The economy of human rights

A safe space for Burundian creatives to build towards an inclusive society and economy

systems of governance

challenge

How can we help the discriminated Burundian youth to improve their situation?

designers

Bernhard Lenger

partners

Justice & Peace

Irwin

designers

Bernhard Lenger

In 2009, Burundi criminalised homosexuality, making it an offence punishable by a two-year prison sentence. This resulted in arbitrary arrests, gender-based violence, and subjective government policies. Burundi’s government focuses on economic development and diversification; human rights are extraneous to their concerns. Bernhard Lenger and Human Rights Defender Irwin researched ways to empower the discriminated Burundian youth by promoting their economic independence.

partners

Justice & Peace

Irwin

Connecting creatives

Bernhard and Irwin recognise the creative industries as a source of alternative employment opportunities for the affected youth. These creatives, however, lack a network that connects them to local and international communities. Together, Bernhard and Irwin can develop a network supported by a creative trade agreement that includes all human rights ideals.

Connecting creatives

Bernhard and Irwin recognise the creative industries as a source of alternative employment opportunities for the affected youth. These creatives, however, lack a network that connects them to local and international communities. Together, Bernhard and Irwin can develop a network supported by a creative trade agreement that includes all human rights ideals.

In 2009, Burundi criminalised homosexuality, making it an offence punishable by a two-year prison sentence. This resulted in arbitrary arrests, gender-based violence, and subjective government policies. Burundi’s government focuses on economic development and diversification; human rights are extraneous to their concerns. Bernhard Lenger and Human Rights Defender Irwin researched ways to empower the discriminated Burundian youth by promoting their economic independence.

The challenges Irwin faces

In his native Burundi, Irwin advocates for social development in the areas of LGBTI and sex workers in Africa. He is working both locally and regionally. As a member of the advisory board of the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship, he represented the full diversity of over two hundred fellows from fourteen countries in Eastern and Central Africa.

Safe space

In the building of the network, Bernhard and Irwin will consider what formats of cultural and economic exchange would be beneficial for the local creative community. Creatives will be able to share their expertise and grow individually. Eventually, this would lead to the production of smart solutions and provide a safe space for innovative ideas.