Villejuif

Why is the role of local and regional authorities essential in promoting, realizing, and respecting human rights? 

We echo the statement of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who affirmed that peace is not made only at international conferences and ministries, but that a culture of peace is cultivated in our cities, our public squares, and our grassroots initiatives. Human rights are inextricably linked to the culture of peace, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and require the participation of all. Therefore, it is within our local governments, in connection with national and international networks and forums, that the promotion, realization, and respect for Human Rights either take shape or regress, depending on the level of investment we choose. 

Why are human rights relevant values and a useful framework for guiding local action?

As territorial governments are in direct contact with the public, their role is crucial in the realization and respect of human rights. In the face of discrimination, inequalities, lack of access to healthcare and education, etc., human rights have a concrete impact at the local level. 

The values of human rights resonate with those guiding local governments. Indeed, equality, dignity, and equity are reflected daily in the actions implemented through public policies. The values of public service are to work in the general interest, for liberty, equality, and secularism. Local government officials have a duty to work respectfully with citizens, in a neutral and ethical manner. 

The city of Villejuif is engaged in an international policy, with various actions carried out alongside the Committee for a Culture of Peace, Cooperation, and Twinning. It signed the Cities' Appeal for the Ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, during the Municipal Council of January 2021 as part of the ICAN campaign. Villejuif is also home to the national headquarters of the Republican Association of Veterans (ARAC) and the Institute for Peace Documentation and Research. 

Villejuif dedicates part of its international budget to “emergency aid” allocated to partners specializing in supporting populations affected by conflicts or natural disasters. For example, in 2023, the city supported Turkey and Syria in February following the earthquake, and also Morocco and Libya, which were also affected by earthquakes. 

Villejuif also adopts motions concerning certain international situations in the Municipal Council. The city adopted a motion for peace and freedoms during the Council of September 29, 2021, and recently passed a motion calling for an end to the escalation of violence and for peace in the Middle East, urging the French government to help establish an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, the lifting of the blockade, the establishment of a sustainable humanitarian corridor, and the protection of all civilians regardless of nationality, etc. 

Another important point lies in the awareness-raising and training of public officials in human rights values. 

Cooperation between local governments is also an important issue. The city rejoined the network of the French Association of Municipalities, Departments, and Regions for Peace (AFCDRP) in 2020, which allows it to benefit from experience sharing, international outreach, easier access to international organizations, newsletters, participation in forum organization, etc. 

The city is also part of a decentralized cooperation network for Palestine.