Gipuzkoa

We are going through a time of historic change, where overlapping crises are generating increased uncertainty, inequality, and vulnerability. Across the globe, we are witnessing processes of geopolitical fragmentation, xenophobic and supremacist political discourse and positions, social polarization, institutional delegitimization, and more. In this context of growing instability, systemic and global solutions are necessary through collective responses—where the human rights-based approach becomes especially meaningful and provides a solid framework for building fair and effective alternatives. From an institutional perspective, guaranteeing human rights as the foundation of the rule of law and the welfare state is essential. Therefore, the inclusion and recognition of diverse political actors will also help ensure governability and social peace through mechanisms of social justice. 

The development and deepening of democracy require us to avoid, alleviate, and eliminate, as much as possible, the forms of violence that arise in contexts of inequality, through inclusive logics and collaborative governance. The 2030 Agenda and its Goal 16 promote: "peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels." Institutions must properly adapt to the various challenges and to changes in their target populations, which are largely influenced by migration processes.

The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council operates from a clear vision: aspiring to be the territory with the lowest inequality in Europe, taking on the shared responsibility of enabling a life of full rights for all people living here and, consequently, preventing diversity from becoming a source of discrimination. The institution’s foundational premise is rooted in a plural, intersectional society of diversities, and in ensuring the full enjoyment of rights for every individual living in Gipuzkoa. In this way, both its policy and its management fully embrace the principles of the Human Rights-Based Approach, such as universality, interdependence and indivisibility, non-discrimination, participation and empowerment, accountability, and transparency.

The Provincial Council has shown, through its governance, the commitment to maintaining the human rights governance system it has already set in motion, thanks to the active participation of many individuals and entities that have co-created a joint action plan. We want the path that has been opened for dialogue—through structures of active listening among all participants and many more—to foster synergies and promote coordinated networking. This way, together, we can broaden our efforts and, above all, make the idea of reducing inequalities in our shared space a reality.