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Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) proudly hosted the 4th edition of its annual The Hague Human Rights Film Festival on November 21, 2024. This year’s theme, “Children’s Rights,” shone a spotlight on the myriad issues affecting children worldwide. Through a curated selection of films and documentaries, the festival explored topics such as access to education and nutrition, the impacts of conflict and violence, and the fight for a sustainable future. Attendees gathered in The Hague to advocate for and celebrate children’s rights.
The primary goals of The Hague Human Rights Film Festival are to:
The Hague, known as the city of peace and justice, was an ideal setting for this festival. As the home of international courts and numerous NGOs, it amplified GHRD’s message and reached individuals and institutions capable of enacting real change. GHRD also collaborated with schools and universities to engage young people, inspiring the next generation to champion children’s rights.
Anghelina Severin, a dedicated child activist from Moldova, was a powerful presence at the festival. Recognized for her advocacy in children’s rights and social justice, she has been nominated for the 2024 Children’s Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting education, child protection, and the welfare of marginalized children. Anghelina serves on the Children’s Advisory Team at Child Rights Connect, the Youth Board at State of Youth, and advises UN institutions in Moldova, including the UN Adolescent Youth Panel Moldova. Her inspiring opening speech highlighted critical issues affecting children worldwide and set the tone for the event. The speech was followed by the screening of five films that addressed various children’s rights issues across the globe.
Director: Len Morris
“Butterfly Butterfly” explored the question: How do we treat our children? It delved into the promises made over the last 30 years to provide children with essential rights such as food, healthcare, education, safety, clean water, and gender equality. Through the stories of child refugees and those affected by conflict, the documentary examined the progress and setbacks in fulfilling these commitments. “Butterfly Butterfly” offered a critical reflection on the global efforts to protect and uplift children, highlighting both the achievements and the ongoing challenges they faced.
Director: Steven Ferri
This documentary explored the lives of child brides, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and efforts to break free from forced marriages. It delved into the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges they faced, while also spotlighting survival stories and the movements aimed at ending child marriage worldwide.
Director: Bryan Single
”Children of War” examined the brutal realities faced by children in conflict zones, with a particular focus on those recruited as child soldiers. The film documented their harrowing experiences, the process of rehabilitation, and their attempts to reintegrate into society after escaping the clutches of warlords. It offered a powerful commentary on the impact of war on young lives.
Director: Skye Fitzgerald
”Hunger Ward” focused on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, particularly the effects of famine on children. The documentary highlighted the devastating consequences of war and conflict on children’s health, with heart-wrenching scenes from clinics where malnourished children struggled for survival. It showcased the efforts of healthcare workers who fought against overwhelming odds to save these children.
Directors: Sonia Gonzalez & Christine Tournadre
This documentary investigated the darker side of international adoptions, uncovering instances of fraud, trafficking, and exploitation. It highlighted the unethical practices surrounding the adoption of children from impoverished nations by wealthier families in the West. The film called for greater transparency, regulation, and ethical standards in international adoption processes to protect vulnerable children.
Edith Bardel is a Child Protection Officer working with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence against Children. With a strong commitment to mainstreaming children’s rights, she plays a pivotal role in high-level advocacy in accelerating the implementation of Child Rights international and regional standards, national policies, and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing violence against children worldwide. Bardel works closely with a wide range of stakeholders including international organizations, CSOs, religious, traditional, and community leaders, the private sector, academia, media, youth, women, and children themselves to promote child protection and ensure the safety and well-being of all children leaving no one being.
Katariina Leivo is a dedicated child protection expert with Protect Children, an organization focused on preventing child exploitation and ensuring children’s safety. She is actively involved in advocating for children’s rights and works on initiatives that aim to protect children from abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation. Levio collaborates with policymakers, law enforcement, and educators to create safer environments for children, particularly in digital spaces. Through her work, she helps raise awareness about the dangers children face and promotes preventive measures to safeguard their well-being.
Relive the incredible moments from this year’s festival, where 160 passionate visitors joined us to advocate for children’s rights. The 4th edition was a resounding success, featuring powerful films, an inspiring opening speech by child activist Anghelina Severin, and insightful discussions led by our panelists. Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable!
At its core, the GHRD Film Festival celebrates diversity and reminds us of our shared humanity. It showcases that the true progress of a society is reflected in how it treats all its members, especially its children.
To inquire about partnerships and sponsorship opportunities for the next film festival, please email us at humanrightsfilmfestival@ghrd.org.
Last year, GHRD held its third edition of its annual The Hague Human Rights Film Festival on Women’s Rights. The year before, we held the second edition of the film festival on the topic of Minority rights.
Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) is a dedicated advocate for human rights worldwide. Based in The Hague, the city of peace and justice. We work tirelessly to promote and protect the fundamental rights of individuals and communities. Our mission is to create a more just and equitable world, where every person's dignity and freedoms are upheld. Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for all.
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