The Moscow Human Rights Commission presented the UNHCR documentary ‘After Spring’ Sept. 6 at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center as a kickoff for Racial Equality Month.
The film shed light on how catastrophic the war in Syria is along with how tragic it is for Syrian refugees. Admission was free. Though the theater was not full, those in attendance were respectful and appeared to be invested in the journeys of the families portrayed in the documentary.
“It was shocking. I never realized how much entitlement Americans have compared to people from other countries, especially (people from) Syria,” said first-year University of Idaho student Philip Lohman.
‘After Spring’ consistently featured the hardships that families face when having to leave everything they know behind. However, it also incorporated the healing process of time and assistance, job opportunities, school, immigrating, taekwondo and the extent to which donating helps people in need.
According to the Moscow Human Rights Commission webpage, the purpose of the commission is to “affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the City designed to eliminate discrimination, improve human relations, and effectuate the spirit and intent of applicable human rights legislation.”
The commission meets from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month in the mayor’s conference room at city hall, located at the north east corner of Third Street and Washington Street. All meetings are open to the public.
Cecil Milliken can be reached at [email protected]