Background
Human rights cities place the universal ideals of human rights at the core of urban development and put policies and institutions grounded in respect for human rights into practice. Human rights cities have evolved on the basis of diversity and democracy, participation and solidarity. However, in recent years, the spread of authoritarian governance and populist politics around the world has posed serious threats to the values and principles of human rights cities.
Contemporary authoritarian rule restricts civic freedoms and participation through non -democratic forms of governance, while populism fuels division and exclusionary narratives through emotional incitement, thereby eroding the institutional foundations of democracy. The result is a gradual weakening of human rights, democratic governance, and social trust. In particular, the regression of the rights of vulnerable groups, such as migrants, women, youth, and minorities, is deepening. These trends undermine th e normative foundations of human rights, built over centuries, and endanger the very existence of democratic institutions and civil society.
The year 2026 marks the 78th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and this year the global human rights community is called upon to articulate a clearer democratic and human rights perspective. This takes place against the reality in which authoritarian rule has intensified and populist incitement deepens social polarization and intergroup hostility.
Against this backdrop, the 16th World Human Rights Cities Forum seeks to diagnose the human rights challenges arising from authoritarianism and populism, and to explore the responsibilities and practical tasks of human rights cities in responding to these challenges. The Forum will discuss ways to build a global framework for cooperation by uniting local governments, international organizations, and civil society worldwide to restore human rights and to reinforce democracy.
Interpretation Service
Charging Facilities
Wheelchair and
Tumbler Washer
