MKAAJI MPYA asbl

Why are local authorities essential for promoting, realizing, and respecting human rights?

The role of local governments is essential in that they can help uphold laws and principles in various areas (social, environmental, economic, cultural, etc.) to facilitate access to basic social services for people from different backgrounds. Local governments play a key role in defending sustainable development and citizens' rights, promoting human rights (civil, political, social, and economic), combating poverty, intolerance, discrimination, exclusion, insecurity, and environmental degradation, and acting in service of peace and international solidarity. As such, local governments can initially highlight the local dimension before protecting minorities—especially in today's society, which is marked by social inequality, discrimination, housing difficulties, and the struggle to live decently from one's labor. They can also permeate every aspect of local government activities—be it access to housing, welcoming itinerant communities, protection of minors and the elderly, health, or environmental quality—which must guarantee the provision of public services such as education, healthcare, housing, etc. 

To raise awareness about the consideration and protection of these human rights, local governments must invent new forms of intervention that can be rooted in a few unifying principles, such as the “Think globally, act locally” approach—initiating solidarity-based actions with other communities at the local level and/or opening up to external horizons (technical and financial partners, etc.), new forms of cooperation, and especially new methods of action. These would mainly allow them to act in defense of the right to the city, to fight territorial divides and social inequalities, to combat urban violence, and to defend the right to a safe and healthy environment.

Why are human rights relevant values and a useful framework for guiding local action?  

The consideration of human dignity is essential, as human beings are at the center of all development initiatives. Without them, progress is not only limited—it becomes impossible. This is why living conditions must be ensured for individuals to live comfortably and to participate in expanding civic engagement within their communities. Therefore, local actions must be carried out by people and for people, in a balance of rights and fundamental principles, with respect for universal values and principles such as: global solidarity, the fight against discrimination, inclusion, gender equality, and respect for the principle of responsibility—all of which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 horizon. 

Local actions must be inspired by the expectations and, above all, the will of the population, who are the primary beneficiaries of these actions. That is to say, first and foremost, local actions must be endogenous, self-centered, and self-managed. These actions must be guided and/or inspired by the customs and traditions of the populations living in those communities.