Human rights hold a high priority in Cologne, as evidenced by numerous council resolutions, action plans, funding concepts, and projects, as well as participation in international initiatives and city networks. Budget allocations have already provided the financial and personnel resources necessary to further develop the city’s human rights agenda in collaboration with Cologne’s civil society, international networks, and partner cities.
Cologne's commitment to human rights is attracting national and international recognition. A recent example is Cologne being awarded the title “European Capital of Diversity and Integration” in spring — a prize newly established by the European Commission to honor exceptional efforts to promote a diverse European urban society.
The Cologne Municipality affirms its commitment to further strengthening the protection and realization of human rights at the local level, including through more intensive international exchange.
The City of Cologne declares its intention to join the "Human Rights Cities" campaign of the global municipal association United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), titled “10, 100, 1,000 Human Rights Cities by 2030.” Given Cologne’s strong commitment to human rights, the campaign’s initiators see the city as a source of valuable practical insights. Cologne is eager to contribute its experiences and help advance international discussions. Participation will make Cologne more visible on the global map of cities leading the charge for human rights.
At the same time, participation promises considerable added value for Cologne: it creates new opportunities to engage with the dynamic global discourse on human rights and cities, and new avenues for networking and learning from other cities playing leading, innovative roles in implementing human rights locally. This, in turn, will broaden perspectives and create new potential to protect and promote human rights even more effectively in Cologne.
Human rights hold a high priority in Cologne, as evidenced by numerous council resolutions, action plans, funding concepts, and projects, as well as participation in international initiatives and city networks. Budget allocations have already provided the financial and personnel resources necessary to further develop the city’s human rights agenda in collaboration with Cologne’s civil society, international networks, and partner cities. Additional funding has been allocated to enable temporary protection stays for endangered human rights defenders in Cologne through a dedicated fellowship program. A city partnership with a city in sub-Saharan West or Central Africa is also planned in the coming months. Other recent "beacons" include:
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The Second Action Plan for a Child- and Youth-Friendly Cologne (2022–2025).
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The Cultural Participation Funding Program.
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The Action Plan for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity.
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The “(Post)colonial Heritage of the City of Cologne” project.