Cultural Initiatives

Cultural events serve as powerful platforms for learning, sharing experiences, and fostering solidarity. At OMCT, we organize cultural gatherings to engage with our friends, donors, and supporters in Geneva, offering them a deeper understanding of our impact and the challenges we address. These events also provide opportunities to raise essential funds and strengthen the commitment of individuals to our mission of combating torture and protecting human rights.

Every two years, under the initiative of our dedicated Action Committee members, a theatre event is held in Gland, Switzerland. The committee plays a pivotal role in selecting the performance, managing communications, and organising the post-event cocktail reception. In 2024, the musical comedy “Virginie & Paul” by Jacques Mouguenot captivated an audience of over 200 supporters. This successful event raised CHF 50,000, directly contributing to the core mission of OMCT and enabling us to continue our vital work worldwide.

Each year, the Executive Committee convenes in person on 26 June, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of survivors and the urgent need for justice and accountability. In the evening, the committee joins our key supporters for a concert, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This year, the engaged pianist Coraline Parmentier delivered a moving performance, featuring a selection of music from regions where OMCT is actively engaged. The event not only celebrated the power of art and culture but also reinforced our collective commitment to standing with victims and survivors of torture.

Through these cultural events, OMCT continues to build bridges, inspire action, and strengthen the global movement for human rights. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, whose generosity and solidarity make our work possible. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a world free from torture and ill-treatment.

OMCT, faithful to its commitment to promoting access to culture and human rights, played a key role in the 10th edition of the Carthage Film Festival (JCC). Despite a restrictive context, OMCT supported this initiative and ensured its continuity. Thanks to this partnership, 650 male detainees and 230 female detainees from six prisons across Tunisia were able to watch live film screenings in the presence of directors and actors. This provided a window to the outside world.

Additionally, 60 minors from five rehabilitation centres had the opportunity to visit the Cité de la Culture to experience the festival firsthand, also in the presence of the artists. Finally, to amplify the impact of this initiative, JCC films were broadcast via the prison television networks, allowing more than 12,150 detainees to access culture and art.