Once again, I welcome you to the International Human Rights Film Festival in Albania. Now in its sixth year, the Film Festival has become an institution. I hope it will become a permanent fixture in the cultural and developmental landscape of Albania. As before, the Festival would not be possible if it were not for the many financial and in-kind contributions from donors, Albanian businesses, and those interested in human rights. We say thank you to all those who continue to underwrite the event, and those who contributed for the first time.
It has not always been easy to find support. Every country in the world seems to have its share of problems and difficulties. Financial crises, debt load, unemployment, political stalemates, natural disasters, vandalism, environmental pollution, uprisings in the Middle East, scandals, nuclear fallout. You name it. Everyone is busy looking after their own crises and sorrows. Human Rights discussions often seem to be a luxury.
But here is the fallacy. Many “everyday problems” are indeed Human Rights problems, or may be counted among Human Rights issues very soon. If we look closer at the real impact on the life of people; if we better understand the suffering of children, women and men for reasons beyond their control; if we develop a sharper sense for justice, fairness, rights and entitlements; then we may approach those day-to-day problems differently and may find better, lasting solutions.
This is a contribution that the International Human Rights Film Festival Albania is able to make. It gives us a lens through which to see the world differently. The films have been selected for their relevance in illustrating the denial of a wide range of Human Rights, the pains or anguish of the victims, or the determination and persistence and sometimes triumph of those standing up for their rights or those of others. The films demonstrate that what is merely a nuisance or a problem for some can be a denial of Human Rights for others. Some films may create strong emotions, thought and perhaps debate. Some may have the power to influence the economic, political, or social discourse.
Human Rights should be a concern of everyone, regardless whether we deal with personal, community or political issues. Human Rights issues are not a concept of the past. No country, including Albania, is beyond Human Rights.
While we can expect entertainment as well as enlightenment from this HR Film Festival, it indeed gives us another opportunity to deal with some aspects of our own ignorance.
Wishing you an enjoyable and indeed thought-provoking IHRFFA
Detlef Palm
UNICEF Representative
Chairperson of the Board, IHRFFA
