Aude Department

It is the responsibility of every political actor and institution to take a clear stance on their vision of society, and human rights are central to that vision. The Aude Department takes its share in building a peaceful, tolerant, intercultural community, recognizing otherness and diversity as sources of enrichment. This is a present-day challenge. Through a dedicated Vice-Presidency (Democracy, Youth, International Action), the Department is committed to human rights, implementing actions to combat discrimination and racism, violence against women, and gender stereotypes, and to promote gender equality and inclusion for all citizens. Acting at the local level, in direct connection with residents and tailored to each territory’s context, is the added value of territorial action. We particularly work with and for youth, supporting the development of critical thinking, autonomy, and an engaged sense of citizenship. 

Our ambition is to help build a peaceful and open human community in everyday life. We aim to counter fear-mongering postures that fuel hatred, violence, and insecurity, and to fight ignorance. 

The respect and promotion of human rights are both the foundation and the framework guiding our institutional project. With reference to the SDGs—especially those directly related to human rights (Goals 4, 5, 10, 16, 17)—the Aude Department works to localize these goals while aligning with international efforts toward global human rights progress. 

We implement actions such as memory work, “Tandems Solidaires” (solidarity pairings), public calls for projects on republican values and secularism, mobilization against violence toward women and domestic abuse, awareness campaigns on stereotypes, arts-based interventions, and support for civic initiatives. 

Local governments must assume their political responsibility. Too often, energy is spent solely on service management and administration. Embracing human rights as a framework for public action enables each decision to be assessed based on its alignment with human rights advancement—an essential indicator. 

Thus, local action can transcend international challenges, overcome divisions, and foster a community where peaceful coexistence based on human rights prevails. 

Universal values nourish diversity, and diversity gives meaning to the universal. 

A human rights-based political approach helps drive change, measure social transformation, and build a peaceful world centered on human dignity and well-being.