This week, we are supporting the #FlytheFlag70 campaign championed by national human rights organisations and art and theatre groups. We are doing so through learning, activities and by raising the Human Rights flag designed by Ai Weiwei. The campaign marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It reminds us that human rights are for everyone, everyday.

Artist Ai Weiwei on the campaign

Contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei commented on the creation of his commemorative flag that he was “proud” to be a part of the intergenerational “struggle” for human rights. The campaign takes place over seven days full of activity nationwide, with schools, businesses, community groups and individuals involved.

Our involvement

As part of Sexey’s School’s support of the initiative, Year 10 students in English have been looking at Articles 5, 7, 10, 11 and 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in relation to their work on the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Meanwhile, Year 10 GCSE Drama students are in the process of developing original performances on the theme of Human Rights, exploring historical and cultural human rights themes. They also raised the Ai Weiwei flag and gave their opinions on human rights from what they have learned:

“Our work in class has helped us to realise what a long struggle it has been to change some poor human rights practices, and especially how much further there is to go. We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to reflect more broadly on this in class, in order to inform our performances”, said Adam W, boarding student.

Dillon F (day student) added, “Awareness raising is so important”, with boarding student Charlotte H commenting that “the part the media plays in raising awareness of events in countries such as Sudan is crucial. It is shocking to know that despite all the positive steps we’ve made, there’s still so far to go.”

To find out more about this exciting initiative, please see: https://flytheflag.org.uk/about