60 Signers for the UDHR

"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.

Artwork by Max Dana for the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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.