"60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary" Initiative
for the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
In 2008, Max Dana launched the 60 Signers for the
60th Anniversary Initiative to support the
Every Human Has Rights Campaign, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Recognized as both an artist and philanthropist, Max is the driving force behind the
MagkaSama Project, which she founded in 2003. With a deep commitment to international affairs and human rights, she has long preferred to stay out of the media spotlight, allowing her creative work to convey her message. However, in honor of the UDHR’s 60th anniversary, she lent her support to the Every Human Has Rights Campaign, led by
The Elders, a distinguished group including Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, and Desmond Tutu. The concept of The Elders was originally conceived by British musician Peter Gabriel and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1999.
For this occasion, Max created an original artwork and spent months engaging with representatives from 60 renowned organizations worldwide, including
Amnesty International,
UNICEF,
UNHCR,
Human Rights Watch,
FIDH,
Reporters Without Borders,
OMCT, and
UNESCO. She also met with Ambassador Stéphane Hessel, a key contributor to the drafting of the UDHR in 1948, and François Zimeray, the French Ambassador for Human Rights.
Beyond these high-profile discussions, Max connected with volunteers, humanitarian advocates, aid workers, medical professionals, and human rights lawyers. She also had the honor of meeting the 30 recipients of the
Every Human Has Rights Media Awards. Each of these individuals wholeheartedly supported her initiative and endorsed the original artwork she created as a tribute to the UDHR.
The initiative was a resounding success, garnering widespread attention and enthusiastic backing from both organizations and individuals. It played a significant role in raising awareness of human rights during this milestone anniversary.
Geneviève Garrigos, President of Amnesty International France and partner of the Every Human Has Rights campaign declared:
By marking human rights on every inch of the globe she drew, even on the most remote places in the world, Max Dana enforces the universality of the Declaration of Human Rights on its 60th anniversary.
Katy Cronin, Communications Director, The Elders added:
I am very grateful to Max Dana for her creative and inspiring support for The Elders and the Every Human Has Rights campaign. This artwork is a wonderful reminder that any committed individual can take action to change the world for the better. Thank you Max! And don’t stop now!
Jean-François Julliard, Secretary general, Reporters without Borders - RWB/RSF said:
It is a great initiative and an orignal and creative way to raise awareness on human rights. The universality of Human Rights shouldn't restrain to signers on a map, all the people who signed this art piece should now act and defend Human Rights the best they can.
The artwork was officially presented to Ingrid Srinath, Secretary-General and CEO of CIVICUS, in April 2009 in London, with Katy Cronin, Communications Director of The Elders, in attendance. The following month, the original piece was delivered to CIVICUS headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
CIVICUS Staff Members holding Max Dana's collective artwork at the organization's headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa
Signers of the Initiative
Organizations and Officials who signed Max Dana's Artwork
Mary Robinson
Member of The Elders
Geneviève Garrigos
President of Amnesty International France
Jean-Marie Fardeau
Paris Office Director, HRW
Stéphane Hessel
Ambassador of France,
Participant in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
François Zimeray
Ambassador for Human Rights
Jacques Hintzy
President of the French National
Committee for UNICEF
Souhayr Belhassen
President of the International Federation for Human Rights - FIDH
Francisco Galindo Velez
UNHCR Representative for France
Jean-François Julliard
Secretary general, Reporters without Borders - RWB/RSF
Pierre Sané
Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
Yves Berthelot
President of the World Organization Against Torture, Chairman of the CFSI
Jacky Mamou
President of Collectif Urgence Darfour
Pierre Lévy
Founder and President of Planète Urgence
Every Human Has Rights
The Campaign launched by The Elders
Internews
The 30 winners of the global 'Every Human Has Rights' Media Awards
CIVICUS
World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Thank you to these prestigious organizations, and to all the other dedicated individuals, for supporting this initiative and promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!
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