On International Human Rights Day, the United Nations General Assembly adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which affirms the freedom, equality, dignity, and fundamental rights of all peoples. However, the promise of inalienable human rights seems contradictory in a world where tyrannous regimes and corporate exploitation persist. This special edition of the Asian Village Zine is dedicated to the UDHR, featuring songs by members of the AMP3 as a form of resistance against oppression.
The songs include “Kon,” “Piren Snal,” “Laya,” “To each, her own faith,” “Wala,” “Likha,” and “Nar.” Each song embodies a specific article in the UDHR, highlighting the shared humanity of individuals, the right to life, liberty, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, the denial of the right to work and an adequate standard of living, the value of labor, and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Music is a powerful tool for resistance, transforming the ideals of the UDHR into tangible calls for social justice, human dignity, and the environment. As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, it is essential to remember that the struggle for human rights is ongoing, and collective action and solidarity can bridge the gap between the UDHR and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.