For a week in February, our students took time to look beyond our campus and explore some of the human rights issues affecting people around the world. Humanitarian Week, organised by the Amnesty Youth Group, brought together discussions, films, activities and plenty of questions.
Presentation by Amnesty Youth member
The week began with a focus on Sudan and the work of the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan, a grassroots network supporting communities affected by the conflict and recipient of the 2025 Rafto Prize. Students explored the realities of the crisis and the importance of local people leading responses in their own communities. They also spent time learning about the war in Ukraine and the Revolution of Dignity, reflecting on solidarity and the strength people can find in standing together.
Ahead of International Women's Day, the group turned their attention to Afghanistan, learning about the restrictions facing women and girls under the Taliban. The session also offered a chance to discover more about Afghanistan's rich culture and diversity, including some traditional Afghan pastries.
Grup activity about hate speech in the Høegh Centre
Other sessions explored the difficult relationship between freedom of expression and hate speech, while the week ended with the story of Hind Rajab, a young girl in Gaza whose final phone call became a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.
It was a week of difficult conversations, but also of learning, listening and connecting with experiences far beyond our own. For our students, Humanitarian Week was a reminder that human rights are not just ideas we read about.
