STAND-UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS COMEDY
THAILAND
Project Creator and Director : Christina MacGillivray
2023, Bangkok, Thailand
Christina MacGillivray directed, produced, and organized Stand-Up for Human Rights, a landmark comedy event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Held in Bangkok on December 10, 2023, the show brought together seven leading comedians from across the Asia-Pacific region to tackle issues of identity, migration, gender, inclusion, and racial justice through humor. Under Christina’s direction, the event used comedy to challenge discrimination, foster empathy, and highlight the power of shared stories.
Hosted by Pakistani-Malaysian comedian Kavin Jay, the lineup featured Ligwina Hananto (Indonesia), Manjeet Sarkar (India), Sam See (Singapore), Maitreyi Karanth (Hong Kong), Tofiga Fepulea’i (Samoa), and Mo Rodvanich (Thailand). Each comedian used humor to shed light on social justice issues, proving that laughter can drive meaningful conversations.
Christina also led key partnerships that made the event possible. Stand-Up for Human Rights was organized with the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for South-East Asia, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Alliance Française Bangkok, with support from the Government of Sweden.
