How Human Rights Can Thrive: The Role of Local Governments
JoAnn Kamuf Ward [Deputy Commissioner, Policy & External Affairs, NYC Commission on Human Rights]
With the authoritarianism and populism on the rise, there are increased threats to – and attacks – on vulnerable communities.
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Human rights exist today because of movements and collective action. And New York City is proud to be a site of collective government action, and a site of galvanizing public participation to strengthen rights. In the current climate, New York City is using an array of strategies to fight anti-Black racism, to protect transgender, gender-non-binary, gender non-conforming New Yorkers, and to promote economic justice.4 These strategies can give us hope and a blueprint for action. Local action and local enforcement matter. That is why coming together as cities matter. And, what each and everyone one of us do when we return home also matters. Every jurisdiction has a responsibility to take stock of whether the laws on the books at home truly reflect the human rights values of dignity and rights for all. Every jurisdiction has to take stock of services and whether they are truly accessible and how they meet the needs of all residents. Every jurisdiction also has to take stock of how they are building trust in and with communities. If we are this work well, we are building the foundation we need to advance human rights in the long term – for this generation and those to come.
How Human Rights Can Thrive: The Role of Local Governments
JoAnn Kamuf Ward [Deputy Commissioner, Policy & External Affairs, NYC Commission on Human Rights]
With the authoritarianism and populism on the rise, there are increased threats to – and attacks – on vulnerable communities.
.
.
.
Human rights exist today because of movements and collective action. And New York City is proud to be a site of collective government action, and a site of galvanizing public participation to strengthen rights. In the current climate, New York City is using an array of strategies to fight anti-Black racism, to protect transgender, gender-non-binary, gender non-conforming New Yorkers, and to promote economic justice.4 These strategies can give us hope and a blueprint for action. Local action and local enforcement matter. That is why coming together as cities matter. And, what each and everyone one of us do when we return home also matters. Every jurisdiction has a responsibility to take stock of whether the laws on the books at home truly reflect the human rights values of dignity and rights for all. Every jurisdiction has to take stock of services and whether they are truly accessible and how they meet the needs of all residents. Every jurisdiction also has to take stock of how they are building trust in and with communities. If we are this work well, we are building the foundation we need to advance human rights in the long term – for this generation and those to come.