Human Rights Day Festival
Featuring: Ilmatar Choir, Kimya Band, Emlyn Stam, Bram Stadhouders, Sanne Rambags, and numerous soloists.
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Grote Kerk, The Hague, Around the Great Church 12, 2513 AM The Hague
Website: Human Rights Festival

The Culture Unlimited Foundation takes a collaborative approach to foster intercultural dialogue through art and music. This year, we’re thrilled to partner with “House for the City,” the Refugee Work Foundation, the World House for Undocumented Persons (part of STEK), and the Dialogue Foundation in The Hague. Together, we co-create projects that explore new music from the East while highlighting artists dedicated to diversity.

House for the City

huisvoordestad-denhaag.nl/mensenrechtenfestival

The Human Rights Festival will take place at the Grote Kerk in The Hague on Sunday, December 8th, from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This event fosters connection and mutual understanding between different cultures through dialogues, music, dance, and water tasting. Similarities and differences are celebrated with an accessible and engaging program where stories are shared and the people behind them are seen.

Program

Under the motto “Let the right of friends and strangers flow,” you can enjoy a diverse program. Our host for the day is Willem Jansen.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Opening speech by Edzard Mik
Author Edzard Mik will deliver an inspiring speech on the power of human rights and the importance of solidarity. This will be followed by a musical Water Ceremony, performed by singer Sanne Rambags, viola player Emlyn Stam, and Guitarist Bram Stadhouders, which will create enchanting sounds of water electronics.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Various activities
You can sign up for dialogues hosted by DialoogindenHaag, centered on the theme “Kinship with Strangers.”

The Human Rights Festival is not just about listening and watching. From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, visitors can participate in a variety of creative workshops (including some for children), interviews, lectures, exhibitions, theater performances, and deep discussions. Activities also include cycling lessons and delicious food and drinks to enjoy.

There will be opportunities to engage in conversations with migrants and undocumented individuals. Amnesty International will offer speed-dating sessions where visitors can discuss current human rights issues. Young people will share their research on conscription.

As a highlight, a Dabke dance workshop will be led by Refugee Work Netherlands, where visitors can join in dancing to live music by the Kimya Band.

5:00 PM – 5:20 PM: Closing remarks by Jens van der Duim

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Dabke dance workshop by Refugee Work Netherlands

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Festive closing and group singing
A wonderful performance by the chamber choir Ilmatar, accompanied by Sanne Rambags and other musical talents, invites everyone to sing along and bring Human Rights Day to a harmonious conclusion.

Register here for free!

About Kimya Band:

Kimya Band unites Dutch and international musicians, primarily refugees, to create collaborative music. Their performances highlight diverse musical traditions, celebrating the backgrounds of all involved. The band comprises talented professionals from Syria, the Netherlands, and beyond, focusing on cultural exchange and reinterpretation.

Key Members:

• Kinan Abuakel (Buzuq): Virtuoso musician and dedicated music teacher.
• Anan Al-Kadamani (Violin): Versatile violinist, composer, and improviser.
• Odai Alhayek (Vocals and Percussion): Committed musician and music teacher from Syria.