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*[[Steering Committee]]<br/>
 
*[[Steering Committee]]<br/>
  
=== Cities for CERD 2022===
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'''[[Resources for starting a Human Rights City initiative near you]]'''
'''2022 Convening''' (hybrid)
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'''''Using global human rights to strengthen anti-racism organizing and resist ongoing retrenchment of democracy and human rights'''''
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===Current Projects===
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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'''CERD Cities 2022: Using International Law to Advance Racial Justice in our Cities'''  
#REDIRECT [[Schedule and zoom registration]]-'''''See program and speaker details from our 2022 convening'''''
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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).
  
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'''City Shadow Reports & Related documentation'''
'''CERD Cities Shadow Reports 2022'''  
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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)]
:''In August 2022, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD Committee) will examine the U.S. periodic report on 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). A high level U.S. government delegation will officially present the [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CERD%2fC%2fUSA%2f10-12&Lang=en June 2021 U.S. government report on U.S. responses] to the [https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/concluding-observations/cerdcusaco7-9-concluding-observations-combined-seventh-ninth CERD Committee’s recommendations from its prior review in 2014], and officials will answer questions from the Committee on the progress made and obstacles to implementation of the treaty. As part of this review, human rights city organizers compiled shadow reports to document lived experiences in our cities and share recommendations for changes needed to transform structural racism in the United States. Human rights cities are working to report on local conditions and mobilize public support for the CERD Committee’s work to advance racial equity in the United States.''
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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])
  
:'''Cities-based Shadow Report to the 10th-12th Periodic Reports of the United States 107th Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)'''
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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.’’
:*[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)
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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’’ 
::*UN Database version: [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CERD/Shared%20Documents/USA/INT_CERD_NGO_USA_49303_E.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]
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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.
:*[http://wiki.humanrightscities.mayfirst.org/images/a/ac/CERD_Dayton_2022.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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:*[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.
::*UN Database version: [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CERD/Shared%20Documents/USA/INT_CERD_NGO_USA_49277_E.pdf An Assault on our Community...Dayton]
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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)]
:*[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]
 
::*UN Database version: [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCERD%2fNGO%2fUSA%2f49212&Lang=en Racial Discrimination & Equity in the United States: Evidence from Pittsburgh]
 
:*[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]
 
::*UN Database version: [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCERD%2fNGO%2fUSA%2f49333&Lang=en Spartanburg, SC-Ubuntu Institute]
 
  
 
==Past Activities==
 
==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]'''''
 +
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)'''
 
"'''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'''' [http://humanrightscities.us US Human Rights Cities Alliance] </br>
 
'''''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>

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