COMMIT to RIGHTS

COMMIT to RIGHTS is led by a local administration, in this case the City Council of Girona (Spain) and has the support of local and international institutions and organizations for its implementation, such as the University, social organizations and two international partners in the city of Reggio Emilia (Italy). The project proposes devising a methodology and effective strategies for the implementation of participatory local public policies, capable of counteracting the phenomena of intersectional discrimination through participatory governance to be executable in both cities. Its ultimate objectives are to improve public authority responses to discrimination, racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, LGBTIQ-phobia, and all other forms of intolerance and to increase public awareness of these phenomena. The proposal is to intervene in the field of preventing discrimination and guaranteeing rights through an innovative model of public-community co-governance. Actions are planned in four principal areas: firstly, research activities on models for the interpretation and intersectional analysis of discrimination that may be useful for the collection of information and knowledge of the phenomenon. Secondly, intervention methodologies are planned for services for (potential) victims: including support and sanctioning, in parallel to the implementation of restorative justice practices (mediation and reparation). Thirdly, a training-for-trainers programme will be deployed. And lastly, an initiative to raise awareness among members of the public will be set up, in order to create an effective system for the prevention of discrimination.

COMMIT to RIGHTS (CtR) aims to prevent discrimination and protect rights through a groundbreaking model of public-community co-governance. The project focuses on four key areas:

1. Research: CtR will conduct research on models for interpreting and analyzing discrimination through an intersectional lens. This research will provide valuable information and insights into the phenomenon.
2. Intervention Methods for Victim Services: The project will develop intervention methodologies for services supporting potential and actual victims. This includes victim support, as well as holding perpetrators accountable (where applicable). Additionally, CtR will explore implementing restorative justice practices like mediation and reparation.
3. Training Program for Trainers: CtR will create and deliver a training program specifically for professionals involved in implementing the project's actions. This training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address discrimination.
4. Citizenship Awareness Tools: The project will develop tools to raise public awareness about discrimination and promote a culture of respect for diversity and inclusion. These tools will help create a more tolerant and inclusive society.

The COMMIT to RIGHTS project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Development of a methodological framework: A methodological framework for the design, implementation, and evaluation of participatory local public policies with an intersectional approach to discrimination.
• Implementation of pilot actions: Implementation of pilot actions in Girona and Reggio Emilia to test the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and strategies.
• Exchange of good practices: Exchange of good practices between the two cities and other interested stakeholders.
• Recommendations for policy improvement: Development of recommendations for the improvement of local public policies in the field of discrimination prevention and rights protection.

The COMMIT to RIGHTS project is expected to contribute to the following:

• Strengthening local governance: Strengthening local governance in the fight against discrimination through participatory processes that involve diverse stakeholders.
• Promoting social cohesion: Promoting social cohesion and tolerance in local communities.
• Protecting human rights: Protecting the human rights of all citizens, especially those who are more vulnerable to discrimination.

The COMMIT to RIGHTS project may face some challenges, including:

• Overcoming institutional inertia: Overcoming institutional inertia and resistance to change.
• Ensuring meaningful participation: Ensuring the meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders in the policymaking process.
• Addressing intersectional complexities: Addressing the complexities of intersectional discrimination and developing effective strategies to address it.

The COMMIT to RIGHTS project is designed to be sustainable in the long term by:

• Institutionalizing the methodology: Institutionalizing the methodology and strategies developed within the project within the local administrations of Girona and Reggio Emilia.
• Building capacity: Building the capacity of local stakeholders to implement the project's actions.
• Disseminating results: Disseminating the project's results and recommendations to other interested stakeholders.