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Music for Human Rights is an ambitious, star-studded project that seeks to effect change through music.  Housed at Amnesty International USA, the initiative collaborates with international music acts around the world.  U2, REM, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Nickelback are just a small sampling of the big name artists that support Music for Human Rights.

But the project goes further than just endorsements.  It also promotes artists such as Emmanuel Jal, a survivor of the killing fields in Sudan, and has even co-produced its own music video.  Each project encourages meaningful action by musicians and their fans. 

I spoke with the Program Manager of Music for Human Rights Karen Scott about her innovative work.  She’s a true music lover and a quick glance at the website will show you how busy she really is. Not everyone can imitate such a high profile organization — Amnesty has over 2 million members — but Karen seems convinced that we can all make a difference.

In a few words, what does the Amnesty International Music for Human Rights program do?

Music for Human Rights is a place to find out how musicians are using their voice to promote Human Rights.

How did you get involved in the program?

Music has been my passion since I was a teenager. I’ve worked in the music industry in different capacities over the past 15 years. But I felt a void – I felt like I wasn’t being fulfilled. I got a call about this position and it was one of those right-place-right-time circumstances. I guess you can call it Kismet.

What are human rights to you?

As Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. I believe this with all my heart, but this doesn’t stay true to some throughout their life. In order to achieve a world where everyone enjoys their rights – I believe the power is in the people.

What do you try to accomplish at each Music for Human Rights event?

Most of Amnesty’s music events are live concerts at which we have a presence. We focus more on raising awareness and collecting signatures on various petitions. Amnesty was a sponsor on the [Vans] Warped Tour this past summer and it was an amazing experience being able to get Amnesty’s message in front of hundreds of thousands of concert attendees from all over the U.S.

What are some of your strongest memories of how music can help advance causes of human rights?

As a young teenager, I remember hearing about A Conspiracy Of Hope which aired on MTV in 1986 from Giants Stadium. The concert had such artists as U2, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. All speaking about Human Rights from the stage. Large concert events such as A Conspiracy Of Hope and Human Rights Now!, helped to put Amnesty on the map.

Can you give an example of how music directly influenced a human rights issue, sort of a ‘before and after’ scenario?

A more current scenario is the album Instant Karma. The album consists of popular artists singing the songs of John Lennon, [the rights to] which Yoko Ono generously donated. The album benefits Amnesty’s work in Darfur and it has raised millions.

What challenges do you face in working with human rights and music?

Not enough hours in the day! Seriously though, the challenge is staying focused. The issues that fall under the Human Rights umbrella are vast. Every musician that I work with is interested in different campaigns or bodies of work. I have to keep them up to date on the issues and make sure I’m constantly thinking of new ways to engage them.

What are some of your favorite media that deal with human rights?

I’ll tell you what I am looking forward to seeing… Fela!, the new Broadway musical about former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience and pioneer of Afro-Beat, Fela Kuti.

Is it important for musicians to directly sing about human rights in their lyrics for them to be effective?

I think it helps if you walk the walk and talk the talk — people still sing and always will sing, Get Up Stand Up, Stand Up For Your Rights! BUT, freedom of expression is a Human Right, and the beauty of music and lyrics is that they mean different things to different people. Inspiration comes in many forms.

How have organizations like Live Nation and Ticketmaster affected the human rights and music landscape? (Or soundscape?)

Live Nation is a corporation that over the years has grown to be the major player in the touring industry. A sort of one-stop-shop for major tours like Madonna and U2. Live Nation was and continues to be a great partner of Amnesty’s on the U2 tour. They have a representative on the tour who is our liaison making sure our volunteers are taken care of and informed of any logistical matters.

What suggestions do you have for musicians who are trying to establish themselves? In other words, how can they get involved in human rights issues?

Anyone can get involved with human rights issues. If you are a local band and you wanted to get involved with Amnesty International, a great start is to use the internet! Amnesty International USA’s website is set up so that you can easily place a link on your website to an online action. If you are interested in accountability for torture – you can simply put this link on your website http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=12193 . Or, join a local group and perform a benefit concert for your group. Amnesty is a grassroots organization, the power is in the people.

What differences have you found between human rights culture in the U.S. and in other countries?

I see music as a way to break down cultural borders. Music to me is a language that is universal and it helps to spread messages beyond borders. Like Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier from Sudan. He is now an accomplished rapper, writer, and public speaker who performs all over the world telling people about his story. Also check out a video that Amnesty co-produced called The Price Of Silence which is based on an Aterciopelados song. It features musicians from all over the world singing in front of the United Nations General Assembly about human rights.

–Deji Olukotun

Photos courtesy of (and copyrighted by) Amnesty International 2009. Top photo, Noodle of the Gorillaz.