Auckland Writers Festival and Amnesty International

STREETSIDE

A moment of connection. A moment of inspiration. A moment of education.

Margaret Taylor, People Power Manager for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is spotted speaking with a passerby at this year’s STREETSIDE event. She discusses the importance of the right to freedom of expression, which can't be taken for granted in many places around the world.

This year, we had the privilege to partner with the Auckland Writers Festival for their event STREETSIDE in Britomart, Auckland. STREETSIDE is filled with activities involving writers, artists and musicians for a wild night of creative shenanigans. We were in Takutai Square with human rights signs and QR codes that detailed how Amnesty International protects the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Despite the wild weather, we were still able to capture the attention of many people and connect, educate and inspire them on how human rights are integral to the culture celebrated by the Auckland Writers Festival. We engaged in thought-provoking conversations with attendees on three questions (written across our signs).

1. Did you know that creative writing can help build a world where human rights are protected?
2. Did you know that in some countries, you can be imprisoned for speaking and writing about your identity?
3. Did you know events like STREETSIDE are only possible when we empower freedom of expression?

Not only did we discuss these questions, we talked about the importance of using our words and our freedom to help others in these turbulent times. How together we are powerful. That’s why we ended each conversation with a simple but vital question: What’s your vision for humanity?

Thank you to everyone who joined us at STREETSIDE and a huge thank you to Auckland Writers Festival for having us at the event.

Make sure to learn more about the work that Amnesty International does and let us know your vision for humanity too!