The inaugural Move 4 Human Rights Summer Edition

In July 2024, Justice & Peace, organized the first Move 4 Human Rights (M4HR) Summer Edition, in collaboration with partner organizations Human Security Collective, Stichting Our Bodies, Our Voice, and Human Rights in the Picture.

As part of the Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT) project, or Civil Service Time, this summer edition aimed to empower young individuals to pursue their passion for human rights and work towards an inclusive society.

Empowering young changemakers

Over the course of two inspiring weeks, over fifty participants engaged in a blend of interactive workshops, project implementation, site visits, networking events, and cultural experiences. The programme was designed to equip changemakers aged 18-30 with the skills and knowledge needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of human rights.

The M4HR summer school fostered a dynamic learning environment that facilitated the exchange of diverse perspectives. Through hands-on activities and networking opportunities, participants also gained valuable insights into human rights work, explored the Dutch NGO landscape, and recognized the significant efforts being made at the local level, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The first edition of M4HR cultivated a strong sense of community and commitment among participants, enriching their professional and personal lives.

“We started as strangers and connected over our interest in human rights, and I felt like there was a sense of community. People were vulnerable sharing their personal experiences, in part because the organizers made sure to facilitate a space where we felt comfortable to do so.”

Yasmina, M4HR participant

Contributing to safe pathways to welcoming societies

Justice & Peace hosted two workshops at M4HR. The “How to Be a Changemaker” workshop detailed the organizational strategy for defending human rights through a local and pragmatic approach. It covered key topics such as legal pathways, refugee policy, community sponsorship, and the intersection of migration and human rights.

The second workshop was a structural component of the programme and revolved around each participant’s human rights passions. Participants would select one of the host organizations to collaborate with over the full course of the summer school and form cohorts to undertake an assignment of their choice. Titled “Making Change: Safe Havens & Pathways”, the workshop tasked participants with contributing to a more welcoming society for individuals with a refugee background. This was realized in collaboration with the Migration & Human rights Programme team of Justice & Peace, which advocates for local solidarity and humane policies for the safe arrival, reception, and resettlement of refugees.

“During the summer school there were a lot of people with different backgrounds, which confirmed the importance of having an interdisciplinary approach (in human rights).”

Elvira, M4HR participant

Addressing real-world topics

The groups focused on developing pragmatic resources for the Samen Hier initiative by focusing on capacity building, organizing exchange, and communication for engagement. Several creative contributions were created, including a guide for municipalities to organize inclusive events that foster local solidarity and a children’s book explaining and celebrating differences. Another group devised a project plan emphasizing the importance of sustainable networks and interactions within Samen Hier.

Finally, a booklet for newcomers joining Samen Hier offered an overview of the initiative, what to expect upon arriving in the Netherlands, and practical tips for settling in. The migration cohort allowed participants to directly apply their diverse skills to real-world challenges, reinforcing the impact of collective action in supporting refugees and promoting human rights.

“Arriving to Europe for me meant hearing new, different narratives, and points of view. Understanding how people from other backgrounds see the same problem from different perspectives. I learned from all other participants with a different background, gender or life orientation that we interpret the same context and social problems in a different way.”

Karina, M4HR participant

Inspiring change and encouraging participation

The inaugural Move 4 Human Rights edition led to impactful contributions, fruitful collaborations, and meaningful learning experiences for everyone involved. The insights and experiences gained demonstrate the power of the youth to drive solution-oriented change in their communities and beyond.

“M4HR can inspire the youth to take matters into their own hands and realize their potential as agents of change. I think it is enriching for young people to learn from others within this setting and develop ideas about how they can contribute to society at large”.

Yasmina, M4HR participant

We would like to thank our dedicated collaborators, Human Security Collective, Stichting Our Bodies, Our Voice, and Human Rights in the Picture, as well as The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague Humanity Hub, and Just Peace for their valuable contribution.

Through initiatives like Move 4 Human Rights, Justice & Peace engages with young changemakers committed to advancing human rights and inclusivity. If you are interested in collaborating, bringing the M4HR innovation to your university, or have any other questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you.