The City of Moscow Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the University of Idaho, and National Economic & Social Rights Initiative invite the public to an open and free documentary screening and followed by a facilitated social justice forum, March 20, 2012.
The event is facilitated by Robert Robinson, who is the documentary narrator and Special Advisor to the Campaign to Restore National Housing Rights, a coalition of grassroots groups from around the US supported by the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative which is a human rights organization located in New York City; and University of Idaho Professor Rula Awwad-Rafferty, one of the city’s Human Rights Commissioners. The event concludes with story telling, testimony gathering, and interactive session for context-based action. Together, the screening and the forum will afford our community an opportunity to add our story and voice related to rights to adequate housing in this community.
Documentary Synopsis: When Raquel Rolnik, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, heeded a call to visit the United States during the heart of the housing crisis, it was the first time a United Nations housing expert had ever formally investigated the United States. A network of more than 100 grassroots organizations coordinated her visit to 7 rural and urban communities and enabled the participation of more than 2000 individuals. This network, understanding the importance of the Special Rapporteur’s historic trip, also mobilized a nationwide team of volunteer videographers, photographers and audio documentarians. The grassroots footage gathered of Rolnik’s journey and of the powerful testimonies she witnessed from people facing homelessness, foreclosure, and the destruction and neglect of our affordable housing stock is revealed for the first time in the short documentary film “More Than a Roof.”
Rob Robinson is available for interviews, he will also be speaking at the classes at the Moscow High School, at the University of Idaho, and meeting with student and civic groups.
Please bring a non-perishable food or care item for contribution to area shelters and food banks.
University of Idaho's Integrative Experience 