Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading Pan African human rights and advocacy organization will today launch its short film online to commemorate this year’s International Human Rights Day.
The movie, Finding Diana, which is inspired by the organisation’s 2021 Londa report, will be showcased live on YouTube today, a day before the International Human Rights Day which is commemorated on 10th December. The film will be screened to audiences drawn from different parts of the world. The 2021 Londa report highlights the state of digital rights and inclusion in 22 countries across the continent.
Every year, PIN monitors the environment, documents violations, and reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The title of the report, which emanates from Zulu origin, echoes a call for action to protect or defend the digital rights and inclusion environment in Africa
Paradigm Initiative has also built online platforms that educate and serve as safe spaces for the reporting of digital rights violations. These mediums, in the form of reports, short films, and educational online platforms, include Ayeta, Londa and Ripoti.
This year, International Human Rights Day is commemorated under the theme: Dignity, Freedom And Justice for All. The day is earmarked to celebrate and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms. Thobekile Matimbe, the organisation’s Partnerships and Engagements Manager stressed the importance of the day saying human rights are based on values that keep the society fair, just and equal. She called on African States to guarantee human dignity and freedom online for all.
“Paradigm Initiative continues to make deliberate efforts geared towards expanding the continent’s digital rights. Finding Diana short film is an advocacy tool which goes a long way in emphasizing themes such as internet freedom, freedom of expression and access to information among others. Everyone should be able to use the internet without fear of violence or harassment,” she added.
In premiering the movie virtually, PIN joins the world to reflect on the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.