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Description
The project aims raising awareness among citizens on human rights issues and strengthening the civil society’s capacity to identify and fight against violations of and institutional practices against human rights, as well as to address gaps in law and its enforcement through creation of instruments and access to expertise.
After 20 years of experience and adhesion to numerous international treaties on human rights, then part of the internal legislation, Romania still hasn’t internalized the adopted norms and has severe shortcomings in their implementations. There is a lack of general awareness, as well as lack of accessibility to an independent expertise which, when difficult issues arise (in connection to the rights of vulnerable groups, access to justice, state of law) would bring to the public a valid legal opinion.
The project aims to develop an online platform on the website and social media of Centre for Legal Resources through which reactions and opinions are constantly posted as a result of watchdog activities and monitoring of human rights issues on the public agenda. Training activities for professionals will be organized to develop and improve the necessary skills to implement key concepts on active citizenship and human rights in public institutions, media, schools, and various fields of activity. Following the advocacy campaign which will include debates and strategic litigation as a component, the project will propose changes in legislation, public policy, or practice.
In the long term the project is important because it develops and sustains independent expertise on human rights and rule of law issues in society. and makes this expertise accessible to all those involved in the project, but also to a wider public, who can use the information particularly in their own fields of activity. It also strengthens and increases the visibility of a critical and informed point of view, which does not exist or is often ignored by the mainstream.
Summary of project results
After 20 years of experience and the signing of international human rights documents, which have become domestic law, Romania still has not achieved the valorizations of the adopted norms and has major gaps in their implementation. Through the project Human rights situation, up to date, it was addressed the lack of awareness in society and the lack of accessibility to and visibility of independent expertise that, when there are thorny issues (of the rights of vulnerable groups, access to justice, rule of law) to provide the public with an informed point of view on the issue, thus serving a legitimate interest to be informed.
Through the project, an online platform on the website of Applicant with constant public feedback was developed as a result of watchdog activities and monitoring of human rights issues on the public agenda, where 52 opinions were published in line with the applicant''s sphere of expertise. In addition, 6 debates were organized with 209 specialist participants, NGOs in the targeted areas and vulnerable groups, media, as well as 2 training sessions for 24 professionals. 7 litigation cases on access to public information and rights of vulnerable groups were initiated and 7 proposals for legislative or practice changes were developed. A constant communication campaign to the media and the general public was also implemented, through two press events, press briefings and social media, with a total audience of over 200.000. The activities of the project and of the organisation were also promoted through the support of 3 public events, such as Open Doors, Living Library and CRJ 25 Years Gala.
In terms of results, the project increase citizens'' awareness of human rights and strengthen the capacity of civil society by creating tools and access to expertise necessary to identify and combat violations and institutional practices that harm human rights, as well as gaps in legislation and enforcement. From the project benefited directly the participants of the activities (training sessions, debates, advocacy and communication events, litigation), as well as, indirectly, the individuals, groups and communities whose rights were violated and legal opinions and legislative change proposals were presented or practice.