Award 32 Death Of Humanity

Jo Lane created Death Of Humanity, a silent walkabout funeral procession performed by actors / activists in Manchester & London ahead of International Human Rights Day 2025.

Death of Humanity is a is a protest that doesn’t look like a protest. It is about providing people with an experience that leaves space for them to find their own emotional connection to the theme, creating opportunities for understanding different perspectives, and building bridges for potential change.

The convoy carrying the funeral wreath reading ‘HUMANITY’ followed a route across the city, stopping at key landmarks until the wreaths are laid down at their final resting places. The public can interact with the mourners and receive a postcard with further information. The work aims to shine a light on how wealth inequality, greed and capitalism is at the core of the majority of the world’s human rights abuses.

Photography by Karol Wysznski

Death Of Humanity follows a series of actions outside Parliament ahead of the UK Budget and Spending Review announcements in December 2025 to pressure the Chancellor and government ministers to tax the super-rich.

The richest 1% of the world's population are responsible for as much carbon as two-thirds of the global population, providing a strong rationale for them to help fund the solutions. Greenpeace UK has published a report proposing a one-off "National Renewal Tax" of 2.5% on wealth above £10 million. They estimate this could generate at least £130bn to fund a fair transition to clean energy, insulate homes, and invest in public services.

The demonisation of refugees and asylum seekers by our government and mainstream media not only highlights their prioritisation of profit above people, but shows a blatant disregard for International Human Rights. The super rich own our politics, our politicians and our mainstream media, which means they control the narrative. Refugee and asylum seekers are not a drain on the economy, tax avoidance by the super rich is. They blame ‘immigrants’ so we don’t blame billionaires. “Four new billionaires are minted every week while 3.5 billion people still live in poverty” Oxfam 2025

Artist / Director - Jo Lane

Project Co-ordinator: Becky Buchanan