Celebrating Human Rights Day with Dutch Embassies Worldwide

On this day, the 10th of December, we invite everyone to join Movies that Matter in celebrating the 75th official International Human Rights Day. In 1948, 77 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in Paris. Two years later the United Nations officially established the 10th of December as International Human Rights Day. 

The Declaration is the most translated document in the world and is available in 577 different languages. Despite this incredible achievement in accessibility, education on Human Rights issues remains critical. Bringing knowledge of Human Rights and Human Rights issues to global audiences is the central mission of the Movies that Matter International Support team. One of the ways we achieve this is through the Embassy Film Menu Project. 

Every year around December 10th, Movies That Matter, in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, facilitates screenings of a selection of films at Dutch embassies worldwide. Screenings are often followed by panel discussions, debates, or speeches.

The embassy in Portugal has collaborated with local NGO Associação Somos Humanos to organise screenings in schools and universities around the country. The screening at the School of Arts of the Universidade Catolica in Porto also had a short debate with a professor of Human Rights and a professor of psychology from the university.

At the Dutch permanent mission to the United Nations in New York City they will be showing Devi followed by a speech from the titular protagonist and activist Devi Khadka. Screenings such as this allow these important stories and activists to reach unique audiences. Another great example of how the embassies’ domestic networks provide a singular context for these films to be shown is the embassy in Malta’s collaboration with local NGO Doctors for Choice to screen Abortion Dream Team. The knowledge and support gained from such events is of immeasurable value.

This year there are 5 documentaries on offer; more than 60 participating embassies, consulates and missions; and a total of over 75 screenings. Locations of film screenings range from embassies, ambassador’s residences and cinemas, to cultural centers, universities and schools.