(Phoenix, AZ) – To raise awareness of the severe human rights violations and political and religious persecution in the east African country of Eritrea, local activists are taking to the streets of downtown Phoenix. However, they will not be carrying picket signs or chanting because their efforts have been channeled into an arresting interactive and information art display.

Artists have chosen a metal shipping container as their canvass to express the horrors of torture as hundreds of prisoners of conscience are held in similar containers in Eritrea. Images of Eritrea will line both exterior and interior walls of the container. Viewers will be encouraged to enter the container to experience the reality of prison life inside a metal shipping container. In addition to the featured art there will be interactive art, an audio/video presentation, and opportunities for audience participation and political action.


Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 7 of the legally binding UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provide that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Specific obligations related to torture and ill-treatment have been detailed in the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT). 141 countries, including the United States, have ratified the CAT. According to the 2006 Amnesty Internationals report 104 of 150 countries tortured or ill-treated people.

DETAILS:

Who: This event is planned and sponsored by local Amnesty International groups with support from Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix and The Eye Lounge Art Gallery. Participating AI groups include the student chapter at Arizona State University’s West campus and AI Group #110 in Phoenix .

When: Friday, February 2, 2007 from 6:00 until 10:00 pm

Where: The Eye Lounge
419 East Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.430.1490

CONTACT: Emily Taylor
Tel: 602-791-6080
Email: emily.e.taylor@asu.edu