International Human Rights Defenders gather to mark 15 years of research, teaching and activism

Human Rights Defenders 

Many of the human rights defenders attending the two-day conference have found respite and sanctuary in York as part of the Centre’s Protective Fellowships. Since its establishment, the Centre has hosted over 100 human rights activists from 52 countries. Others are alumni of CAHR’s human rights masters and doctoral programmes who have developed careers in non-governmental organisations and governmental bodies.

Professor Paul Gready, Co-Director for the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York, said: ‘Here at the Centre for Applied Human Rights, we know that the greatest impacts are made possible by putting people at the core of our work, not least the human rights defenders who guide what we do and keep us anchored in the real-world.’ 

Activism

The Centre for Applied Human Rights is an activist centre. Its research, knowledge exchange, teaching, protective and advocacy activities are grounded in everyday human rights and humanitarian challenges and opportunities. As CAHR turns 15 this year, the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Professor Ioana Cismas, Co-Director for the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York, said: ‘This is a time to celebrate CAHR’s present and past students, fellow human rights defenders, staff, collaborators and supporters - they make our work possible and meaningful. It is also a time to reflect on challenges and opportunities in order to shape resilient, intersectional, and accountable human rights leadership.’

Local and global impact

The Centre for Applied Human Rights  works for the realisation of human rights locally and globally. Over the past year, CAHR has:

• Secured the first UNESCO Chair for the University. Awarded to the Centre’s Co-Director, Paul Gready, the UNESCO Chair in the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Expansion of Political Space will enhance the impactful activity of CAHR’s Human Rights Defenders Hub. 
• Authored the 2022 York Human Rights City Indicator Report, which assesses  how York is performing in terms of the protection of human rights. As co-founder and co-host of the York Human Rights City Network, staff and students at the Centre continue to engage in human rights work in York. The 2023 report will be published in spring 2024. 
• Launched the Generating Respect Hub, a platform that brings together scholars with human rights and humanitarian actors to co-produce innovative strategies for increasing compliance with humanitarian norms in times of war.  
• In November 2023, it was announced that the Centre’s Co-Director, Ioana Cismas, will lead a £5 million consortium to help reduce civilian suffering in armed conflict in the world, working with a number of international academic partners and humanitarian NGOs. 
• Welcomed 8 new Human Rights Defenders to its Protective Fellowships, from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Jordan, South Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia and and the Philippines. 

Professor Charlie Jeffrey, Vice-Chancellor, University of York, said: ‘Over 15 years, the Centre of Applied Human Rights at York has become internationally recognised for its expertise in practical research and teaching in the field of human rights. Its passionate and determined staff and the networks it has built epitomise the University’s mission for public good, with a local and global contribution. From disability rights, gender and women's rights, to environmental issues and refugee law, the Centre's work is needed all the more in these complex and challenging times.’