joe@social-vision.org.uk – York Human Rights City Network

York Disability Week

Each year a group of individuals and organisations from across the city, supported by York Human Rights City Network , come together and volunteer their time to help organise York Disability Week

Human rights can feel technical and abstract, and as such be difficult for both policy makers and the wider public to engage with. The YHRCN has used a variety of strategies to engage with new audiences. Three such strategies are discussed below: the PANEL principles; a collaboration with an advertising agency; and cultural events.

Community Voices

Running between 2018-2021, the aim of Community Voices was two-fold. First, to reach communities in the city not reached through conventional consultation processes; and, second, to support such groups to bring their priorities and agendas for change to the Council and other stakeholders in the city, on their own terms.

Working with Young People

The YHRCN has supported work with young people in a variety of ways. These include Opinionate workshops with secondary school pupils; working with the the City of York Children’s Safeguarding Partnership (CYSCP) to develop a Realising Children’s Rights Participation Toolkit; and arts-based projects on the right to protest.

Reverse the Ban

York Human Rights City Network was a member of the Reverse the Ban coalition of 27 local organisations that was formed in the wake of the Council Executive vote in November 2021 to impose a permanent ban on disabled people using their Blue Badge to enter large parts of the city centre.

York International Women’s Week

Each year we welcome all women and everyone who supports them to organise events and participate in activities to find out about women’s rights locally and globally and to be activated by art and cultural activities.

York Disability Rights Forum

We supported the development of a disabled person-led forum here in York that is activist, accessible and inclusive.

Human Rights in York: The State of the City [2024]

2024 has been another difficult year for many individuals and families in York. Whilst recent inflationary pressures may have eased, the impact of years of austerity continues to be felt across the city.

Human Rights in York: Moving Forward with Stronger Foundations [2023]

2023 saw local elections in York, with Labour gaining control of the City Council, replacing the Liberal Democrat and Green Party coalition. We would like to thank the members of that coalition who have worked with us to try and ensure the protection of human rights in the city. We would also like to welcome the new Labour administration and look forward to developing a fruitful working relationship with its members.

Human Rights in York: Seeking to Rebuild [2022]

In 2022, headlines were dominated by the unfolding cost-of-living crisis. Whilst still coming to terms with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the effects of rising inflation and the impact of the war in Ukraine began to register in York. These crises have highlighted some of the problems the city faces, but also the determination that exists to tackle them, along with the generosity of many of York’s residents.