Art Exhibition 3.30PM AND 6PM, MEETING POINT IN THE CAR PARK BEHIND CAR WASH
Two guided tours of a striking new hoarding installation that surrounds the site of the former Homebase led by Sarah MacDougall. The outdoor exhibition, curated by the Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, showcases works by artists from refugee and immigrant backgrounds.
Evening events
Panel Event Focusing on Human Rights 4.30PM IN THE HUB, LEVEL 1
A panel discussion chaired by Ilaria Esposito from non-profit AICEM and supported by the Council of Europe, will bring together artists, community leaders and representatives from Camden Council to explore the importance of human rights and Camden’s role as a Borough of Sanctuary.
Live Music and Performance Pieces 6.30PM ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Live music and performance pieces, including a musical excerpt from “Still Here” by Unique Community, featuring asylum seekers and refugees from Ukraine and Iran.
Theatre and Food from Around the World 7PM-9PM IN NUMBER 7, LEVEL 2
Number 7 will be transformed into a vibrant space featuring food from different global cuisines and information stalls, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the organisations driving change on the ground.
Performance from Zhvan Theatre Company 7.15PM-8PM IN NUMBER 7, LEVEL 2
“Snakes and ladders”, written by Hameed Vojoudzoudeh and touching on the journey to safety for many asylum-seekers and migrants as they make their way across Europe.
