On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December, OHCHR-ROMENA, in
collaboration with UNIC Beirut and University St. Joseph in Lebanon organized a
screening of the film Khartoum at Université Saint-Joseph, bringing students and
practitioners together for an engaging reflection on human rights during armed conflicts.
Following the screening, a rich panel discussion unpacked the film’s relevance to
contemporary crises. Regional Representative Mazen Shaqoura highlighted the
enduring legal implications of the film’s themes, noting that “the protection of civilians is
not a historical footnote, it is a present and urgent obligation under international law.”
Mona Rishmawi, Member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on
Sudan, Director of the Palestine Land Studies Center and Assistant Professor of
International Law at the American University of Beirut, drew connections to her work on
Sudan, emphasizing that “the stories we hear today echo the same patterns of
suffering, resilience and the struggle for accountability.” Zeina Jallad reflected on the
human dimension of conflict, saying that “behind every policy debate lies a person who
has lost a home, a family member or a sense of belonging.”
The panelists stressed the role of storytelling in advancing human rights, reminding
participants that “films like Khartoum confront us with the human cost of conflict and
remind us why our work must remain anchored in the inherent dignity of every person.”
Co-director Brahim “Snoopy” spoke about the creative process behind the film, sharing
that “we wanted to capture not just the violence of war but the quiet courage of ordinary
people who keep choosing humanity despite everything.”
The discussion underscored how cinema can serve as a powerful entry point for
understanding the complexities of conflict, the responsibilities of actors and the
universal quest for dignity.
