The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created over 70 years ago, providing the first framework for an international system for the protection of human rights. There is now a system for enforcing rights in Europe. But times have changed. Today, the future of our world hangs in the balance with the climate crisis, demanding new rights that will help force politicians to take action. 

But the Human Rights system is also fragile. Who steps in when the people who help enforce our rights are under threat? And what role do rights play in unfolding humanitarian crises like those on the border of Poland and Belarus?

In the last episode of The Seventh Value, host Juli Simond talks to Maciej Nowicki, President of the Board of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and co-founder and director of the Watch Dogs Film Festival, one of the longest-running festivals of its kind, to talk about the challenges facing those who fight for our rights in Europe and beyond. 

About The Seventh Value

The Seventh Value is a collaboration between the Evens Foundation and Are We Europe, which explores the values that make up the fabric and face of the European Union. Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Over 70 years ago these founding pillars were written into the treaty of the European Union, but how have they withstood the test of time? What other values might be important today? Find out more here.

Episode Six Credits

Guest – Maciej Nowicki, President of the Board, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, and co-founder and Director, WATCH DOCS International Film Festival

Host – Juli Simond, Are We Europe

Producer – Anneleen Ophoff, Are We Europe

Sound Designer – Wederik De Backer, Are We Europe

Coordinator – Federica Mantoan, Evens Foundation

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