Human rights are under increased threats from the rise of discriminatory movements, economic insecurity and financial volatility, climate change, inequality, and growing threats to democratic institutions. At the same time, recent years have seen the growth of movements advancing the people’s claims for the “right to the city,” through trans-local, nationally and transnationally networked local initiatives to defend basic rights at the community level. Human Rights Cities, Cities for CEDAW, and related initiatives are helping communities build broad movements to claim, defend, and advance residents' human rights. These initiatives provide insights into effective “people centered human rights” strategies that can protect vulnerable groups and defend principles of dignity and justice. This panel features leaders from several such communities sharing their experiences and identifying possibilities for strengthening collaboration and mutual support among localized human rights initiatives.
Room 1.61 | Saturday, June 3 | 5:20-7:10pm
Moderator:
Colette Pichon Battle Esq., US Human Rights Network
Panelists:
Jean-Louis Peta Ikambana, American Friends Service Committee, and member of the National Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Commitee
Noel Didla, Jackson Human Rights Institute, and member of the National Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Commitee
Sheila Katzman, NYC4CEDAW
Carl Redwood, Hill District Consensus Group and Pittsburgh Black Left Movement
