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==US National Human Rights Cities Alliance==
 
==US National Human Rights Cities Alliance==
The US Human Rights Cities Alliance works to build a network of local and national/international human rights leaders and support activists and organizers in work that advances the human rights city organizing framework. The Alliance promotes and supports the development and sharing of models and best practices for strengthening respect for human rights and dignity. We work to connect local grassroots activists and organizers with global human rights and human rights cities movements, and support relevant action in the United Nations and other human rights institutions.
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'''About'''
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The US Human Rights Cities Alliance works to build a network of local, national, and international human rights leaders and to support activists and organizers advancing the human rights city organizing framework. The Alliance promotes the development and sharing of knowledge about models and better practices for strengthening respect for human rights and dignity. A key goal is to help local groups make better use of global human rights standards, institutions, and movements to protect and promote human rights in local communities. Our work is guided by the '''Human Rights Cities [http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/a/ab/Draft_Human_Rights_City_Principles_2017.pdf Statement of Principles]'''  which advance “[https://www.ajamubaraka.com/peoplecentered-human-rights-as-a-framework-for-social-transformation '''people-centered human rights"'''] that emerge from the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Recognizing that “human rights don’t trickle down, they rise up”, we support communities organizing and acting together to bring human rights to bear at home.
 +
:*MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED COMING SOON!
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*[[Steering Committee]]<br/>
  
We advance [https://www.ajamubaraka.com/peoplecentered-human-rights-as-a-framework-for-social-transformation '''people-centered human rights'''] that emerge from the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. We like to say that “human rights don’t trickle down, they rise up!” In other words, it takes communities organizing and acting together to “bring human rights home.” The US Human Rights Cities Alliance has put forward the following '''Human Rights Cities [http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/a/ab/Draft_Human_Rights_City_Principles_2017.pdf Statement of Principles]''' to guide our work. The US Human Rights Cities Network operates in cooperation with the [http://ushrnetwork.org/ US Human Rights Network], a national network of organizations and individuals working to strengthen a human rights movement and culture within the United States led by the people most directly impacted by human rights violations. 
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'''[[Resources for starting a Human Rights City initiative near you]]'''
  
:*'''To receive information and updates''' from the Human Rights Cities Alliance, please [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/humanrightscities_us '''sign up for our email list here'''].
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===Current Projects===
*[[Steering Committee]]<br/>
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'''CERD Cities 2022: Using International Law to Advance Racial Justice in our Cities'''
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''In August 2022, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD Committee) examined the U.S. record of compliance with the [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination] (ICERD or CERD). This review saw unprecedented mobilization from U.S. civil society, and their work contributed to a powerful document that can help us call on governments at city and state levels to bring their practices in line with international expectations and obligations. Our work ahead will help "bring CERD home" to our cities and help residents and public officials learn about this important global process.''
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*The [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CERD/Shared%20Documents/USA/CERD_C_USA_CO_10-12_49769_E.pdf CERD Committee’s Final Report] details recommendations that the U.S. government is expected to respond to by November 2025 or earlier (several issues require responses after one year).
 +
 
 +
'''City Shadow Reports & Related documentation'''
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:*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/e/ed/Cities_CERD_Report_2022_Outreach_Version.pdf A Cross-City Report on Obstacles to U.S. Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination & how Human Rights Cities Can be a Remedy] (Outreach version, U.S. Human Rights Cities Alliance) [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CERD/Shared%20Documents/USA/INT_CERD_NGO_USA_49303_E.pdf (UN Database version)]
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:*[https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CERD/Shared%20Documents/USA/INT_CERD_NGO_USA_49277_E.pdf “An Assault on Our Community”: Racial Discrimination in the Closure and Demolition of the Good Samaritan Hospital by Premier Health Partners in Dayton, Ohio] 
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:*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/5/5f/CERD_Report_Pittsburgh_2022_Community_outreach_version.pdf Racial Discrimination & Equity in the United States: Evidence from Pittsburgh] (Outreach version) [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCERD%2fNGO%2fUSA%2f49212&Lang=en (UN Database version)]
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:*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/5/5c/CERD_Spartanburg_South_Carolina_2022.pdf Racial Discrimination & Equity in the United States: Evidence from Spartanburg, SC compiled by the Ubuntu Institute for Community Development] ([https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCERD%2fNGO%2fUSA%2f49333&Lang=en UN Database version])
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:*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P30jUlv2q0g **'''Recording of the U.S. State Department delegation consultation with civil society''' representatives at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, August 10, 2022]: This recording and the supplemental documentation was released following pressure from civil society leaders demanding more transparency in U.S. engagement with UN proceedings like CERD. ‘’*The final 90 minutes of the recording shows voices of impacted community groups standing up to demand time and space in this forum.’’
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:*[https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/25/2022/09/US-CERD-Supplemental-Response.pdf supplemental submission by the U.S. Government to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination following the U.S. review]: ‘’This document responds to specific questions and concerns raised by the Committee in the review’’ 
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:*[https://media.un.org/en/asset/k18/k18suarlc1 Aug. 11, 2022 CERD Committee Consultation with the USA] -This 90 Min. session features introductory presentations from the U.S. delegation to CERD, including representatives from the Dept. of Justice, HUD, EPA, and other key agencies. This is followed by questions and analyses from CERD Committee experts, who reviewed U.S. reports and offer follow up questions and assessments of performance. Their assessments are based on input from civil society such as our own shadow reports, and you will see some of the issues we raised addressed in their remarks. The final segment provides brief responses from U.S. officials to the questions raised.
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:*[https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c08hhq97 Aug. 12, 2022 CERD Committee Consultation with the USA] This session begins with 1 hour of questions from the CERD Committee-addressing, e.g. gun violence, policing and legal system, housing, food and education, child welfare, maternal and reproductive health. 
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:*[https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=2556&Lang=en Additional documentation from the 107th Session CERD (8 - 30 Aug 2022)]
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==Past Activities==
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'''2022 Convening--Organizing for the US Review by Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination''' (hybrid)
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'''''[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Schedule_and_zoom_registration Using global human rights to strengthen anti-racism organizing and resist ongoing retrenchment of democracy and human rights]'''''
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July 19-21, 2022, Washington DC/ hybrid. Co-Sponsor & Host: [https://thurgoodmarshallcenter.howard.edu/ Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center], Howard University School of Law, Washington DC
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*''[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Schedule_and_zoom_registration See detailed program and speakers]''
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"'''Bringing Human Rights Home: U.S. Cities & the UPR--Thursday March 11, 2021 4:00PM CET (Geneva)/ 10:00AM EST (NYC)'''
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'''''46th UN Human Rights Council Side Event--Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Adoption  of Final Report on the USA'''' [http://humanrightscities.us US Human Rights Cities Alliance] </br>
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:U.S. communities aren’t waiting for human rights leadership from Washington: they’re using UPR recommendations to hold local governments accountable to global human rights standards. Community organizers share how they’re using global human rights to change the United States and how international leadership can support this work. '''Panelists:''' ''Jennifer Harbury - Angry Tias & Abuelas - Weslaco, TX (Rio Grande Valley); anu jain, Executive Director, City of Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission; Sharon Lavigne - RISE St.James, St. James, Louisiana, Cancer Alley; Vincenzo Pasquantonio - Founding ED of Human Rights Commision, New Orleans; Randall Taylor –Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition & Stop the Station, Pittsburgh; Lorena Quiroz - Immigrant Alliance for Justice & Equity, Jackson, MS; Patricio Rubio-Another Gulf is Possible- Rio Grande Valley, TX; Vickie Casanova Willis – US Human Rights Network; Gabriela Zavala - Resource Center Matamoros - TX/Mexico'' 
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[https://pitt.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=7065d5c7-a49f-4420-ab35-ace80113d09e '''View recording here''']
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[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/3/3c/Human_Rights_Council_Briefing_UPR_2021.pdf Download flier]
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*'''Housing, Health and Human Rights: [[Zero Evictions Days 2020 Actions]]
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[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Zero_Evictions_Days_2020 Zero Evictions Days 2020]'''
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:*'''October 24-November 5''': Learn about how global real estate investors are raising rents and pushing out urban residents around the world--''': [https://watch.eventive.org/argot/play/5f8e3f07d22f3c010b0765c3 View the Film- ''Push'' online].
 +
:*'''Thursday October 29''' 7:00pm Webinar Part 1: Building a Global Movement to Protect the Right to Housing--Dialogue featuring Leilani Farha—former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing, joined by housing and human rights leaders from Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and New York '''[https://pitt.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=5b09c2ec-e1ff-4781-a4c0-ac64001187ce view recording here.''']
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:*'''Thursday November 5''' 7:00PM –Webinar Part 2: ''Movement building for the Human Right to Housing:'' Local organizers from Philadelphia, Atlanta and Pittsburgh discuss ideas for building a powerful cross-city movement for the human right to housing and an end to evictions.  [https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95879516551 Zoom meeting link] For more details and speakers see:  [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Zero_Evictions_Days_2020 Zero Evictions Days 2020]
  
=== Events ===
 
Upcoming webinar details TBA: ''We're working to build a powerful program to inform organizing and connect grassroots human rights struggles with national and global allies. Stay tuned!
 
''
 
  
<big>'''Current Work'''</big>  
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<big>'''Recent Work'''</big>  
 
*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=UPR_Cities_Project '''UPR Cities Project''']  
 
*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=UPR_Cities_Project '''UPR Cities Project''']  
 
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'''Recordings of past webinars'''
 
'''Recordings of past webinars'''
**[https://pitt.zoom.us/rec/share/9JAqMerJ6m9IQaf2zk3vX4gcPr_aaaa81yFP8_cFmhyJa0HhhYNh6uGGw5YsSQG4 View Recording '''Building a Human Rights Cities Movement Against Structural Racism'''], Thursday July 9, 2020
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*[https://pitt.zoom.us/rec/share/9JAqMerJ6m9IQaf2zk3vX4gcPr_aaaa81yFP8_cFmhyJa0HhhYNh6uGGw5YsSQG4 '''Building a Human Rights Cities Movement Against Structural Racism'''], Thursday July 9, 2020
 
:Black resistances to dismantle violent police repression in the crux of the pandemic in the United States have inspired a global wave of resistance to both the immediate threats from violent police repression and the wider systemic forces that drive racial inequities and fuel what UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, E. Tendayi Achiume has called “a human rights crisis of existential proportions.” The global community has become activated like never before to demand accountability and transformative changes to address long-standing injustices. This webinar will offer context and clarity to help community leaders and activists learn how global human rights law and institutions can support our movements for fundamental changes in the United States. Participants will learn more about organizing work to hold local and national authorities accountable to global human rights. '''Speakers''': Dominique Day, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ejim Dike, former Executive Director, [https://www.ushrnetwork.org/ US Human Rights Network]; Jamil Dakwar ACLU Human Rights Program Director; Salimah Hankins, Acting Director, US Human Rights Network. Facilitators: Johnaca Dunlap-Ubuntu Institute & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee; Rob Robinson-International Alliance of Inhabitants & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee. [https://pitt.zoom.us/rec/share/9JAqMerJ6m9IQaf2zk3vX4gcPr_aaaa81yFP8_cFmhyJa0HhhYNh6uGGw5YsSQG4 View Recording] [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f9/July_9_Human_Rights_Cities_Vs_Structural_Racism_Flier.pdf Flier]
 
:Black resistances to dismantle violent police repression in the crux of the pandemic in the United States have inspired a global wave of resistance to both the immediate threats from violent police repression and the wider systemic forces that drive racial inequities and fuel what UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, E. Tendayi Achiume has called “a human rights crisis of existential proportions.” The global community has become activated like never before to demand accountability and transformative changes to address long-standing injustices. This webinar will offer context and clarity to help community leaders and activists learn how global human rights law and institutions can support our movements for fundamental changes in the United States. Participants will learn more about organizing work to hold local and national authorities accountable to global human rights. '''Speakers''': Dominique Day, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ejim Dike, former Executive Director, [https://www.ushrnetwork.org/ US Human Rights Network]; Jamil Dakwar ACLU Human Rights Program Director; Salimah Hankins, Acting Director, US Human Rights Network. Facilitators: Johnaca Dunlap-Ubuntu Institute & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee; Rob Robinson-International Alliance of Inhabitants & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee. [https://pitt.zoom.us/rec/share/9JAqMerJ6m9IQaf2zk3vX4gcPr_aaaa81yFP8_cFmhyJa0HhhYNh6uGGw5YsSQG4 View Recording] [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f9/July_9_Human_Rights_Cities_Vs_Structural_Racism_Flier.pdf Flier]
  
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*2018 [[:file: Greenville_2018_Summary_Report.pdf|Greenville Human Rights Cities Convening-Summary Report]]
 
*2018 [[:file: Greenville_2018_Summary_Report.pdf|Greenville Human Rights Cities Convening-Summary Report]]
 
*2018 [[:file: DC_Workshop_July_2018_Human_Rights_Cities_in_Todays_Context_DRAFT_NOTES.pdf| Washington DC, July 2018 Convening Summary]]
 
*2018 [[:file: DC_Workshop_July_2018_Human_Rights_Cities_in_Todays_Context_DRAFT_NOTES.pdf| Washington DC, July 2018 Convening Summary]]
*2016 [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Washington_DC_2016_Human_Rights_Cities_Convergence Washington DC 2016 Human Rights Cities Convening Report]
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*2016 [http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/2/23/2016_DC_Human_Rights_City_Gathering_Executive_Summary_Conclusions.pdf Washington DC 2016 Human Rights Cities Convening Report]
 
**[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Washington_DC_2016_Human_Rights_Cities_Convergence_Documentation Documentation from 2016 DC Convening]
 
**[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Washington_DC_2016_Human_Rights_Cities_Convergence_Documentation Documentation from 2016 DC Convening]
 
*2015 [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Workshop_Human_Rights_Cities_2015_Making_the_Global_Local Pittsburgh 2015 Initial Convening of Human Rights City Leaders]
 
*2015 [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Workshop_Human_Rights_Cities_2015_Making_the_Global_Local Pittsburgh 2015 Initial Convening of Human Rights City Leaders]
 
*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/a/a4/2017_Steering_Committee_Year_End_Report.pdf US Human Rights Cities Alliance 2017 Annual Report]
 
*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/a/a4/2017_Steering_Committee_Year_End_Report.pdf US Human Rights Cities Alliance 2017 Annual Report]

Revision as of 15:36, 22 September 2022

US National Human Rights Cities Alliance

About The US Human Rights Cities Alliance works to build a network of local, national, and international human rights leaders and to support activists and organizers advancing the human rights city organizing framework. The Alliance promotes the development and sharing of knowledge about models and better practices for strengthening respect for human rights and dignity. A key goal is to help local groups make better use of global human rights standards, institutions, and movements to protect and promote human rights in local communities. Our work is guided by the Human Rights Cities Statement of Principles which advance “people-centered human rights" that emerge from the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Recognizing that “human rights don’t trickle down, they rise up”, we support communities organizing and acting together to bring human rights to bear at home.

  • MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED COMING SOON!

Resources for starting a Human Rights City initiative near you

Current Projects

CERD Cities 2022: Using International Law to Advance Racial Justice in our Cities In August 2022, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD Committee) examined the U.S. record of compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD or CERD). This review saw unprecedented mobilization from U.S. civil society, and their work contributed to a powerful document that can help us call on governments at city and state levels to bring their practices in line with international expectations and obligations. Our work ahead will help "bring CERD home" to our cities and help residents and public officials learn about this important global process.

  • The CERD Committee’s Final Report details recommendations that the U.S. government is expected to respond to by November 2025 or earlier (several issues require responses after one year).

City Shadow Reports & Related documentation

Past Activities

2022 Convening--Organizing for the US Review by Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (hybrid) Using global human rights to strengthen anti-racism organizing and resist ongoing retrenchment of democracy and human rights July 19-21, 2022, Washington DC/ hybrid. Co-Sponsor & Host: Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center, Howard University School of Law, Washington DC

"Bringing Human Rights Home: U.S. Cities & the UPR--Thursday March 11, 2021 4:00PM CET (Geneva)/ 10:00AM EST (NYC) 46th UN Human Rights Council Side Event--Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Adoption of Final Report on the USA' US Human Rights Cities Alliance

U.S. communities aren’t waiting for human rights leadership from Washington: they’re using UPR recommendations to hold local governments accountable to global human rights standards. Community organizers share how they’re using global human rights to change the United States and how international leadership can support this work. Panelists: Jennifer Harbury - Angry Tias & Abuelas - Weslaco, TX (Rio Grande Valley); anu jain, Executive Director, City of Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission; Sharon Lavigne - RISE St.James, St. James, Louisiana, Cancer Alley; Vincenzo Pasquantonio - Founding ED of Human Rights Commision, New Orleans; Randall Taylor –Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition & Stop the Station, Pittsburgh; Lorena Quiroz - Immigrant Alliance for Justice & Equity, Jackson, MS; Patricio Rubio-Another Gulf is Possible- Rio Grande Valley, TX; Vickie Casanova Willis – US Human Rights Network; Gabriela Zavala - Resource Center Matamoros - TX/Mexico

View recording here Download flier


Zero Evictions Days 2020

  • October 24-November 5: Learn about how global real estate investors are raising rents and pushing out urban residents around the world--: View the Film- Push online.
  • Thursday October 29 7:00pm Webinar Part 1: Building a Global Movement to Protect the Right to Housing--Dialogue featuring Leilani Farha—former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing, joined by housing and human rights leaders from Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and New York view recording here.
  • Thursday November 5 7:00PM –Webinar Part 2: Movement building for the Human Right to Housing: Local organizers from Philadelphia, Atlanta and Pittsburgh discuss ideas for building a powerful cross-city movement for the human right to housing and an end to evictions. Zoom meeting link For more details and speakers see: Zero Evictions Days 2020


Recent Work


Recordings of past webinars

Black resistances to dismantle violent police repression in the crux of the pandemic in the United States have inspired a global wave of resistance to both the immediate threats from violent police repression and the wider systemic forces that drive racial inequities and fuel what UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, E. Tendayi Achiume has called “a human rights crisis of existential proportions.” The global community has become activated like never before to demand accountability and transformative changes to address long-standing injustices. This webinar will offer context and clarity to help community leaders and activists learn how global human rights law and institutions can support our movements for fundamental changes in the United States. Participants will learn more about organizing work to hold local and national authorities accountable to global human rights. Speakers: Dominique Day, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ejim Dike, former Executive Director, US Human Rights Network; Jamil Dakwar ACLU Human Rights Program Director; Salimah Hankins, Acting Director, US Human Rights Network. Facilitators: Johnaca Dunlap-Ubuntu Institute & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee; Rob Robinson-International Alliance of Inhabitants & US Human Rights Cities Alliance Steering Committee. View Recording Flier


  • NEW: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Calls for Greater Coordination with Local Governments & Civil Society. In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights clarifies the important role of local governments in the implementation of international human rights standards, providing reports and recommendations for actions by local and national governments. Many of these recommendations complement the work we are doing in the Human Rights Cities movement and the UPR Cities project. Download Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Local Government and Human Rights

We work to realize human rights by:

  • Engaging, connecting and mobilizing communities, Peoples, workers, and diverse sectors across issue areas, constituencies, and regions to uphold and defend human rights and hold government accountable;
  • Building the capacity and leadership of grassroots groups and individuals to effectively apply the human rights framework in developing strategy and making long-term structural shifts to achieve justice;
  • Raising the visibility of local human rights concerns and activism to shape the public discourse locally, nationally, and internationally; and
  • Facilitating effective collective action to secure the structural change needed to fully realize human rights.

The US Human Rights Network is guided by these core principles:

  • Human rights are universal, interdependent, indivisible, and inalienable.
  • Human rights movements must be led by those most directly affected by human rights violations.
  • Human rights advocacy and organizing should prioritize the struggles of the poor and most marginalized groups in society.
  • Human rights movements must be inclusive and respect and reflect the diversity within communities.
  • Human rights encompass civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, sexual, and development rights for individuals, Peoples, and groups.

For a more elaborated version see our: Statement of Principles.

UPR Cities Project and Toolkit

International Human Rights Monitoring

This page links to work by national and international human rights organizers to use international treaties and United Nations human rights review processes to hold local and national officials in the United States accountable to our international human rights obligations.

Housing is a Human Right!

Educational and Outreach Tools

Reports and Documentation