The festival, the first of its kind in the state, will be held from 10am to 8pm, and will carry the theme “Human Rights for All”.

Organised by the Civil Society Project coalition, the festival will be anchored by Purple Lily, Ikram Sarawak, Sarawak AIDS Concern Society, Lawyers Kamek 4 Change, Rise of Sarawak Efforts, Save Rivers and Teori Timur.

Among the groups that will also attend and participate in the festival are Jaringan Orang Asal Se-Malaysia (Joas) and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Sinar Harapan.

“It is unique in that it groups national and state civil society groups from various sectors of society to share their work, their campaigns and their aims to showcase the rich diversity of social life in Sarawak,” said organising chairperson Suraya Bujang in a statement.

The civil rights groups will show their work via film screenings, small group discussions, music, poetry, fun activities and mini-exhibitions, Suraya said.

“Consequently, the main aim of the festival is to raise awareness of the key role played by human rights in bringing about an open, dynamic, global and modern society.

“Through the festival, it is hoped that more people will be encouraged to participate in the diverse works and campaigns of the various civil society groups here in Sarawak,” she said.

Admission to the festival is free.

For more information, call 019-874 1251.