Universal Design for Human Rights

Description

The mission of the project is to ensure that human rights in Latvia are understood and respected.
The association Apeirons has observed that people with disabilities still do not have sufficient understanding of human rights in general. In addition, there are too few cases filed to courts to protect their basic human rights. It is also important to mention that, the Judiciary is not always ready to ensure the standards set by the UN Conventions – environmental access, communication, etc. when it comes to people with wide range of disabilities. This project will ensure activities that will support an increase of knowledge and understanding of human rights and the court system/Judiciary will receive a valuable set of tools, improved understanding of disabilities that will lead to better service while in court. The main target group to be reached is people with disabilities as well as those who work for Judiciary but in reality the project results will reach out to much wider audience via social media, related professions, possibly municipalities and the word of mouth.
The main activities are training and educational materials, development of a Court Standard and encouragement of people. We stress the long-term affect and importance of sustainability of every outcome. This is one of the reasons why the partnership with the Latvian Judicial Training Centre is agreed for the purpose of this project. Latvian Judicial Training Centre (LJTC) is a foundation, that was created with the aim to ensure training and professional development for judges and court staff. LJTC is involved in this project as a partner, which will provide communication and exchange of information between citizens and court staff. LTJC together with Apeirons will participate in workshops, will develop e-course and training for judges and court staff. A judicial standard will be jointly developed to ensure respect for human rights in courts for persons with disabilities.

Summary of project results

According to the observations of the Apeirons Association, people with disabilities lacked sufficient understanding of human rights issues, and in Latvia, there were not many cases where individuals defend their human rights through legal proceedings. Additionally, the judicial system was not always prepared to ensure the standards established in UN conventions—such as environmental accessibility, communication, and other areas—are upheld for people with various types of disabilities. Another challenge was fostering collaboration between organizations with different goals. 

Workshops:

• Purpose: Identify challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing justice and human rights.
• Deliverables: Three workshops for 60 participants from diverse disability groups and NGOs.

Information materials:

• Content: Simplified guides, videos, and audio resources on human rights tailored to disabilities.
• Formats: Print and digital materials following universal design principles.

Research on judges and court staff

• Goal: Assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to inclusion and discrimination.
• Use: Results will inform court standards and training programs.

Training modules

1. Court Standards: Guidelines for inclusive judicial processes.
2. Empathy Seminar: Immersive experience for court leaders.
3. E-Course: Online training on disability inclusion.
4. Practical Workshop: Hands-on training for judges.

• Empowered people with disabilities: Motivated numerous people with disabilities to defend their rights and better understand the judicial system.
• Focused Support: Reached marginalized groups, such as individuals with hearing impairments, often overlooked by the state.
• Judicial Awareness: Improved the understanding of court staff about working with persons with diverse disabilities.
• Prepared Systems: Equipped the judicial system to accommodate individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair users or visually impaired persons requiring additional support.