12:00, 10 December 2024
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Smiley News has joined together with refugee charity Choose Love and a collection of incredible global artists to shine a spotlight on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This incredible collective, For Our Family Human, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, commemorating the progress that has been made in 75 years of fighting to protect human rights.
Each film so far has featured global artists reciting a modern take on the original 30 articles, written and led by award-winning director Dan Cadan. High-profile artists like Dame Judi Dench recite the emotive rhyming couplets, alongside other incredible activists.
Today, Smiley News has launched the full version of the film, featuring all 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, against a backdrop of film showcasing the progress and diversity of our society.
“I’m proud to have invested in these films and partnered with Choose Love,” says Nicolas Loufrani, the CEO of Smiley Movement and Executive Producer of the films.
"I see the Declaration as the constitution of humankind—an incredible document that every global citizen can celebrate. By simplifying each article into a rhyme and keyword, and having them narrated by beloved artists, there simply isn’t a better way to engage our family human."
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948. It was a milestone in history that enshrined the rights and freedoms of all human beings – that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights regardless of nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status.
For the first time in history, the Declaration set out that fundamental human rights are to be universally protected, and over the last 75 years, it has been translated into over 500 languages.
The Declaration is widely considered to be the founding point for more than 70 pieces of legislation benefitting human rights across the globe, proving just how much of an impact it has had on our world.
“I’m not a politician, diplomat, or billionaire philanthropist, so how am I supposed to make a change?” asks Dan Cadan, the brilliant mind behind the reimagining of the Declaration. “Well, I can write, and I can direct, so why would I not utilise these skills for what I believe could be the benefit of others?”
“Some faces you may recognise, some you may not - but that is irrelevant. This collective came together for one common goal. Humanity.”
This global collection of artists involved in For Our Family Human includes names such as Annie Lennox, Olivia Colman, Mel C and more, speaking out against oppression and discrimination, in defence of human rights.
In addition, some incredible activists have united with Choose Love and Smiley Movement in celebrating the Declaration including Badiucao, Nazanin Boniadi and Melissa Chan.
They are joined by young people from across the globe who have lent their voices to the cause, championing and uplifting this incredible part of our history that has improved so many lives.
For Our Family Human has raised awareness and funds for Choose Love through the Matchmaker for Good™ initiative from the Smiley® brand. All gross profits from the sale of Choose Love x Smiley branded T-shirts, seen in the films, as well as sweatshirts and tote bags, will be donated to the charity to fund their life-saving work.
You can watch the full film by clicking the video above or following this link.
You can watch the short films here at smileymovement.org/for-our-family-human
You can purchase the Choose Love x Smiley merchandise at: www.smiley.com.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The British Red Cross. This charity helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts. Support them here.
CARE International UK. CARE is there to help people when they need it most. They are one of the world's leading humanitarian agencies, delivering life-saving assistance when disaster strikes. Find out more here.
Goods for Good. This is an organisation which offers global humanitarian aid by transporting donations such as industry overstock from generous partners to help communities in need. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships for the Goals.
