Blooming Afghanistan: Art Resists – Hope Blooms
Arash Barez and the Aseman Ensemble – live at Victoria Hall.

On 8 September, this unique evening brings together artists, diplomats, human rights defenders and the public around the universal language of music. At its heart: a concert by the Aseman ensemble (“sky” in Persian), Afghan and Japanese musicians based in Paris.
Founded by singer and composer Arash Barez, the ensemble unites rubab master Kengo Saito, Mojtaba Habibi (co-founder of Kabul Dreams), violinist Alia Païenda and guitarist Abi Rezai – blending Afghan traditions, Persian poetry and contemporary sound, with guest singer Dawood Pazhman.

The evening at a glance:

• Public Panel Discussion on Cultural Rights in Afghanistan: 18:30 – 19:30

• Afghan Finger Food: 19:30 – 20:00

• Music Concert: Arash Barez and the Aseman Ensemble: 20:30 – 22:00

Free entry – reservation required.

Part of Blooming Afghanistan: Art Resists – Hope Blooms during the 63rd UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, the event is organized by:

• Victoria Hall

• World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

• Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+)

• the Civil Society & Human Rights Network (CSHRN)

• the Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization (AHRDO)

• Artistic Freedom Initiative / Initiative pour la Liberté Artistique

• Action for Development

• Embassy of Foreign Artists (EoFA)

with the support of:

• the Embassy & Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Geneva
• the Swiss Confederation
• Forum-Asia
• Afghanistan Democracy and Development Organization (ADDO)
• Centre for Human Rights Advocacy, Dialogue Hub – Common Ground
• and CDP-G (Centre pour le Dialogue et le Progrès – Genève)