2025 South Africa Human Rights Festival and the Significance of Constitution Hill
1. General Framework of the Festival
From 20 to 23 March 2025, Constitution Hill in Johannesburg hosted the 7th Annual Human Rights Festival. The four-day event brought together human rights defenders, artists, lawyers, academics, and the public through panels, workshops, exhibitions, theatre, poetry, concerts, and film screenings.
This year’s theme, “For Tolerance, Peace and Prosperity,” aimed to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the South African Constitution while fostering social cohesion and democratic participation.
2. Constitution Hill: A Historical and Symbolic Site
Historical Layers: Originally built in the late 19th century under British colonial rule, Constitution Hill served as a prison complex that held both male and female political prisoners. Notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winnie Mandela were imprisoned here.
Transformation and the Constitutional Court: After the adoption of the new constitution in 1996, the South African Constitutional Court was inaugurated on this historic site in 2004.
Symbolic Meaning: The court’s establishment in the heart of a former prison symbolizes South Africa’s journey from oppression to justice, from inequality to constitutional democracy.
3. Highlights of the Festival Programme
Panels across law, the arts, academia, and civil society
“1000 Drums for Solidarity” (21 March): A powerful collective rhythm performance symbolizing unity
22 March Film Screenings (URA Selection)
“Voices of Freedom Concert” (22 March): Featuring artists such as Simmy and Mandisi Dyantyis
“We the People” March (23 March): An 8 km symbolic march for constitutional awareness
Poetry workshops, photography exhibitions, theatre, and open forums
4. Attendance and Impact
Over 1,200 total participants
Average of 300–400 attendees per panel/workshop
85–90% attendance at film screenings
More than 800 people joined the “We the People” march
5. URA’s Contribution to the Festival
As a member of the festival’s steering committee, the Universal Rights Association (URA) played an active role in the 2025 Human Rights Festival. Our participation aimed to raise international awareness about human rights violations in Türkiye, strengthen civil society solidarity, and contribute to the global pursuit of justice.
Documentary Screenings Supported by URA
Two award-winning documentaries, officially selected for the film segment of the festival, were presented by URA and received significant attention:
📽 The Other Children
Director: Aslıhan Kaş
Producers: Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) & Humankind Production
Award: Cannes World Film Festival 2024 – Best Human Rights Documentary
Synopsis: Focuses on the trauma and social exclusion experienced by children whose parents were unjustly imprisoned or exiled during Türkiye’s post-Emergency Rule era.
Screening: 22 March 2025 | 11:09 AM | Venue: Number 4 Museum – Euzhan Palcy Room
📽 Homeland – A Refugee’s Song
Directors: Firdoze Bulbulia & Faith Isiakpere
Music by: Neill Solomon
First Screening: Cannes Film Festival 2023 – Special Selection
Synopsis: Through music and imagery, this moving documentary artistically tells the story of Esma Uludağ, a Turkish academic who drowned in the Aegean Sea while fleeing to Greece, symbolizing the global refugee crisis.
Screening: 22 March 2025 | 10:55 AM | Venue: Number 4 Museum – Ousmane Sembene Room
Following each screening, interactive Q&A sessions were held with the audience. These events stood out as some of the most emotionally resonant and socially impactful moments of the festival.
6. URA’s Mission and Vision
🎯 Mission: To protect universal human rights, amplify the voices of the oppressed, and foster global awareness.
🌐 Vision: To build a world rooted in justice, freedom, and human dignity—one where the voices of victims transcend borders.
