In 2008, the youth organized a Freedom Parade, Human Rights Festival and a Human Poster Walk-About to spread awareness of human rights and freedoms, especially freedom of expression, and gender-based violence among the public.
All activities were highly visual including face-painting, fun decorations (including a big paper cake for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration), self-decorated T-shirts with human rights messages, self-made banners and posters. Events featured popular singers and artists, dance competitions, quiz contests and other activities.

The Freedom Parade was initiated by the youth to promote human rights and freedoms to their peers and the general public in a way that is fun, accessible, non-threatening and encouraging. The Freedom Parade allows an opportunity to young people and others to express themselves freely and creatively and enjoy their right to free expression boldly and creatively.

The parade held on October 4, 2008, was a great success despite the fact that the local authorities and police departments prevented the participants from walking down the streets. Instead, we held a lively gathering in front of the State Department Store in the center of Ulaanbaatar, drawing an ever growing mass of people of all ages. Popular artists such as Quiza, Beatbox Ray performed to the delight of the passersby and participants of the “parade.”

We hope the Freedom Parade shall become a new tradition for Mongolians and that it shall be an event in which every person participates by celebrating freedom and taking the opportunity to join others to express one’s individuality freely, courageously and creatively.

If you wish to participate in the 2009 Freedom Parade, do contact us at handsup4yourrights@gmail.com by e-mail or by phone at (976) 70110355!

If you wish to see exciting pics of the 2008 Freedom Parade, click here.