Conference in Stockholm: Focus on local and regional dimension of human rights implementation

07.11.2008 - One of the working groups at the Stockholm Conference, chaired by Congress representative Susan Bolam, elaborated proposals on the systematic work for human rights implementation at local level, presented on 7 November as part of the conference conclusions by Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

The proposals stressed the importance of systematic human rights education and awareness-raising in local communities, and making human rights language simple, understandable and user-friendly. Networks at local level should be created involving a wide range of stakeholders such schools, NGOs and private sector in determining action plans and priorities for human rights, and in implementing joint projects. Systems and tools must also be developed to enable monitoring and evaluation by all interested parties at local level.

Another proposal provided for holding “local hearings” on specific issues by bringing together various stakeholders and citizens, establishing local complaints mechanisms and maximising avenues of communication between local authorities and populations. Finally, specific baseline studies in priority human rights issues could be carried out at local level.