Gwangju to Hold Event Marking the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Jointly Hosted by Human Rights Groups at the May 18 Memorial Cultural Center on December 10
Over 50 Organizations to Participate: Ceremony, Performances, and Discussion Sessions Planned
Includes Greeting from Yang Geumdeok and Special Performance by Kang Heodalrim

The Gwangju Human Rights Office of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea will hold the "77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Commemorative Cultural Event" on December 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Daedong Hall of the May 18 Memorial Cultural Center, in collaboration with Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, and more than 50 local human rights and civil society organizations.

'77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Commemorative Cultural Event'. Provided by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea Gwangju Human Rights Office

According to the Gwangju Human Rights Office on December 9, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights commemorative event has been held annually since 2006. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the event was either scaled down or organized mainly by institutions. This year, the event is significant as a large number of local human rights organizations and groups are participating again, reaffirming solidarity and commitment.

The event will open with a commemorative video produced by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and a special performance by representatives of participating organizations. The first part of the ceremony will begin with a performance by the Green Ensemble, a cultural and arts group from the Nam-gu Welfare Center for the Disabled. This will be followed by video congratulatory messages from Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Gwangju City Council Chairperson Shin Sujeong, and Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Lee Jeongseon. Yook Seongcheol, Director of the Gwangju Human Rights Office, and Seok Young, Co-Chair of the Gwangju Queer Culture Festival, will reflect on the meaning of the Human Rights Declaration in today's context and extend messages of solidarity to human rights activists who have worked in the field throughout the year. A video artwork by sand artist Joo Hong will also be screened, and a special greeting from Yang Geumdeok, a survivor of forced labor under Japanese occupation, is planned.

The second part, "Hope Relay with the People," will feature a performance by the Goryeoin Village Children's Choir and a traditional outdoor play titled "Dancing Human Rights Pharmacy" by the theater troupe Kkakji. This will be followed by a discussion session moderated by Choi Wanuk, Executive Activist of Gwangju Inkwonjeegi Hwaljjak, with participation from the "12.29 Jeju Air Accident Bereaved Families Association" and lawyer Kim Seongjin from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Legal Center. The closing stage will feature a special performance by singer Kang Heodalrim.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.