Why is the role of local authorities essential in promoting, realizing, and respecting human rights?
Because the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (Paris, 1948) is the greatest pact between nations and a milestone for the consolidation of treaties such as the American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San José, Costa Rica, 1969), which ratify fundamental freedoms, justice, and peace as a political and social ideal of States. In this sense, it urges the adoption of state and governmental measures to guarantee, respect, promote, and protect rights.
Why are human rights relevant values and a useful framework for guiding local action?
Because Bogotá D.C. belongs to a Social State governed by democratic, participatory, and pluralistic principles, which has adopted the United Nations Charter of Rights, as well as international human rights treaties through its National Political Constitution (1991), establishing as essential aims of the State the effectiveness of rights and peaceful coexistence. Therefore, governance based on respect for rights is an obligation for Bogotá D.C. and for the entire country.
The motivation of Bogotá D.C.’s District Administration is to position itself as a human rights city willing to coordinate regional and continental actions in pursuit of cooperation for the strengthening of human rights promotion and assurance through interregional experience. For this reason, it considers it a viable opportunity to be part of the "United Cities and Local Governments" initiative.
- District Development Plan 2020–2024: A New Social and Environmental Contract for 21st Century Bogotá.
- Implementation of the Comprehensive Human Rights Policy of Bogotá and the District Human Rights Education Program for Peace and Reconciliation, under the Peacebuilding Axis of the Policy.
- Comprehensive Prevention Plan for Peace of Bogotá D.C. (PIDPAZ).