We want to encourage a different kind of conversation about human rights, a positive one: making sure that human rights relate to everyday concerns. We believe that in York human rights can provide protection and can be a tool for problem solving for everyone.

A Human Rights City is one that seeks to engage with people’s real concerns by using a human rights framework to address local, everyday priorities -such as the right to good quality education, housing, health and standard of living for all its residents, without discrimination.

In doing so, its vision is to integrate human rights into policy, practice and local life, highlighting positive stories as well as areas needing improvement.

Examples include the use of priority indicators and impact assessments, staff training, work in schools and wide-ranging public events.

All this requires commitment from key people and organisations, including political parties, local government and other statutory agencies like the police, and a wide range of civil society groups.