PIN unveils short film to commemorate Human Rights Day

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading Pan African human rights and advocacy organisation, on Friday unveiled its short film – “Finding Diana” – online to commemorate the 2022 International Human Rights Day.

Ms. Thobekile Matimbe, the organisation’s Partnerships and Engagements Manager, said in a statement that the movie ‘Finding Diana’ is premiered to stress the importance of the day.

Reports state that the International Human Rights Day is a set aside by the United Nations to be celebrated on Dec.10 with the theme for 2022 as: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”.

Matimbe said that the movie, Finding Diana, which was inspired by the organisation’s 2021 Londa report, would be showcased live on YouTube.

She said that human rights are based on values that keep the society fair, just and equal.

Matimbe 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 emphasising 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.

‘’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,’’ she said.

According to her, the film will be screened to audiences drawn from different parts of the world.

Matimbe said that the 2021 Londa report highlighted the state of digital rights and inclusion in 22 countries across the continent.

She said that every year, PIN monitors the environment, documents violations, and reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa.

According to her, 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.

She said that Paradigm Initiative also built online platforms that educate and serve as safe spaces for the reporting of digital rights violations.

According to her, these mediums, in the form of reports, short films, and educational online platforms, include Ayeta, Londa and Ripoti.