2023-11-17 14:43:26
VIENNA. One of the foundations of the European Union is a clear commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law worldwide. That is why human rights are a firmly anchored element in the EU’s relations with other countries and regions.
With its human rights policy, the EU wants in particular
support the rights of women, children, minorities and displaced persons, fight against the death penalty, torture, human trafficking and discrimination, defend civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, within the framework of a comprehensive and active partnership with partner countries, international and regional organizations and the Civil society advocate for the defense of human rights, include a human rights protection clause in all trade or cooperation agreements with non-EU countries.
Which three pilot projects
On Thursday, the human rights districts of Neubau, Meidling and Favoriten presented three pilot projects that they developed together with stakeholders from their districts.
In collaboration with the Human Rights Office of the City of Vienna, educational institutions, NGOs, politicians and city administration, the ideas for a new open school and information café for children and parents, for a new social media campaign on human rights by and with young people and for the project “ How is the job going? – Job prospects for young people” – all projects have already been implemented.
Vice Mayor and Human Rights Councilor Christoph Wiederkehr: “I see human rights work as a cross-sectional matter – both between political fields of activity and between municipalities, cities and countries. Participatory participation opportunities – such as the dialogue workshop – actively involve civil society in political processes and make them tangible for the population. This expansion of human rights activities and education as well as the involvement of youth are crucial to strengthening democracy and participation.”
Shams Asadi, Human Rights Officer of the City of Vienna: “The participation of the Human Rights City of Vienna through the human rights districts of Neubau, Favoriten and Meidling in this prominent EU project is a great opportunity to try out a new format in order to bring innovative projects that address current challenges to life call. The pilot projects in the three human rights districts are a living example of how collaboration between many active stakeholders can be successful in order to contribute to cohesion in the “Grätzl”, promote human rights education, open up future prospects and at the same time implement overarching EU goals .”
Markus Reiter, district leader of the 7th district: “We live in a time of great social upheaval and upheaval. We have to deal with issues that we thought didn’t actually happen anymore. War in Europe, rising prices in our everyday lives, increasing anti-Semitism and racism. Right now it is becoming clear what enormous value human rights have, as well as our democracy, our prosperity and our cosmopolitanism. As a human rights district, we are particularly pleased about the new pilot projects presented today and, together with the city, we continue to advocate for human rights every day.”
Marcus Franz, district leader of the 10th district: “It is often a long way from the ideal of articulated human rights to everyday practical implementation. That’s why I welcome the current project in Favoriten, which organizes excursions for young people to local companies and offices in order to support young people looking for prospects when entering professional life. This is where participation in society, self-determination and the right to work become concrete and tangible.”
Wilfried Zankl, district leader of the 12th district: “As district leader, I am very pleased that human rights in our district are brought to life through such projects and actions and that the title “human rights district” is not just a decision in the district council.”
The projects were coordinated by the Human Rights Office of the City of Vienna and are to be continued and expanded in 2024. The new approach to explosive issues in the city was financed and initiated by the EU, which in 2023 initiated numerous open dialogue workshops to network politics and stakeholders and thus stimulated a large number of new projects to strengthen human rights locally. (Press releases, editors yenivatan.at)
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