On November 14th, a significant milestone was achieved in the pursuit of promoting human rights education and awareness as the Human Rights Guide (HRG) was officially launched in France. The event, held at the National Bar Council in Paris, marked a momentous occasion as the HRG community welcomed the esteemed Institut international des droits de l'Homme et de la paix - 2idhp into its fold.
The Human Rights Guide is a pioneering European education platform designed to facilitate a thematic understanding of fundamental rights through real-world situations. Covering topics ranging from the basics of human rights to issues like domestic violence, freedom of expression and media, prisons, discrimination, human rights institutions, and organizations that can offer support, the guide aims to empower individuals with knowledge about their rights.
Developed collaboratively by a network of organizations across Europe, the platform serves as a comprehensive resource for citizens, public sector employees, professionals, teachers, and students. It provides accessible guides, tailored to the legal nuances of each country, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for human rights in everyday life.
The launch event in France not only celebrated the availability of the Human Rights Guide in the country but also highlighted the growing impact of this initiative across Europe. The Baltic Human Rights Society, the National Bar Council, the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, and the Defender of Rights came together to commemorate the occasion.
With France joining the HRG community, the platform is now active in 10 European countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. The inclusivity of the initiative is further underscored by its upcoming availability in Croatia.
The Human Rights Guide sets out to achieve a noble objective: to promote multilingual and accessible resources specific to each country's legal context. By doing so, it seeks to enhance understanding, encourage citizen participation, and foster a culture of good governance and respect for the rule of law.
As the Human Rights Guide continues to expand its reach, it reaffirms the collective commitment to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to champion human rights, contributing to a more just and equitable society.