The Outcome Document of the 2026 Academy and Conference “Human Rights Go Local: What Works” is now available with explanatory remarks. This milestone publication captures key ideas on accountability, participation and transparency in local governance. Access the Outcome Document here: Outcome Document and Explanatory Remarks 2026
The fifth edition of the Academy and Conference “Human Rights Go Local: What Works” was convened from 2 to 5 February 2026 and demonstrated and synthesised innovative approaches and proven practices for protecting and promoting human rights at the local level. The edition was titled “Local Governments and Human Rights-Based Budgeting: Pathways to Accountability.” The event gathered representatives of local governments (policy-making and public administration) and city networks, alongside human rights professionals and practitioners from think tanks, universities, civil society, and international organizations to address human rights-based budgeting as a powerful tool for accountability. By applying human rights principles across the entire budget cycle, local authorities can align spending with rights, strengthen oversight and transparency, and establish clear mechanisms to monitor performance and ensure accountability. In this way, human rights-based budgeting serves both as a practical instrument and a guiding framework for local governments’ commitments.
In total, the fifth “Human Rights Go Local” Academy and Conference reached over 400 participants.
