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.
- Download the Statutes of the Association
- Go to the archives 2004 and 2006
- Leaflet presenting the Secretariat and the balance sheet of the 3rd Forum
Ways and means
The Permanent Secretariat in Nantes is an association headed by a mixed board of directors, composed of representatives from the public authorities and the civil society. This board of directors is chaired by Emmanuel Decaux, professor of international public law at the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, a member of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee of the United Nations. It operates thanks to cross-financing from Nantes Métropole / Urban Community of Nantes, the Regional Council of Western Loire, the County Council of Loire-Atlantique and the City of Nantes.
It is headed by a team of three permanent staff members proficient in legal aspects, the running of public institutions, the organisation of events and communication.
Secretary-General: Franck Barrau.
