The first ever conference of museums that deal with human rights issues took place in Liverpool last month.
The Federation of International Human Rights Museums’ conference was hosted by National Museums Liverpool (NML) and included delegates from more than 20 countries.
David Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool and president of the FIHRM, told conference delegates that the International Slavery Museum was a campaigning museum.
“It’s a small step from slavery to other forms of abuse,” he said. “The museum is a freedom fighter. It doesn’t take a neutral stance, it seeks to transform visitors’ outlook. We want visitors to leave committed to campaigning.”
Fleming also called on other museums to be passionate and brave. The federation will now look at how it can help human rights museums in countries with low gross domestic product, and work with partner organisations around the world.
Fleming said the NML was committed to finding a way to keep the initiative going, despite the difficult funding climate.
“We will be looking to some of the foundations that have already shown a commitment to social justice and human rights work,” he added.
Speakers at the conference included Kevin Bales, president of Free the Slaves, and George Anang’a from Plan International UK.