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Human rights is a broad and sometimes controversial topic that spans the globe. In light of this, a group assembled by Shezwae Fleming, director of Multi-Cultural Programming, has put together a series of discussions, panels, lectures and benefits to educate and assist all in the broad arena of human rights throughout this week.
“Through the use of speeches, discussions and films, Human Rights Awareness Week is meant to educate and raise awareness of international and domestic human rights violations,” Fleming said.
“It is also meant to inform people how they might become active in the struggle to prevent and/or respond to human rights violations both on a local and national level.”
The week is the first week-long program completely devoted to human rights at UMaine.
Activities began on Monday with Peace Studies Diversity Dialogues, a meeting in the Coe Room, aimed at allowing students, faculty and community members to openly discuss diversity. This was followed by a Night of Solidarity in the Newman Center. This event began at 6 p.m. on Monday night. It was a discussion and presentation based hour during which, Professor Bahman Baktiari, director of the International Affairs program, spoke on the relationship between the Muslim faith and America.
On Tuesday, a panel discussion on women’s rights was held in the Bangor Room as a part of the Women in the Curriculum Luncheon Series. Wednesday night, Stefano Tijerina, director of Peace through Inter-American Community Action (PICA), gave a presentation entitled “The Negative Impacts of Free Trade Agreements ,Here and Abroad.”
The week will finish with a benefit banquet in the Mahogany Room in Wells Commons. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m. It costs $7 for students and $12 for non-students. While this may seem expensive for college students, Emily Albee, a student member of the committee, pointed out that it is for a good cause.
“It is a little pricey, but all of the money will go to the Anti-Slavery Group,” she said. “Plus there it is catered and there will be multiple keynote speakers.”
The main focus of the dinner will be raising money and awareness for the human rights’ slavery crisis in Sudan. In addition to the speakers, the African Student Association will be providing entertainment.
The week originated from an idea that was presented to Fleming. This idea then led to the formation of a committee that developed the week-long program.
“It blossomed into a whole week of events,” Albee said. “It’s really just to make kids aware.”
As Albee stated, the primary purpose of this week is to raise awareness of the human rights issues around the globe. According to Albee, these issues include the impact of fair trade, women’s rights, slavery and basic equality. The committee chose to focus on these issues on a deeper level than may be seen daily. It hopes to distribute these messages to the UMaine community as a whole.
“In addition to delivering information that we may not see on TV or in the newspaper, of which are complex and atrocious stories, we were also interested in showcasing positive stories of resistance: successful social, political, etc. movement,” Fleming said.
The week is being sponsored by a variety of groups on campus in addition to those already mentioned, including the Maine Peace Action Committee, the Office of International Programs, the Office of Equal Opportunities and Diversity, International Student Association, Student Women’s Association, Peace Studies Program, Deans of Students, Inter-Fraternal Council and the Panhellenic Council and the Newman Center. Each group gave in different ways and had their own reasons for partnering with the week, but all seemed to agree that it was because of what the message of the week said to their group.
“I think that human rights are an integral message of the Gospel,” Casey Murphy, the Catholic campus minister, said.
Remaining events for the week include the banquet dinner, a panel discussion on the Fair Trade Agreement and UMaine as part of the Socialist and Marxist series today at 12:30 p.m. in the Bangor Room, and a previewing of a film entitled “A Force More Powerful” at 7 p.m. tonight in 110 Little Hall.
All events are free, except the banquet.
While this is only the first year this week has taken place, those involved hope that it will start a conversation and become a tradition that will last for years to come.
“Hopefully it will become a recurring event at UMaine,” Albee said. “I want to keep this going and not let it stop on Jan. 28.”
