DUHR Pursuit of Rights
Our Mission
To ensure accountability for the protection of human rights through coalition building by listening to, educating, and involving members of the community and public officials.
Global Human RIghts Movement
Human Rights City Framework
Local government, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders are committed to making sure that the city applies international human rights standards/ laws in their policies, statements, and programs. An organizing and movement building process that empowers residents to be active in re-making their communities to center on people and human needs.
A holistic approach that provides a shared language and framework across all human rights. It emphasizes, economic, social, and cultural rights as they affect the lives of residents and their ability to enjoy civil and political human rights across racial, gender, ethnic, religious and other status.
The framework necessary for a Human Rights City :
Transparency-Accountability-Participation-Indivisibility-Universality-Non-Discrimination
1. Applying a ‘human rights-based approach to the city’s work and its relationships with all stakeholders (business, civil society), with:
a) clear identification of the people as rights holders with entitlements and the corresponding obligations of the city as duty-bearer to deliver on the rights;
b) analysis of inequalities, redress of discrimination, and empowerment of people, including through positive measures to improve access to services and increase participation for marginalized and disadvantaged groups;
c) participation of inhabitants in decisions that affect them;
d) accountability and transparency in the way the city operates and delivers services to the public directly or through service providers by setting up quality control measures and users’ feedback mechanisms;
e) promotion of diversity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everybody in the communities.
2. Commitment to contributing as appropriate to international human rights monitoring mechanisms, in particular, the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, and participation with other related global and national initiatives, such as the Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Compassionate Cities, and Cities of Peace.
3. Establishing a human rights structure/focal point within the city administration to help coordinate activities of the participatory body. Additionally, the structure/focal point will collaborate with existing city government offices and work towards mainstreaming human rights in all policy areas and processes of the city administration, adopting a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to human rights rather than seeing it as the responsibility of one department only.
4. Establishing a quasi-governmental, independent, consultative participatory body, council, or committee with key local stakeholders, including government, business, youth groups, cultural associations, civil society representatives, etc. It should help to discuss human rights policy and issues, engage diverse vulnerable groups living in the city, communicate with them, and cooperate with them and government offices on human rights.
Structure mandates/activities
5. Developing an annual reporting mechanism, in a participatory way, on the human rights performance of the city and community. Its findings should be public and discussed with the city council to monitor progress, identify lessons learned and propose new activities. These can be linked, whenever possible, to:
a) existing state and national survey data, as well as SDG targets and indicators,
b) indicator frameworks or review mechanisms established by city networks for specific issue areas and policies
c) Identification of positive best practices
d) action to remedy identified shortcomings.
6. Capacity building, training, and human rights education to uphold human rights principles, including training for elected politicians, management, and municipal staff, and human rights education for specific target audiences, in particular police, teachers, healthcare providers, social services organizations, etc.
7. Developing and implementing a local action plan on human rights, including a set of indicators, through a participatory process involving rights holders.
8. Putting in place procedures for scrutinizing the compatibility of local policies and regulations with human rights and assessing their impact on human rights.
9. Proactively championing human rights through communication initiatives and public awareness through campaigns, awards or prizes, public debates, cultural or sports events with a human rights label, etc.
Human Rights Cities in North America
Richmond, CA, 2003
Edmonton, AB, Canada 2003
Winnipeg, MB, Canada 2003
Washington D.C., 2008
Carrboro, NC, 2009
Chapel Hill, NC 2009
Eugene, OR, 2011
Boston, MA, 2011
Pittsburgh, PA, 2011
Seattle, WA, 2012
Jackson, MS, 2014
Edina, MN, 2016
Mountain View, CA 2016
Atlanta, GA, 2022
Global Slogan: "Human rights don’t trickle down… They RISE UP!"
DUHR Community Compassion Crew
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is the heartbeat of our communities, where passion meets purpose and action transforms lives. It's a journey of selflessness, where individuals dedicate their time, skills, and energy to uplift others. Whether it's lending a helping hand at a local shelter, mentoring a child, or cleaning up the environment, every act of volunteering creates a ripple effect of positivity. It's about building connections, fostering empathy, and creating a brighter, more compassionate world for all. Through volunteering, we not only make a difference in the lives of others but also find fulfillment in the shared humanity that binds us together. So, let's roll up our sleeves, step forward with kindness, and make our communities thrive through the power of volunteering.
