“Crime of Silence”: art and words as drivers of change
On November 21, the inauguration of the “Delito de Silencio” project was held, an initiative focused on raising awareness of the global human rights crisis through the use of art and words, highlighting the value of both tools. During the event there was an exhibition by the multidisciplinary artist Luis Cañizares, and a presentation of the project by Ángel Gabilondo, the Ombudsman, and María Garzón, president of FIBGAR.
We had the opportunity to participate in this event and be part of an initiative that encourages deep reflection on the alarming global crisis of loss of human rights, which affects us all. We were able to reaffirm our commitment and encourage responsibility to change the reality that surrounds us.
María Garzón wanted to emphasize that human rights education is essential in a context characterized by continuous conflicts and humanitarian crises. The conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan or Myanmar clearly show us the crossroads in which the world is immersed. Massive human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity, massive displacements; all of them aggravate previous situations of vulnerability and exacerbate international polarization, the erosion of rights and the loss of trust in global institutions.
We can affirm that there is a clear regression of the rights of women, girls or LGTBIQ+ communities, an increase in economic inequalities, an exponential worsening of the environment, as well as a frenetic development of digital tools that worsen disinformation and encourage mass surveillance that undermines fundamental freedoms. In this way, and unsurprisingly, only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals are progressing satisfactorily, while others are stagnating or going backwards.
At this event we wanted to remind, once again, that indifference is one of the greatest threats to human rights. That is why we are strong advocates that education in rights is essential to cultivate critical thinking, empathy and solidarity, moving away from the fierce individualism that kills our humanity. Education must stand as a fundamental pillar to prevent conflicts, foster inclusion and build a more just society.
This is where art, as the engine of change that it has been throughout history, rises as an essential element in the educational process, connecting with the sensitivity of people and forging fundamental values of our societies.
Paraphrasing Paulo Freire, María Garzón concluded that education and art have the power to transform people, who in turn transform the world.
This event is one more effort to achieve urgent collective action to protect human rights and preserve the peace that secures our future.
