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- Exhibitions
- Spark of Conviction: Global Human Rights Movement
Spark of Conviction: Global Human Rights Movement
The Global Human Rights Movement gallery introduces visitors to human rights issues and advocates. The gallery features interactive technology to encourage a deeper understanding of human rights and their impact on the lives of individuals. The Spark of Conviction exhibition is curated by Jill Savitt, inaugural human rights exhibition curator and CEO & President of The Center.
Courageous People Take Up the Call.
Throughout history, brave and visionary people have devoted themselves to fighting for equality, dignity and freedom. This exhibit features portraits of prominent human rights defenders – people who experienced or witnessed injustice and decided to take action. For these human rights champions, advocating for equality and freedom required taking on powerful leaders who fought, often brutally, to maintain control. Each of these champions endured retaliation. Some were threatened, others defamed or imprisoned; two were assassinated. Though they faced violence, most did not resort to violence. Rather, they dedicated themselves to pursuing human rights through peaceful protest and organizing.
Human rights issues and abuses affect us all regardless of who we are, where we come from, or what we believe in. This multi-media interactive display invites visitors to contemplate what unites us while exploring how intolerance toward what divides us can impact lives.
Simply put, freedom and dignity are basic human rights. Philosophers, clergy and even individuals have their own definitions of dignity and freedom. However, in legal and practical terms, these ideals can be measured by a set of international standards called “human rights.”
At the heart of all these efforts is respect for human rights, a set of globally accepted standards that are the birthright of all people by virtue of their humanity. These standards – called “the highest aspiration of the common people” – have helped transform millions upon millions of lives. Our exhibits depict iconic human rights campaigns since the end of World War II and the brave and determined people who took a stand.