2025 Festival
The Oxford Human Rights Festival, hosted by the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University, returns in 2025 with the theme "The Power of the People." Now in its 23rd year, this student-led festival continues to raise awareness of critical human rights issues through an exciting programme of films, performances, talks, workshops, exhibitions and more. Rooted in the belief that collective action and solidarity can drive social change, this year's theme invites exploration of how people, movements, and communities across the globe have stood up for justice, equality, and human dignity.
Join us as we collaborate with local, national, and international voices to celebrate and examine the transformative potential of "The Power of the People".
This Year's Events
14th March, 2025
Open Source Investigations for Human Rights | Nabeel Hamdi Lecture delivered by Alison Killing
Learn how open-source investigation techniques are used to uncover human rights abuses worldwide.
15th March, 2025
Crafting Change: What does home mean to you?
Join us for a hands-on craftivist workshop exploring the meaning of home through creative expression.
16th March, 2025
Oxford’s Past, Our Present: An Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour
Take a thought-provoking walking tour examining Oxford’s complex historical narratives and their impact today.
16th March, 2025
Palestine: Power in Culture
Discover how cultural expression serves as a form of resistance and resilience in the Palestinian struggle.
17th March, 2025
Exhibition: What Does Home Mean To You?
Explore an inspiring exhibition showcasing artistic expressions of activism and resistance.
17th March, 2025
Claiming Power: Decolonising Justice for People and Planet
Join us for a compelling conversation on reimagining justice beyond colonial legacies.
17th March, 2025
Beyond Buildings: Human Rights in Local Practice
Discussing how architecture and urban design influence human rights and social justice in local communities.
18th March, 2025
Rights in Rhyme: A Night of Human Rights Poetry
Experience a powerful evening of spoken word and poetry centered on themes of justice and human rights.
20th March, 2025
Working and Studying from Extreme Environments
This discussion will explore the transformative impact of the Masters in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding (MA HAP).
19th March, 2025
Lyd Film Screening with Q&A
Watch an exclusive screening of Lyd, followed by a discussion supporting the Gaza Scholarship program.
20th March, 2025
Are you Proud? Film Screening
Join us for this screening of a powerful documentary tracing the history of LGBTQIA+ activism in the UK.
21st March, 2025
Upholding the Right to Education in Palestine
This panel explores the challenges and resilience of Palestinian education under conflict.
21st March, 2025
The Power of the People! Celebrating OxHRF 2025
This closing event is an opportunity for allies, advocates, and those interested in human rights and the arts to connect, share ideas, and explore ways to take action.
