The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has a long-standing commitment to human rights’ promotion and protection in the territories, by supporting local and regional elected officials to shape environments where the citizens can enjoy their human rights every day. Rooting human rights at the local level further reinforces good governance, creates stronger relationships with the community, and helps building trust in political and public institutions. 

In 2023, the Reykjavik Summit marked a pivotal moment where member states explicitly recognised the Congress’s unique role in human rights’ promotion and protection at local level, and called on national authorities for a better sharing of responsibilities in defending human rights in the territories. 

Since, the Congress adopted a new Human Rights Strategy to:

  • promote a culture of human rights at local and regional levels, 
  • mainstream and address human rights in all Congress work, 
  • facilitate stronger political dialogue and cooperation between local, regional, national and international authorities.

Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights

The Congress appointed a Standing Rapporteur and two deputy Rapporteurs on human rights to secure the implementation of its human rights strategy.


"More and more nations are overwhelmed by the rise of populism, which leads to fear and hatred, but this discourse is born first at the local level. That is why we, as local and regional politicians, must take action to strengthen the human rights framework and discourse in our communities and use human rights as a strong basis for peer-to-peer cooperation."

Peter Drenth, Netherlands (R, EPP/CCE), Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights

 Biography

Deputy Rapporteurs on Human Rights

"I am deeply committed to defending dignity, justice and equality for all people. My role as Human Rights Deputy Standing Rapporteur will allow me  to amplify the voices of those whose rights are too often ignored and to help turn human rights principles into real action."

Martine Dieschburg-Nickels, Luxembourg (L, ILDG)

 Biography

 

“Human Rights are not theoretical: we need better justice to fight injustice, real equality to respond to discrimination, good quality education and access to culture to build resilience to populism. As local and regional elected representatives, we bear a fundamental responsibility to protect human dignity in the face of hatred, defend freedom of expression and of association against authoritarian tendencies, protect nature to secure our future on earth. Human rights promotion and protection is an obligation which does not accept derogations.”

Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, Austria (L, SOC/G/PD)

 Biography

The Congress has developed a series "Human rights handbooks for local and regional authorities" to highlight the practical implementation of human rights at local and regional levels and to facilitate the exchange of experience between local and regional elected representatives. These tools contain inspirational practices and initiatives implemented by communities in their territories, as well as concrete guidance for local and regional elected representatives, and the staff of territorial administrations.

Fight against discrimination

Fight against discrimination

Human Rights Handbook - Vol.1

The first volume focuses on the right to non-discrimination across three categories requiring special attention: refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs); Roma and Travellers; LGBTI+ persons.

 Download the first volume of the Human Rights Handbook (Pdf): English - French - Georgian

 More information

Social rights

Social rights

Human Rights Handbook - Vol.2

The second volume focuses on social rights. It features issues with regards to health, education, work, housing, social security, protection, inclusion and integration, with a particular focus on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Download the second volume of the Human Rights Handbook (Pdf): English - French

 More information

Environment and sustainable development

Environment and sustainable development

Human Rights Handbook - Vol.3

The third volume is dedicated to the environment and sustainable development. It addresses issues of transport, housing, sustainable economy, education, public procurement, and local strategies for sustainable development.

 Download the third volume of the Human Rights Handbook (Pdf): English - French

 More information

Congress texts on Human Rights
Other relevant Congress’ texts

Explanatory Memorandum 

Recommendation 537 (2025) 

Resolution 516 (2025) 

Ensuring the right to housing

Ensuring the right to housing

 Publication 

Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression

 Publication