Our over 25 years of work for human rights includes the organisation of countless forums, academies, and conferences, all dedicated to enhancing human rights around the world. In this blog post we will explore how the 2015 Forum “Focusing on Human Rights” has inspired the methods and setting of our current Academy and Conference series “Human Rights Go Local: What Works”.
In May 2015 the international Forum “Focusing on Human Rights” was held over the course of two days in Graz. Organised by the Human Rights City of Graz, the province of Styria and the ETC Graz under the umbrella of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Forum was primarily addressed to local authorities, gathering politicians and administration officers, as wells as representatives of city networks and of international and civil society organisations. Altogether, around 100 experts from 25 European countries participated in the successful Forum, exchanging good practices and assessing the outcomes of action on human rights in their respective areas.
Our mission: Strengthening human rights at the local levels
Ten years ago, at the Forum “Focusing in Human Rights” the Centre already gave special attention to the capacities and expertise of local and regional authorities. We have always firmly believed – and continue to believe – that local authorities are uniquely positioned to effectively and efficiently integrate human rights standards into the daily lives of citizens, as they are the closest actors to the communities they serve. In this context, human rights commitments can be maximised and actively promoted to achieve the highest possible standard.
Our goal: Creating lasting impact
Of course, lasting impact should always be persued. In this case, we have achieved lasting impact by means of the publication “Focusing on Human Rights at Local and Regional Level” edited by Simone Philipp and Klaus Starl. It was published in June 2017 as a product of the 2015 Forum to provide further guidance on focusing on human rights. Split into three parts, the booklet reflects on: 1) the current status of the human rights agenda on the local and regional levels; 2) the core findings of the “Focusing on Human Rights”-Forum, its impacts and the lessons drawn from the event; 3) the way forward beyond the status quo, defining challenges and possibilities for the successful implementation of human rights at the local and regional levels. The publication is filled with best practices and case examples, as well as the long-lasting impact of institutional and societal progress by various actors in this realm. The authors and contributors ought to reflect the inevitable interplay between successful human rights implementation and democracy.
Additionally, a formulised outcome, the “Graz Declaration on the Implementation of Human Rights” was released in English, French and German online. Find some photos of the event here:
Present: The Academy and Conference series
Since 2015, structure-wise a lot has changed. The ETC Graz is now hosting the International Centre for the Promotion of Human Rights at the Local and Regional Levels under the auspices of UNESCO. However, our mandate remains the same: working for human rights.
Our Academy and Conference series “Human Rights Go Local: What Works” has been a vital part of our work programme for more than five years – in fact it has become the flagship event of the UNESCO Centre. You may ask yourself, what are the key differences between the current event series and the 2015 Forum? Today, we aim to bring together experts and practitioners not only from Europe but from across the globe. This is why we transitioned to an exchange on the topic in an online format, ensuring that people, regardless of their time or financial constraints, can join the discussions. The event now comprises four steps: a publication series to kick off discussions, an Academy to bring together global expertise, a Conference to present results, and an Outcome Document to guide political decision-making.
Are you interested in joining us for the next event? Our 5th Academy and Conference will take place under the theme “Local Governments and Human Rights-Based Budgeting: Pathways to Accountability” from 2 to 5 February 2026. You can sign up now until 10 December! Sign up here.
