“Human rights make for more inclusive communities” is the leading theme of European Local Democracy Week 2012 (15-21 October)
Following the general co-ordination meeting organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of he Council of Europe in Paris on 19 January, the leading theme of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) 2012 has been defined as “Human rights make for more inclusive communities”.
During the meeting, Congress President Keith Whitmore and John Warmisham, political co-ordinator of the Week, proposed to live up to the success of the 2011 edition by promoting social cohesion in local communities under the overall thematic umbrella of human rights. “The overall aim is to develop local democracy by achieving a real culture of human rights at the grassroots” said Keith Whitmore.
From 15 to 21 October 2012, European municipalities will be encouraged to develop – based on the leading theme – targeted programmes and activities according to their own priorities, such as involving vulnerable groups, improving inter-generational dialogue, ensuring public service quality etc. Should a clash of dates arise, for example the holding of local elections, or the overlapping of other relevant events, local authorities may choose to organise the ELDW on different dates in October.
At the meeting, the representatives from municipalities, national associations and European networks assessed the results of the 2011 edition of the European Local Democracy Week.
“The Week is steadily gaining popularity and reputation”, stated John Warmisham, presenting the report prepared by the Congress Secretariat, “The number of participating municipalities, the variety of activities and the concrete commitment of our institutional partners show that the 2011 edition was a success”.
The involvement of national local government associations in this event and the specific commitment of the “12 Star” cities were highlighted as concrete improvements compared to previous editions.
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Following the general co-ordination meeting organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of he Council of Europe in Paris on 19 January, the leading theme of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) 2012 has been defined as “Human rights make for more inclusive communities”. 
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