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Ávila on the Path to Human Rights

Ávila will be a Human Rights Friendly City Sonia Bonet - Shutterstock
Ávila will be a Human Rights Friendly City Sonia Bonet - Shutterstock

Located along the Camino de Santiago de Levante, Ávila is a city steeped in historical heritage and serves as a symbolic site for spiritual and cultural reflection. This connection has been recognized by Devorah Sasha and Elizabeth Sanchez-Vegas, founders of the U.S.-based organization International Solidarity for Human Rights (ISHR) and admirers of the Camino de Santiago.

“Ávila is an iconic city, not only for its history and heritage but also for its symbolism. Its walls remind us of both the protection they offer and the barriers we must break down to achieve true equality and freedom,” explains Devorah Sasha.

ISHR is dedicated to promoting awareness and respect for human rights worldwide. For its founders, the Camino de Santiago provides a unique platform for this mission. This inspired the creation of the “Route to Human Rights” along the Camino Primitivo route, offering pilgrims the opportunity to reflect on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights while journeying from Oviedo to Santiago.

From pilgrims to Human Rights champions

Now, ISHR, in collaboration with the Catholic University of Ávila (UCAV) and the city council, has spearheaded the recognition of Ávila as a City of Human Rights. This initiative aims to raise awareness among both residents and visitors while establishing Ávila as a cultural and ethical landmark for the promotion of human rights on an international scale.

Events Highlighting the Human Rights Initiative

Cartel anunciando la exposición Faces for HR en Ávila
Promotional poster announcing the Faces for Human Rights exhibition in Ávila.

A series of events are scheduled from December 3 to 12, 2024, to celebrate this recognition. One of the main attractions will be the Faces for Human Rights exhibition by New York-based artist Wilma Bulkin Siegel. Featuring 30 portraits of key figures in human rights advocacy, the exhibit will be hosted at the historic Palacio de Los Verdugo from December 3 to 31. The collection symbolizes the transformative power of art in promoting universal values.

The first Faces for Human Rights exhibit took place in 2023 at the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in the United States. In 2024, the project began its international tour with a presentation at the University of Andorra in October and November. Now, the exhibition continues its journey in Spain, broadening its global impact.

“This project uses art as a powerful tool to educate and raise awareness about human rights,” says Sasha. “Each of the 30 works in the series is inspired by a specific article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through her art, Siegel not only captures the essence of diverse personalities but also their personal connection to the rights represented” (ISHR founders to PilgriMaps)

Human Rights on the Camino

To highlight the link between pilgrimage and human rights, a symbolic walk will take place on December 7 from Puerto del Boquerón to Ávila, uniting the Jacobean tradition with the defense of fundamental rights. Additionally, on December 12, a discussion panel titled The Camino de Santiago and Human Rights will be held at the Episcopio. The event will explore how this ancient route can serve as a platform for promoting values of equality, dignity, and justice.

placa en avila
This is the plaque that will commemorate Ávila as a City of Human Rights and will be installed on December 10, 2024.

As part of the initiative, a commemorative plaque will be installed on the Paseo de San Roque on December 10, Human Rights Day. The event will include the reading of all 30 articles of the Universal Declaration. Educational workshops and academic sessions will also be organized, targeting students to encourage reflection on the importance of human rights in today’s world.

Both initiatives—the Camino to Human Rights and Ávila’s designation as a City of Human Rights—share the same purpose, although their approaches differ. The plaque in Ávila reinforces this continuity, connecting art with the territory and reminding us that the commitment to human rights is not temporary but permanent,” Sasha explains.

“The plaque, designed by artist Eladio de Mora, known as ‘dEmo,’ symbolizes the union of these two human rights initiatives. Furthermore, projects are underway to link six stations along the Camino de Santiago de Levante to the Human Rights Route, expanding this network of awareness and reflection even further” (Dev Sasha to PilgriMaps).

A Beacon for Human Rights Advocacy

In a world of constant change, Ávila demonstrates how the fusion of history, spirituality, and commitment can work toward a future where human rights become a universal reality. By anchoring its efforts in both local identity and global significance, Ávila is establishing itself as a leading voice in the ongoing pursuit of justice, dignity, and equality for all.

Route to Human Rights

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

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