On Monday 25th September 2017, International Bridges to Justice partnered with the Theatre of Transformation to host an innovative side event during the Human Rights Council.
The event, entitled ’75 minute Brain Hack on Access to Justice,’ included a moving theatrical piece from the Theatre of Transformation Academy portraying the trauma of being tortured and having no access to a lawyer, a shocking reality for many detainees worldwide.
IBJ’s CEO Karen Tse and Sanjeewa Liyanage join the discussion
Following the act, both Tadfadzwa January, member of the Theatre of Transformation Academy and Human Rights lawyer, and IBJ International Program Director, Sanjeewa Liyanage, shared their own personal stories of working with victims of torture who had been denied early access to counsel.
Tadfadzawa January shares his experiences of working with victims of torture in Zimbabwe
Attendees were invited to discuss in groups how they would feel in such a situation, and how they would hope to be treated if they were arrested. The attendees recognized how important a lawyers role is in preventing torture from taking place
The attendees break into discussion groups
The event was brought to an end with some thought-provoking words from IBJ Founder and CEO, Karen Tse, and Theatre of Transformation Academy’s Founder, Dr Rama Mani.
Karen Tse with members of the Theatre of Transformation Academy