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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen democracy and active citizenship in Latvia by supporting the operating activities of the Baltic Human Rights Society in the area of citizenship and human rights education.
Citizenship and human rights education are among the most effective methods in building democracy culture. The reluctance of the society to engage in civic processes, and disbelief in the importance of their own actions in strengthening democracy, is often closely linked with the lack of knowledge on democratic values, civic processes as well as practical ways to take action. The lack of knowledge further results in the lack of skills and attitudes. Educating the society on their civic rights and obligations, and strengthening the perception of each individual as a valuable part of the society, lays a ground for motivating the society to civic action, which further leads to plural, tolerant and solidary society.
With the support of AIF, the BHRS will ensure free access to innovative citizenship and human rights education tools online for the entire society, involve youth in the citizenship education activities, carry out informative campaigns to enhance the understanding of democratic values and human rights of the wider society and decision makers as well as the importance to ensure access to citizenship education for all. BHRS will also engage in the decision-making processes in the areas that affect citizenship education, by organizing public discussions, delivering classes to state sector employees and other NGOs, and participating in inter-sectoral working groups organized by the public sector. Educating the society and engaging them in citizenship education activities, as well as gaining structural support for this area at the state level will raise the number of society members who believe in their personal ability to affect decision making processes, who know how to protect their rights and where to seek help in case of discrimination.
Summary of project results
BHRS (Baltic Human Rights and Civil Society Resource Center) is an organization that provides access to innovative civic and human rights education tools, particularly using digital platforms.
Key challenges identified:
- The need for long-term support for the platforms "Human Rights Guide" and "Human Rights.info" after project funding ends.
- Insufficient resources to develop and maintain new civic and human rights education methods, especially for vulnerable target groups.
- Difficulty in investing resources in decision-making processes and building sustainable relationships with state institutions to promote human rights education.
- The necessity for continuous campaigns linked to current societal events to maintain public awareness of human rights and civic processes.
With support of ACF organisational grant BHRS strengthened its impact through platform development, professional training, public engagement, and international collaboration. These activities increased awareness of human rights and civic participation, enhanced professional capacities, influenced policies, and expanded the organization’s reach and sustainability. The main activities are listed below:
1. Content creation, updates and technical enhancements of the human rights platform "Human Rights Guide". The human rights platform was expanded with new topics, including civic participation, migration, health, and human rights restrictions. Contemporary challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, were addressed, and materials were translated into multiple languages to ensure accessibility for diverse audiences, including refugees. The platform’s visitor traffic increased significantly, with over 150,000 visits from 197 countries. A new data management system and user interface were developed, improving usability and accessibility. Key features, such as infographics and legal case databases, were introduced to make resources more engaging and practical for users.
2. Social media outreach, public awareness initiative and youth engagement. Dedicated campaigns were launched on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using innovative formats such as stories and reels to increase visibility. This helped expand the reach of the platform to new audiences and strengthen community engagement. Regional campaigns using posters and partnerships with local institutions promoted democracy and human rights awareness. These efforts contributed to increased public understanding of these critical issues. Essay competitions encouraged students and young professionals to participate in human rights advocacy, resulting in six new contributors joining the platform.
3. Public sector, volunteer and NGO training. A comprehensive report on integrating human rights education into state employee development plans was shared with government institutions. Pilot projects were initiated to test structural training programs, ensuring that public administrators are well-equipped to uphold human rights standards.Workshops focusing on migration rights and human rights strengthened the capacity of volunteers and civil society organizations to support refugees and other vulnerable populations effectively.
4. Advocay and policy contribution. BHRS actively participated in national and regional advisory councils, providing expert insights to legislative and policy discussions. Contributions helped shape strategies related to democracy, inclusion, and civic participation. Human rights content was integrated into schools and professional training programs, broadening societal awareness and understanding of these principles.
5. Collaboration and networking. BHRS engaged in international forums, presenting its work and establishing partnerships with organizations in Europe and beyond. These collaborations strengthened efforts to promote human rights and democratic education globally. Initiatives in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova introduced human rights education to build civil society capacity, particularly in response to the impacts of armed conflict.
6. Educational materials development. New resources, including infographics, legal explanations, and tools tailored for formal and informal learning, were created in Latvian and English to improve accessibility. The groundwork was laid for the "Democracy Guide" platform, which aims to innovate civic education with modern tools and methods.
7. Institutional growth and financial diversification and organizational branding. BHRS diversified its income by securing grants and contracts, such as providing research services for the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. These efforts supported the continuation and expansion of key projects. Updates to the website and branding enhanced the organization’s visibility, while participation in high-profile events promoted its activities and strengthened its reputation.
1. Increased public understanding of human rights and access to support. BHRS''s platforms and educational materials have significantly raised public awareness about human rights principles, democratic mechanisms, and how individuals can defend their rights both personally and structurally. This continuous provision of high-quality, accessible information has reduced the proportion of people unaware of where to seek help in cases of discrimination and fostered greater belief in personal agency to influence decision-making processes.
2. Empowerment through education and resources. The platform "Human Rights Guide" serves as a vital self-help and educational resource, accessible to diverse social groups. Key impacts include its use as foundational material in human rights training for students, educators, and professionals, its inclusion in educational programs and curricula to enhance institutional capacity for delivering human rights education, and its citation in numerous studies and publications as a reliable resource.
3. Broader reach through awareness campaigns. Information campaigns organised by the organisation have successfully expanded the public''s understanding of civic processes, democratic values, and human rights. These initiatives have strengthened trust in individuals'' ability to impact decision-making and encouraged wider engagement with educational materials, fostering a culture of informed citizenship.
4. Fostering collaboration and civic engagement. The platform "Human Rights Guide" acts as a hub for collaboration among state and non-governmental organizations at the national and regional levels. This has strengthened inter-sectoral partnerships and spurred the creation of new initiatives, supported volunteers and contributors who actively engage in civic processes as authors and reporters as wwll as reached organizational clients, staff, and beneficiaries through its use in ongoing training efforts.
5. Enhanced capacity in professional and institutional settings. By delivering human rights education to target groups such as public sector workers, volunteers, and NGOs, BHRS has improved understanding of human rights among professionals, enabling more effective advocacy and protection of vulnerable populations as well as provided institutional partners with tools and guidance to embed human rights education in their programs and strategies.
6. Promotion of public participation and advocacy. The work of platforms like Cilvēktiesības.info has not only increased public awareness but also encouraged active civic participation. This includes a growing number of citizens engaging in civic activities and contributing to content creation as volunteers as well as broader participation in campaigns that highlight civic values and democratic processes.
7. Strengthened democratic education. Through its platforms and outreach, BHRS has contributed to integrating human rights and democracy education into formal and informal learning contexts as well as increased the availability of educational tools, fostering a deeper societal commitment to human rights principles.