Human Rights Hawaii
Circa 2007 - 2011

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The Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights (HIHR) is dedicated to promoting human rights principles and a culture of peace through education and advocacy. HIHR advocates the use of public law instruments in implementing civil, political, economic, social, cultural, collective and ecological rights. HIHR strives for social justice in the development of a sustainable society in Hawai'i.

The Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights

Pacific Peace Palace
3524 Campbell Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 984-3331

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Home Page Circa 2011

Mission / Vision

The Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights (HIHR) is dedicated to promoting human rights principles and a culture of peace through education and advocacy. HIHR advocates the use of public law instruments in implementing civil, political, economic, social, cultural, collective and ecological rights. HIHR strives for social justice in the development of a sustainable society in Hawai'i.

The Hawai'i Institute promotes peace through education by implementing civil, political, social, economic, cultural and environmental rights and fostering international public law instruments. The Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights aims to cultivate justice in the development of sustainable societies.

Michael Posner @ Amnesty50
March 20, 2011
Videos, Songs, Films, Reading...
Michael Posner talks about Four Freedoms in San Francisco on Sunday.

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Honor Internatinal Women's Day

March 4, 2011

Upcoming events

Party with a Purpose
Celebrate First Friday at Chinatown Peace Center

Women’s Rights are Human Rights Celebration
Friday, March 4, 2011
6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Peace Center, 63 N.BeretaniaStreet, Chinatown
Two Rooms, All Night!
Live Music in Suite Yin
Documentary Films in Suite Yang
Live music featuring female recording artist singing for social justice

Hawaii Premiere of Documentary Films from Around the World Featuring Water Rights, Contemporary Slavery, Land Rights, and Gender Justice
Sponsored by : Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center, UNA Hawaii Division...

In celebration of Women's Day, we are thrilled to host a series of dynamic events that shine a spotlight on issues vital to girls and women. Join us for an inspiring lineup featuring:

• Film Screenings in Suite Yang: Enjoy thought-provoking films that highlight women's stories and experiences.
• Live Music: Delight in performances by talented female recording artists who will fill the air with empowering songs.
• Social Justice Poetry: Grace Watts will take the stage to read powerful poems that resonate with themes of justice and equality.
• A Festive Banquet at the Peace Center: Gather with us for a delicious meal that fosters community and connection.

We are excited to welcome our special guest, Cindy Roberts, a professional golfer who will share her journey in the sport and introduce a new line of ladies golf clubs. Additionally, Michelle Yu will demonstrate her yoga techniques and read excerpts from her acclaimed novel, No Girls Allowed, offering insights into her creative process and the importance of wellness.This event is open to everyone—men and boys are encouraged to join! Ladies, bring your families and be part of a celebration that uplifts and empowers all voices.

 

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Fifth Annual Human Rights Day Activities

March 4, 2011

Upcoming events

• Human Rights Day
• Fifth Annual Human Rights Day Activities
•  Hawaii State Capitol
• Friday March 4, 2011
• 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Human Right’s Day
• 10a.m. to 2p.m.,  2/F and 3/F Balcony 

Join the network of peace, ecology, human rights and global justice to develop a common agenda for Hawaii
Come participate in the Career Fair for the Common Good featuring Hawaii’s top NGOs

Attend keynote lecture focusing on human rights education in our schools and institutions of higher education. June Gorman, United Nations Association, Education Chair will address  Model United N...

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Speaking at the Human Rights Council

September 28, 2010
Interventions in the International Arena
Human Rights Council
15th Session

Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with SR on Cambodia 28 September 2010
Speaker: Joshua Cooper EIP, Hawaii Center for Human Rights Research & Action

Mr. President.
We are pleased with the frequency and fortitude relating to the Special Rapporteur of Cambodia itineraries and interaction with the spectrum from the King of Cambodia to the civil society.
We are also pleased to echo the encouragement of the SR regarding the realization of some of on the UN Millennium Development Goals to eliminate poverty and ensure dignity. We will.

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Speaking at the Human Rights Council

September 22, 2010
Interventions in the International Arena
Human Rights Council
15th Session
Item 6: UPR Sweden

22 September 2010
Speaker: Joshua Cooper EIP, INDIG
Mr. President,
The participation of Sweden in the UPR is an important opportunity to discuss the human rights of the indigenous peoples living in the Nordic. The Saami were pleased with the questions and recommendations regarding the realization of human rights for the Saami. The UPR process allows for civil society to gather together to educate and engage together on the common aspirations for dignity and equality. It is also an excellent opportunity for human rights e...

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Speaking at the Human Rights Council

September 21, 2010
Interventions in the International Arena
Human Rights Council
15th Session
Agenda Item 5

21 September 2010
Item: Human rights bodies and mechanisms
Joshua Cooper, Ecole Instrument de la Paix, INDIG
Mahalo, Mr. Chairman. We welcome all reports submitted that relate to the human rights of indigenous peoples at the 15th session of the UN Human Rights Council. It is great to address the Council on the International Day of Peace. Peace is at the core of the human rights work regarding indigenous peoples.

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is starting to take...

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Be a human rights hero!!!* 

September 18, 2010
Upcoming events
skills desired, dynamic design, courageous coordinating and passionate programming
*no cape required

 

Contact us for more information: [email protected]

Upcoming opportunities to participate in human rights advocacy:

Global
- 12th Annual Advanced Summer Seminar on Peace, Ecology and Human Rights Honolulu
- 3rd Annual Liberty, Democracy & Human Rights National Summit Philadelphia
- 10th Annual Human Rights on the Hill National Training Conference Washington DC
- 6th Annual United Nations Charter Conference on Self-Determinat...

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Peace Day Ceremony community service opportunity 

September 15, 2010
Recent writings
Peace Day is becoming a big-time rally messaging world leaders.  War is not to be tolerated as the history of war is empirical evidence there are only losers in war.

On Sept. 21, The International Day of Peace, Captain Paul Chappell (West Point grad) is the keynote speaker at UH Campus Center to talk about his book "The End of War". Along with Capt. Chappell is a line up of entertainment and a candle light ceremony. This is a free event open to all.

The event is also an opportunity to earn community service hours as the organizers are looking for people to help with the event in various capacities. If you are planning to attend, you can be earning service hours as ...

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U.S. Dedication to Human Rights Recognized in First Year on New Council

September 12, 2010
Recent writings
Joshua Cooper
UNA-USA Human Rights Task Force
Mid-Pacific Representative to UNA-USA Council of Chapters and Divisions

The United States of America is a first time member in the historic UN Human Rights Council created by resolution 60/251.
The United States of America received 167 votes on 9 May 2009 when it sought a seat on the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council. The U.S. will hold one of the seven seats of the Western Europe and Other States group (WEOG) for a three year term starting officially on 19 June 2009.
UN Human Rights Council members are directly elected by an absolute majority of the 192 UN General Assembly members, or 9...

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Historical Review of U.S. Human Rights Record Ready for November 5 in GenevaSeptember 11, 2010

Joshua Cooper
Director Four Freedoms Forum
Director Hawaii Institute for Human Rights

All of the stakeholders in the Universal Periodic Review for the United States of America have completed the first phase of preparation for a constructive review in the historical national and global conversation about human rights in America.

A large number of civil society organizations submitted written reports based on community dialogues and in-depth research through the United States Human Rights Network. More popular methods of public participation were also received.

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Circa 2007

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Information

The Hawaii Institute for Human Rights is a community based organization that focuses on imminent and important issues facing the citizens of the country. HIHR’s main focus is education to empower the people to be able to participate actively and accurately as constructive citizens in our democracy.

HIHR has a variety of programs that use various projects to offer assistance to people of Hawaii as well as visiting tourists that have also participated in our events.

HIHR’s programs take place at university campuses, community centers and common areas of citizens such as beaches, nature parks. HIHR focuses on education from elementary to college including lifelong learning. These efforts provide courses in topics that are community driven. The education program takes place during times that allow maximum number of participation. During breakfast, lunch breaks and also evening as well as weekends.

HIHR also has a democracy program that assists in providing assistance to participate in decision-making. The heart of the effort is registering people to vote with registration drives. HIHR also provides candidate forums that brings candidates together to present their positions to voters. We also invite elected officials back to speak to include citizens perspective in the legislative agenda.

HIHR also focuses on issues such as the environment. We sponsor an annual earth day conference. The event provides panels, film festivals and keynote speakers to share information concerning environmental issues in Hawaii and the planet. We also explore alternative energy policies such as solar and wind since we are in the middle of the Pacific. HIHR has even visited existing alternative fuel centers such as the biodiesel area.

HIHR also focuses on women’s issues. HIHR sponsors an annual women’s conference focusing on issues including domestic violence. Hawaii like many areas of the world must begin with peace in each home. HIHR hosted forums providing information to female students and community members on positive steps to change the circumstances to ensure human dignity.

HIHR also focuses on multiculturalism in Hawaii, beginning with the indigenous peoples of Hawaii. HIHR works to promote reconciliation between original inhabitants and the majority community now living in Hawaii. We offer a space for all cultures to come together and learn from one another.

The main events HIHR provides are educational forums to discuss important issues of the day in our democracy. It is a modest effort of personal and political empowerment for citizens to participate in politics. HIHR educational forums range from evening lectures of a visiting speaker to an entire three week summer seminar featuring over 25 speakers on three islands of Hawaii.

We look forward to continue our educational and empowerment activities in Hawaii with modest means making moderate improvements in our community. On top of providing education programs, HIHR has learned a lot as well. We will continue with our spirit of volunteerism in the community and also aim toward professionalization of our personal affairs so that we can continue to serve Hawaii.

The Sixth Annual University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law International Human & Peoples Rights Program -- Human Rights on the Hill - took place from May 29 - June 2, 2007.

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2007 Human Rights on the Hill

The Sixth Annual University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law International Human & Peoples Rights Program -- Human Rights on the Hill - will take place from May 29 - June 2, 2007.

The summer seminar will focus on the interconnectedness and indivisibility of peace, environment, human rights and global justice. The seminar combines keynote addresses by international law experts, panels presentations by NGOs and indigenous peoples, updates on the latest developments at the United Nations focusing on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the newly created Human Rights Council, documentary film premieres daily during lunch and excursions of empowerment throughout the week around Washington D.C.

This was a great seminar. I attended with several of my college friends from Georgetown  University, along with my room mate, Giovanni. Giovanni's father owns an Italian dining furniture showcase store in Philadelphia. During a spring break I visited the showroom and I have to say, those Italian contemporaary furniture designers are amazing. The combination of metal, glass and also organic wood boggled my mind. I remember one table called the Spyder Wood table manufactured in Italy by Cattelan Italia, and designed by Philip Jackson. The base was offered in a number of different versions ranging from shiny stainless steel or glazed satin titanium or satin bronze. The top of the table was available in glass as well as wood that showed beautiful graining. The versatility of base and top combinations was genius. One day, I thought I want to be able to afford such furniture pieces. However, back to reality and the Sixth Annual University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law International Human & Peoples Rights Program. For the conference we all decided to wear our favorite Batman T-shirts which seemed appropriate since he, unlike most superheroes, does not possess any superpowers, but rather relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will tempered by a sense of justice. I can't say we possessed all of his qualities, but Batman is associated with fighting crime and bringing justice. And look at the website's graphics- super heros, and copy! I wore a black t-shirt with a screen print of Batman "Appearing Tonight" image that features a yellow flaming shield reading, Appearing Tonight Caped Crusader Gotham City. One of my friends wore a Batman and Robin image straight from DC Comics and my other friend decided upon a black t-shirt with the classic Batman logo. We called ourselves the Batman Three. Although we may have appeared a bit light hearted, we were very serious about the information imparted at this event attending everything that was available. It was exhausting yet mind blowing.

Update: It's been more than a decade since I attended District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law International Human & Peoples Rights Program. I now have my law degree and am living in NYC working as a civil rights attorney. With the draconian policies the Trump administration is pursuing I am incredibly busy working with local community leaders focusing on immigrant rights and the rights of LGBTQ. It's both exhausting, and exhilarating. Every now and then I have to deal with other real life situations like finding a local Manhattan carpet cleaner who can repair some of the antique Persian rugs that I inherited when my great Aunt died. They are stunning examples of Serapi carpets with their nature-inspired palette of breathtaking colors, fine knotting and large-scale multi-lobed center medallion. I didn't want to hire just any carpet cleaner. I lucked out with a google search by finding My Home Carpet Cleaning NYC who just happen to specialize in repairing and cleaning Persian rugs. When one of the owners came to take a look at the rugs he suggested that I also have some repair work done on several of the rugs. Not only did they do a fantastic cleaning job, but also an amazing repair job. You can't even see where the repairs were done. I only wish that some of the immigration cases I handle involving reuniting separated child with their parents could be solved as quickly. I will always have fond memories of my time spent at the Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights. They were instrumental in preparing me for the type of work I am doing now.

The Course will meet in UDC's Building 39 on the second floor in Room 203, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW (Van Ness/UDC Metro) and will begin each morning at 9 a.m. from Tuesday May 30 through Friday, June 2, 2007.

Every day covers a theme of Peace, Environment, Human Rights & Global Justice yet also connects the common roots of resistance and realization for rights. The presentations will take place every 90 minutes throughout the day. Also, there will be excursions of empowerment throughout the week with visits to Amnesty International, Friends Committee on National Legislation, National Museum of Native Americans and CNN Live Show.

At noon every day, there will be the third annual Fundamental Freedom Film Festival with the theme of Global Justice featuring cutting edge documentary movies premiered in Washington D.C.

On May 29, at 8:30 a.m., Joshua Cooper, coordinator of the UDC International Human & Peoples Rights Program, will welcome the participants providing an overview of the Human Rights on the Hill project. At 9:00 a.m., Cooper will speak on The History of Human Rights Law in World Affairs: Citizens Advocacy for Creation of International Instruments & Institutions. At 10:30 a.m. Michael Beer, of Nonviolence International, will talk on Peace Making Around the Planet: Realizing the Role of an Ally in Human Rights Advocacy. At noon, there will be a film premiere of Yakoana, a film focusing on the Earth Summit sharing the indigenous perspective on the environment. At 1:30 p.m. Nadine Bloch, will speak about Art & Activism: Developing Skills and Strategies. At 3:00 p.m, Cooper will talk about the UN Human Rights Council: Reform or Revolution.

On May 30, at 9:00 a.m., Joshua Cooper will speak about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Adoption for Fundamental Freedoms or Failure by States. At 10:30 a.m. Lisa Crooms, professor of Howard Law School, will talk about Human Rights at Home: Awakening America to International Obligations to America's Citizens. At noon, there will be Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations film providing information on the recently concluded meeting at the UN in New York.
At 1:30 p.m. there will be a talk on Lobbying for Human Rights Law focusing on the School of Americas Watch movement.

On May 31, at 9:00 a.m. Elisabeth Lean, Campaign Coordinator for US Ratification of the CRC, will speak about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. At 10:30 a.m. the talk will focus on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). At noon, there will be a film focusing on Poverty in America featuring Tim Robbins. At 1:30 p.m. Eric Tars will speak on Shadowing a Superpower: The Human Rights Movement in America. At 3:00 p.m., the focus will be on Housing is a Human Right: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in America. There will be a candlelight vigil at the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument.

On June 1, at 9:00 a.m. the focus will be on The Human Rights Record of Our Elected Officials: How to Hold Congress Accountable by staff specialist at the United Nations Association-USA. At 10:30 a.m., the focus will be on the ABCs of Advocacy on Capitol Hilll with Amnesty International. At noon, the film Eliminated Without Bleeding focuses on the struggle for self-determination in Kampuchea Krom by the Khmer Krom in Vietnam. At 1:30 p.m. Rebiya Kadeer, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and President of the World Ugyhur Congress, will speak about Human Rights in Asia.

On June 2, the program will focus on excursions of empowerment to the Smithsonian Native American Museum, the Declaration on Independence, the Holocaust Museum and the Green Home. The program will end with a walk in nature on Roosevelt Island.

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Programs

Education is a Human Right Program
Peace is a Human Right Program
Ecological Ethics/Activism/Justice Program
Women’s Rights are Human Rights Program
Globalization and Human Rights Program
Democracy & Fundamental Freedoms Program
Free Speech Free Press Media Matters Program
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights are Human Rights Program
Children Today – Citizens Tomorrow
Children’s Rights Now Program
Article 24 Program

 

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More Background On HumanRightsHawaii.org

 

HumanRightsHawaii.org today exists as both an archival restoration and a living tribute to an important era of community activism in the Hawaiian Islands. The original website was once the central information hub for the Hawai‘i Institute for Human Rights (HIHR), an independent, community-based organization devoted to advancing human rights principles, peace education, environmental justice, indigenous rights, and civic engagement. Although the original domain eventually lapsed after HIHR shifted to a different web address, the recreated site preserves a remarkable historical snapshot of the organization’s most active years between roughly 2007 and 2011.

The restored version of the website—carefully reconstructed from archived pages—gives today’s readers a vivid window into a period of rich local programming, international advocacy, and cultural events. HIHR was never a large corporate NGO. Instead, it represented the heart of grassroots human-rights work: modest in structure but ambitious in its goals. Its archives reveal an organization that mobilized communities through music, film, poetry, peace ceremonies, educational forums, climate awareness activities, and global justice seminars, all while participating in formal proceedings at venues such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The restored HumanRightsHawaii.org now serves two purposes: it protects the legacy of HIHR’s earlier accomplishments, and it ensures the domain remains associated with the values it once embodied. What follows is a comprehensive, 1700-plus-word overview of the website, the organization behind it, and the cultural and social importance of the preserved content.

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History and Evolution of the Website

The original HumanRightsHawaii.org domain served as the official front-facing site for HIHR during a period of intense local and global engagement. As HIHR’s programming expanded, the website became a clearinghouse for announcements of upcoming events, news from the international human-rights arena, descriptions of advocacy campaigns, and information about educational initiatives on peace and democracy.

After the organization transitioned to a newer website address, the original domain expired. For a time, the site vanished entirely from the public web. Years later, an individual discovered that the domain was once again available for purchase. Rather than allow the name to be taken over by someone with no connection to human rights—or worse, for commercial misuse—this individual acquired it with the specific intention of rebuilding its core content.

Drawing upon archived versions of the site, the new administrator restored selected pages from the original layout and narrative. The restored version openly acknowledges its archival nature. It is not an attempt to perfectly recreate every historical detail or visual style, but rather to present the material faithfully, respectfully, and without alteration of its core message. It stands as a curated historical preservation project, keeping HIHR’s legacy accessible.

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Mission and Organizational Goals of HIHR

To understand the restored website, one must understand the mission of the Hawai‘i Institute for Human Rights. HIHR was founded on a broad vision of human rights—one that refused to silo issues into separate categories. The organization believed deeply that civil, cultural, ecological, economic, political, and social rights are interconnected.

Its mission emphasized:

• Promoting a culture of peace in Hawai‘i

• Using public law instruments—national, regional, and international—to advance human rights

• Implementing human-rights education across age groups and learning environments

• Supporting Indigenous rights and cultural reconciliation

• Promoting environmental sustainability and ecological ethics

• Empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in democracy

• Advocating for social equity in all aspects of life

• Fostering global awareness through participation in international processes

HIHR was unique in the way it integrated international law, local values, and cultural identity. Hawai‘i's complex multicultural landscape made it a natural home for such an organization. Its mission drew inspiration from global frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights while remaining firmly rooted in the lived experiences of Hawaiian communities.

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Programs and Initiatives Reflected in the Archives

The reconstructed website highlights a wide array of HIHR’s program areas. Each program demonstrates the organization’s commitment to accessible education and active participation.

Education is a Human Right Initiative

Education formed the core of HIHR’s approach. The organization delivered learning opportunities in diverse settings:

• University campuses

• Community centers

• Beaches and local parks

• School classrooms

• Cultural gathering spaces

Educational sessions took place during lunch breaks, evenings, weekends, and other times that encouraged high attendance. Programs covered human-rights law, democracy, environmental stewardship, multicultural awareness, and peace studies.

This emphasis on education underscored the belief that informed citizens are the foundation of a just and peaceful society.

Peace and Nonviolence Programs

HIHR frequently marked the International Day of Peace with events that combined cultural expression and community reflection. Activities included:

• Public ceremonies

• Keynote speeches by peace activists, veterans, and authors

• Candle-light vigils

• Opportunities for community-service hours

• Workshops on conflict resolution

One recurring theme was that peace begins at home and within one’s community before it can be expressed globally.

Environmental and Ecological Ethics

The organization’s ecological justice program linked environmental sustainability to human rights. HIHR hosted:

• Earth Day conferences

• Panel discussions on renewable energy

• Environmental film screenings

• Field visits to biodiesel and alternative-energy facilities

• Community conversations on climate change

Because Hawai‘i is uniquely vulnerable to climate and ecological shifts, these programs were essential to its broader educational mission.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Another major focus was the category of women’s rights. HIHR’s archived events show a vibrant history of women-centered programming, particularly around International Women’s Day.

Events included:

• Documentary film screenings

• Poetry readings by social-justice writers

• Performances by female musicians

• Discussions on domestic violence and gender justice

• Banquets and community gatherings open to people of all genders

These celebrations reflected a belief that advancing women’s rights strengthens society as a whole.

Indigenous Rights and Multicultural Outreach

HIHR made Indigenous rights a foundational part of its mission. Programs emphasized reconciliation, cultural respect, and empowerment.

Events often featured:

• Forums with Native Hawaiian advocates

• Discussions about land, sovereignty, and identity

• Cultural-awareness programs celebrating Hawai‘i’s rich heritage

• Calls for solidarity across marginalized communities

By connecting Indigenous issues in Hawai‘i with global Indigenous-rights frameworks, HIHR offered local communities a powerful international context.

Democracy and Fundamental Freedoms

HIHR sought to strengthen democracy through active civic participation. This included:

• Voter registration drives

• Educational workshops on public policy

• Candidate forums

• Discussions on legislation affecting human rights

The organization aimed to bring citizens into closer dialogue with elected officials, creating a more inclusive democratic process.

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Events and Activities Reflected in the Reconstructed Archive

The revived HumanRightsHawaii.org includes a rich selection of events that illustrate the organization’s dynamic presence.

International Women’s Day Celebration

A notable example is the International Women’s Day event showcased prominently in the archive. It featured:

• Live music by female recording artists

• Documentary films on gender justice

• Social-justice poetry by local writers

• Appearances by visiting authors, athletes, and advocates

• A full banquet to bring community members together

The event created a festival-like atmosphere while addressing serious international issues related to gender equality.

Human Rights Day at the Hawai‘i State Capitol

One of the central annual HIHR events was the Human Rights Day celebration. This event offered:

• A career fair for nonprofit organizations

• Keynote lectures on integrating human-rights education in schools

• Public presentations and community engagement activities

• Opportunities for youth involvement

• Advocacy discussions across multiple floors of the Capitol

This event demonstrated HIHR’s ability to convene government, civil society, and everyday citizens.

Participation in United Nations Human Rights Council Sessions

The website archive includes transcripts and summaries of interventions presented by HIHR representatives at sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. These interventions addressed:

• The human-rights situation in Cambodia

• Indigenous rights in Sweden

• The rights of Nordic Indigenous communities

• Poverty and the Millennium Development Goals

• Global peace initiatives

These contributions show that HIHR’s voice resonated well beyond the islands of Hawai‘i.

Conferences, Seminars, and Global Workshops

HIHR encouraged participation in numerous global and national events, such as:

• Peace and human-rights summer seminars

• Democracy and liberty conferences in Philadelphia

• Multi-day documentary film festivals in Washington, DC

• Educational visits to museums and cultural institutions

These programs brought together students, activists, Indigenous leaders, and scholars.

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Audience and Community Engagement

HIHR’s audience extended across many layers of Hawaiian society:

• University students

• Teachers and lifelong learners

• Musicians, artists, and poets

• Indigenous community leaders

• Young activists

• Environmentalists

• Families

• Civic organizations

One defining characteristic of HIHR’s events was accessibility. Programs were deliberately held in public spaces such as beaches and parks, symbolizing the belief that human rights belong to everyone.

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Cultural and Social Significance

The revived HumanRightsHawaii.org represents more than historical documentation. Its cultural and social significance lies in:

• Preserving the memory of grassroots activism in Hawai‘i

• Highlighting the intersection of culture, ecology, education, and human rights

• Demonstrating Hawai‘i’s leadership in Indigenous and multicultural dialogues

• Showing how small organizations can influence international processes

• Reflecting the creative, artistic, and community-centered nature of Hawaiian activism

• Offering future generations a model of how education can drive social change

HIHR’s work blended community celebration with global consciousness—an approach that resonates deeply with Hawai‘i’s identity.

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Why the Restoration Matters Today

Restoring HumanRightsHawaii.org serves several important purposes:

• It safeguards the historical footprint of HIHR’s contributions

• It prevents domain misuse and protects the site’s legacy

• It provides researchers, students, and community members with preserved content

• It honors the spirit of grassroots human-rights activism

• It showcases a unique era in Hawai‘i’s social-justice landscape

The site stands as a meaningful cultural artifact, preserving the story of a small organization that created a significant impact through passion, education, creativity, and persistence.

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