Bring Human Rights Home: Conversations on Human Rights and Why they Matter

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

This basic principle forms the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a globally recognized affirmation that all rights apply to everyone everywhere. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do, everyone has the same rights.

But our ability to enjoy these fundamental freedoms remains fragile – because “human rights” seem like an abstract concept with little connection to our daily lives, or because claiming them may even be dangerous. In order to go back to the core and talk about what human rights mean for us all, we need to bring human rights home.

Through the #BringHumanRightsHome campaign, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, in partnership with human rights organisations from across Europe, is sharing the personal stories of courageous people from eight different countries whose rights were severely violated. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the Netherlands, they overcame opposition in court, personal threats, and financial hardship; stood up to actors much more powerful than themselves – yet never gave up. With the support of friends, family, and communities, they reclaimed their rights – for themselves, and ultimately, for us all. Their stories stand as a powerful reminder that we can all stand up for human rights.  

As part of our campaign, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee invites you to join in the conversation on human rights and why they matter at our international online event on 1 June.

Programme

Moderator: Jelle Brandt Corstius, Dutch journalist and former Russia foreign correspondent

Word of welcome by Pepijn Gerrits, Executive Director of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee

Key note speech by Caroline de Gruyter, journalist and expert on European politics and history: How did human rights evolve in Europe’s recent history?

The campaign: Stories from the Netherlands , Hungary and Ukraine

Kirsten Meersschaert, Netherlands Helsinki Committee

Anikó Bakonyi, Hungarian Helsinki Committee

Tetiana Pechonchyk, Human Rights Centre ZMINA

You can also show your support for human rights and by joining and sharing the #BringHumanRightsHome campaign!

About the NHC
Our mission is to build and secure justice and compliance with international human rights agreements among OSCE participating states. Established in 1987, we represented Dutch civil society in the Helsinki Movement. For over 30 years, we have helped build bridges between public institutions, international organisations, practitioners, and civil society. We look at the big picture, taking a holistic approach in strengthening the rule of law, safe-guarding human rights, and building the capacity of civil society. We do so through our four programmes: Access to Justice, Criminal Justice Reform, Human Rights Defence and Integrity & Accountability.
For more information please contact Marcela Rilovic, Communications Manager at the NHC (mrilovic@nhc.nl).