History
Making a big difference one tiny letter at a time.
History
Making a big difference one tiny letter at a time.
Human Rights Tattoo is a living, social practice artwork initiated by Dutch artist Sander van Bussel. It began as a positive, empowering response to the murder of his Kenian friend and fellow artist Steven Nyash. Human Rights Tattoo aims to tattoo the full Universal Declaration of Human Rights onto the skins of people all over the world: the entire text, letter by letter, 6.773 letters on 6.773 people worldwide. Recipients cannot choose the letter itself; the order of the original text is being followed. A Human Rights Tattoo brings awareness, connection and reinforcement. It makes people aware of their rights (and the rights of others), strengthens people in their struggles and connects thousands of people in what they stand for: universal human rights that apply to all of us.
Since 2012 a small team has been traveling around the world to tattoo people at Human Rights Tattoo events. Events to create this chain of people who together keep the Universal Declaration of Human Rights alive as well as a talking point. A chain of people and tattoos where no human and no letter can be missed. Human Rights Tattoo spreads like a positive global virus, with tattoos as a powerful conversation starter. Because behind every tattoo is a person, and behind every person there is a story to be told.
Human Rights Tattoo is a leading, unprecedented work of art that shows a glimpse of what a universal humanity could look like. It uses the power of the image and the impact of storytelling to connect people in their most fundamental values. It tells stories of hope and resilience and depicts the power of people who are fighting for a better world.
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We’re not looking for your six-figure donation.
Everything above zero is a huge plus.
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Human Rights Tattoo depends on donations. We aim to spread the project around the world and to bring Human Rights Tattoo to places and countries where human rights are not taken for granted. We will use your donation to organize Human Rights Tattoo events all over the world. We work with a donate as you please principle. Donations of any amount are highly appreciated!