MMU and UCLG Invite Municipalities to Support the “Human Rights Cities and Territories” Campaign

What is the Human Rights Cities and Territories Campaign?

Carried out under the umbrella of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the “10, 100, 1,000 Human Rights Cities and Territories by 2030” campaign aims to reach 1,000 local and regional governments by 2030 that place human dignity, inclusion, and justice at the core of public policy. It approaches human rights not merely as a normative framework, but as a foundational approach guiding the daily decisions and services of local governments. Launched in 2022 under the leadership of Barcelona, Grigny, Gwangju, Mexico City, Utrecht, and Vienna, the campaign has so far engaged over 100 local and regional governments across four waves, creating a shared learning space to strengthen human rights-based local governance.

Why Should You Join the Campaign?

Many fundamental rights that directly impact our daily lives are shaped by the services provided by local governments. From social services to environment and transport, housing to cultural activities, it is crucial that all local policies and practices are addressed through a human rights-based approach. Therefore, human rights must not remain merely on paper in national or international texts but must serve as a guiding framework when formulating policies and delivering services locally.

The Human Rights Cities and Territories campaign aims to help local and regional governments move human rights from an abstract goal into an integral part of daily operations. Participating local governments contribute to the localization of human rights while combating inequalities and increasing the visibility of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. MMU invites its member municipalities to join the campaign to strengthen human rights-based local governance and participate in this collective learning process.

How to Join the Campaign?

Local and regional governments wishing to join can become part of this global network and gain the opportunity to:

●     Share experiences with cities and regions working in the field of human rights, 

●     Gain visibility on international platforms,

●     Engage in processes such as the Gwangju Human Rights Cities Forum.

Municipalities wishing to participate can apply by completing the form available on the campaign website and submitting it to cisdp1@uclg.org.

For detailed information, you may review the invitation letter and promotional document available on the campaign website or contact cisdp1@uclg.org via email.