The secretariat
The International permanent Secretariat Human Rights
and Local Governments
Following the 2nd World Forum on Human Rights in Nantes (France), which gathered together 1,200 participants in July 2006, representing 70 different nationalities, it was decided to create a permanent overseeing and organisational body - a permanent Secretariat with two essential, though complementary assignments, i.e. organising future world forums as well as developing and helping to strengthen the international networks of those players involved in Human Rights, especially focusing on the theme of Human Rights and local governments.
Indeed, from the outset, the Nantes Forum was initiated for the purpose of assisting existing networks, and even to create new ones, by strengthening solidarity among the different actors (political leaders, NGO activists & leaders, academics and international experts, as well as representatives of international organisations, etc.). Hence to make this happen, direct discussions and free dialogue, all from an equal footing, are necessary - the reason for being of the World Forum on Human Rights. Having said that, the two editions of the Nantes Forum have revealed that this biennial event may only adopt its real meaning upon proper initiation of the groundwork, notably long-term efforts for a truly efficient action, by taking particular interest in the work out in the field and by enforcing Human Rights within the territories, through cooperation with local communities.
This was the reason for creating the International permanent Secretariat “Human Rights and local governments” (SPIDH). This permanent working structure was instituted as an association, backed up by the Nantes Metropoles (Urban Community), the Western Loire Region, the Loire-Atlantique County Council and the City of Nantes.
Using high-tech communication means, the Nantes-Loire Region International Permanent Secretariat shall endeavour to stimulate debate, together with a constant exchange of views, among all sectors involved, concerning matters in the headlines, punctuated by a welcome gathering every two years: the World Forum on Human Rights in Nantes.
Means
The Nantes Permanent Secretariat is constituted as an association, governed by a mixed Executive Board, comprising not only representatives from the public authorities, but also from the civil society. This Executive Board is chaired by Professor Mr Emmanuel Decaux, Professor in public law at the University of Paris II, Panthéon-Assas, former member of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Human Rights. The association benefits from cross-over financing donated by the Nantes Metropolis / Urban Community of Nantes, the Loire Country Regional Council, the Loire-Atlantique County Council and the City of Nantes.
It is run by a team of three permanent members, knowledgeable in legal and in communication aspects, the running of public institutions and the organisation of events.
Secretary-General: Franck Barrau.
