An original idea
An original idea
The World Forum on Human Rights is a place for encounters and for free dialogue for all players in the field of Human Rights, gathered together on an equal footing. Its main aim is to bring together all types of actors working towards the same goal to implement, protect and defend human rights. The Forum aims at being a useful place for exchanging ideas, experience and knowledge, thereby strengthening co-operation among the various players involved in fundamental rights, not only locally, but also regionally, nationally and worldwide.
In order to do so, the Forum initiates an original idea by attempting to link theoretical contributions with practical experience, which all too often tend to be excluded and ignored. Thus, by bringing action and thought closer together, more adequate and more efficient answers can be proposed in response to the challenges set down with regard to the protection and defence of human rights.
Sharing knowledge, forging networks and exchanging best practice
The objective of the World Forum on Human Rights is not to adopt resolutions or make declarations, but to provide a framework for open debate and the exchange of different points of view. Nor does the Forum seek to draw up standards for protecting human rights or monitoring compliance, since this is the responsibility of the authorities and institutions entrusted with these tasks. The Forum's modest yet ambitious goal is to provide a new venue for broad thinking and intensive discussion on human rights issues, and for above all promoting best practice towards advancing human rights.
All too often, those involved in defending human rights work separately, in isolation. This is why the Nantes Forum encourages the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge. It enables participants to meet others, launch discussions, forge networks and agree on how joint actions may be conducted and followed up.
Because without solidarity between all who work to promote, protect and enforce human rights we will not be able to meet the current and future challenges. Although the level and nature of responsibility can of course vary greatly, between national governments and individuals, the international community is linked by a common responsibility that should encourage everyone to act. The Nantes World Forum thus seeks to reaffirm this sense of solidarity and responsibility, with an emphasis on taking action in local communities, since it is here that the actual effectiveness of human rights can be seen.
