From universal principles to local action
In today’s world of growing inequality, intolerance and violence, Human Rights, more than ever, need promotion and protection. This protection is first and foremost a collective enterprise on the part of the entire international community. With this in mind, the City of Nantes (France), capital of the region of Pays de la Loire, member of the Eurocities executive committee, in co-operation with its partners, wants to encourage reflection and the sharing of experiences in the field of Human Rights. Therefore Nantes hosted the 1st World Forum on Human Rights in May 2004, on the initiative and with the support of UNESCO. A Forum which attracted 1,000 delegates representing 70 different nationalities.

And a second World Forum on Human Rights will be held in the Nantes Métropole International Convention Centre from July 10th to 13th, 2006 (2006 will be marked by the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations). As in 2004, topical issues relating to Human Rights will be debated by policy makers (representatives of States, towns and local governments, members of parliaments) from all over the world, members of international organisations, of academia and representatives of civil society.

To meet the existing and emerging challenges in the area of Human Rights, there is an essential need for solidarity between all those who work in this field. The promotion and protection of Human Rights are the responsibility of international society as a whole. The World Forum of Nantes reaffirms this solidarity and responsibility.

Report of and program of the forum are available in French. Click here to download the documents