https://www.yorkunescochairhrds.org/values
https://www.yorkunescochairhrds.org/research
https://www.york.ac.uk/cahr/unesco-hub/
The Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) secured the University of York’s first UNESCO Chair in 2022.
The Chair, held by Professor Paul Gready, focuses on the role that universities can play in protecting human rights defenders (HRDs), and expanding political space. Our work is supported by a global network of universities and civil society organisations.
The UNESCO Chair builds on 15 years of work at CAHR to support HRDs, through Protective Fellowships, applied research, knowledge exchange and network building. At a time of intersecting crises for civil society and democracy across the globe, universities are both themselves under attack and often have more space to manoeuvre and act than NGOs and social movements. It is in this space, and challenging context, that the Chair seeks to act.
The UNESCO Human Rights Defenders Hub builds on the past work of the Human Rights Defenders Hub.
Think tank, bridge builder, future maker
UNESCO Chairs are intended to act as think tanks, bridge builders, and future makers on pressing global issues. CAHR will seek to fulfil this mission in supporting HRDs, both close to home and globally.
Related links
Universities are values-based institutions, with most championing academic freedom and some advocating for social justice. But they are also large complex institutions, often articulating multiple and contradictory values.
Two major global pressures, privatisation and state interference or ‘capture’, are undermining the progressive values base of universities. Work is needed by academics and activists to defend and align their values, and to make them mutually legible.
University Members
The UNESCO Chair is looking to develop institutional agreements with partner universities, faculties and departments. These will in part showcase ongoing work on activism and protection, but will also leverage new initiatives and commitments. The University of York has signed the first of these MoUs.
Individual Members
The UNESCO Chair and HRD Hub network has more than 400 individual members. To join please email hrdhub@york.ac.uk
