The Council of Europe (Youth Department, Education Department, and the North-South Centre), in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and in partnership with the European Youth Forum and Amnesty International, is organizing the international forum on human rights entitled “Unleashing Human Rights.”
The forum aims to provide a critical review of the current state of human rights education, its achievements, and challenges. It also creates a space for sharing experiences and joint reflection to develop future practices in this field, emphasizing collaborative dialogue among international, national, and local partners—whether professionals or volunteers from formal and non-formal education sectors, governmental institutions, or NGOs.
The forum is supported by international centers and institutions such as the European Wergeland Centre, the Global Campus of Human Rights, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, and Soka Gakkai International.
Forum Details
- Location: European Youth Centre – Budapest.
- Date: 9–11 December 2025.
- Application Deadline: 12 September 2025 (23:59 CET).
- Working Languages: English and French, with simultaneous interpretation provided.
- Funding Type: Fully funded
Forum Objectives
- Reassess and reaffirm the role of human rights education in building a culture of peace and universal rights.
- Review current achievements and challenges in human rights education.
- Identify areas of innovation, resources, and supportive policies for human rights education.
- Encourage young activists and defenders of human rights to continue their work by providing opportunities for partnership and support.
- Review lessons learned from 25 years of the Council of Europe’s Youth Human Rights Education Programme.
- Strengthen international cooperation and solidarity among actors in the field of human rights education.
Funding Provided
- Accommodation: The Council of Europe will cover accommodation costs for all participants, either at the European Youth Centre in Budapest or at a nearby hotel.
- Travel and Visa Costs: Travel expenses and visa fees will be reimbursed by the organizing institutions.
Who Can Participate?
The forum will bring together around 250 participants, including 50 from outside Europe. Target groups include:
- Young activists and defenders of human rights education.
- Professionals in formal and non-formal education.
- Representatives of governmental institutions and officials responsible for youth and education policies.
- Leaders of youth initiatives and projects in civil society organizations, including projects supported by the European Youth Foundation.
- Partners of the Council of Europe’s Youth Human Rights Education Programme (such as Compass training organizers and local language publishers of its educational materials).
- Representatives of regional and international organizations working in the field of human rights.
- Human rights activists and representatives of national human rights institutions.
Programme Details
The forum will run for three days (9–11 December 2025):
- Tuesday, 9 December: Official opening, keynote speeches, discussions on the diversity of human rights education and the importance of its universality.
- Wednesday, 10 December: Workshops and working groups on digital technologies, gender equality, climate and environment, with debates on the role of education in addressing global challenges.
- Thursday, 11 December: Review of achievements of youth and human rights education programmes, discussions on international cooperation, formulation of conclusions and decisions, and closing of the forum.
Note: 8 December will be dedicated to parallel meetings of partners and stakeholders, including a seminar on recommendations for social rights and civic education.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application form through this link.
Application Deadline: 12 September 2025 (23:59 CET).
