Justice & Peace engages with young change makers
Today more than ever, the involvement of young people in civic and social initiatives is crucial. For this reason, Justice & Peace works side by side with various partners and organizations to actively engage youth audiences in cultivating a society that values and protects human rights holistically.
Inspiring democratic values during the ‘Broodje Vrede & Recht programme
On May 16, 70 students from four Hague-based high schools gathered in Nieuwspoort to learn about the importance of democracy in today’s world and had the opportunity to get thorough insights from several specialized speakers. Willem Post, a media commentator and historian, delved into the intersectionality of free press, freedom of expression, and democracy. Additionally, Deputy Mayor Mariëlle Vavier, The Hague’s alderman for Poverty, Inclusion, Public Health and International Affairs, highlighted The Hague’s status as an international city of peace and justice, while COC, a civil society organization, shared how they empower LGBTQIA+ communities within high schools.
Finally, Marjolijn Lampe, Senior Communications Advisor of Justice & Peace, discussed the ways human rights are being promoted and protected by international and national mechanisms and stressed the important role of civil society. To illustrate these arguments, she presented the stories of different human rights defenders at risk and their choice to participate in the Shelter City initiative in order to receive rest and tailormade support in an inspiring and safer place in the Netherlands.
‘It was very inspiring to share our work alongside representatives from the local government and civil society of The Hague. By doing this together, we were able to clearly demonstrate the critical importance of collaboration in protecting human rights and sustaining a democratic society and how the active participation of young individuals can shape these.’
Fostering cultural exchange with the Game ‘N Connect event
During May 2024, through the Samen Hier initiative, Justice & Peace organized and hosted the first edition of “Game ‘N Connect”, a series of events focused on student communities within The Hague. The series aims to bring young locals and newcomers together and foster cultural exchange and community bonding through group activities.
Participants, aged 18-25, had the opportunity to meet peers from diverse cultural backgrounds while playing games and challenging each other. Attendees also gained a deeper understanding of the Samen Hier initiative and its goal to create a welcoming community for newcomers in the Netherlands, built on genuine and equal friendships and networks of support.
Students move for human rights
From July 8 to 19, through collaboration with other human rights organizations, local partners, and educational institutions, Justice & Peace is facilitating a trajectory focused on topics surrounding the intersection between migration and human rights. The programme is designed for future change makers, who will be able to bridge the gap between theory and practice in human rights courses, craft action-oriented projects, and create tangible social impact. This summer course project comprises the Move 4 Human Rights initiative, through which Justice & Peace and young individuals jointly contribute to building more inclusive communities.