Visioning Human Rights in the New Millennium: Quilting the Worlds Conscience

A powerful way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, this book reminds us of its impact and each of its 30 principles, using intriguing art quilts. Sometimes taking us by surprise, the 75 textile artists visualize the global struggle for human rights with their interpretations of the Declaration, ratified in 1948, which represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are innately entitled. The 91 works’ themes include the first recorded initiation of human rights in Persia in 539 BCE, the plight of child soldiers and child brides, unlawful incarceration, the right to privacy, fair labor practices, torture, and the right of all world citizens to food, education, shelter, and healthcare. Together with the text of each Rights Declaration article, a message from the artist explains each quilt’s inspiration and meaning.