In July 2024, IPADES, in partnership with People in Need Latin America, the Latin American Youth Network for Democracy, the International Network for Human Rights in Europe (RIDHE), Alma Cívica, and the Youth Forum “Democracy and Development,” launched the impactful “Muros de Libertad” initiative during the 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Asunción, Paraguay. This initiative combines art and activism (artivism) to highlight human rights abuses and the erosion of democracy in Latin America, especially in countries like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela.
About the Initiative
“Muros de Libertad” aims to raise awareness about the suppression of fundamental freedoms and promote solidarity in defense of democracy and human rights across the region. By utilizing powerful visual art forms such as murals, stencils, and stickers, the initiative captures public attention and fosters civic engagement in the defense of democratic principles. The launch included a press conference and a discussion on current democratic challenges in Latin America, as well as the installation of a large billboard in Asunción displaying the messages #DictatorshipsExist and #IgnoringDoesNotSolve to inspire awareness and action.
Key Participants
The launch event brought together notable figures, including Uruguay’s Ambassador to the OAS, Washington Abdala, who highlighted the importance of “Muros de Libertad” in supporting democracy and human rights in the region. Additionally, the initiative received extensive media coverage, with articles and social media posts emphasizing the concerns of Latin American youth regarding democratic deterioration.
Public Interventions and Awareness Campaigns
One of the highlights of the “Muros de Libertad” initiative was a public demonstration held on June 26, 2024, in Asunción’s Plaza de los Desaparecidos, near the Government Palace. This event aimed to spotlight the issue of political prisoners and the prevalence of human rights violations across Latin America. Local and regional partner organizations supported this intervention, resonating with the public and amplifying calls for justice and human dignity.
In addition to this public demonstration, a billboard campaign ran from June 18 to July 18, 2024, along Asunción’s Ñu Guazú Highway. The campaign attracted significant attention, reaching approximately 17,920 people and driving increased traffic to the “Muros de Libertad” website, where visitors could learn more about the initiative and explore ways to get involved.
Future Goals
“Muros de Libertad” aims to expand its impact by painting murals in key cities across Latin America, organizing cultural events alongside each mural creation, and inspiring communities to take part in the movement. The initiative envisions a future where art serves as a beacon of resilience and a rallying point for those advocating for democratic values and human rights.
Through “Muros de Libertad,” IPADES and its partners continue to champion the power of artivism in mobilizing citizens and transforming social landscapes across Latin America. For more information, please visit the official Muros de Libertad page.
