The UK’s first Human Rights City- how is York faring?

Tues 4 April 2023

The UK’s first Human Rights City – how is York faring? with Stephen Pittam

In 2017 York became the UK’s first Human Rights City, by signing a
declaration which states that it will “embrace a vision of a vibrant,
diverse, fair and safe community built on the foundations of universal
human rights…” this work builds on “York’s … history of democratic
innovation, philanthropy and an international outlook, all of which have
shaped its commitment to social justice.”

“This declaration marks an ambition. A significant point in a journey, not
a final destination. As the UK’s first Human Rights City we are
committed to making our vision real, putting fundamental rights at the
heart of our policies, hopes and dreams for the future.”

The vision is shared by citizens and institutions in the city, including the
City Council, North Yorkshire Police, voluntary organisations and faith
communities. The approach seeks to use human rights to address local,
everyday priorities selected by local residents.

Find out how they are getting on.

About our speaker: Stephen Pittam
Stephen was the Trust Secretary of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable
Trust (JRCT) from 2001-2012.  He joined JRCT in 1986 and during his
progression to the Trust Secretary position, he held responsibility for the
foundation’s programmes on racial justice, democracy, human rights and
corporate accountability in the UK, and on peacebuilding in Ireland.

On his retirement in 2012 he joined several Boards including those of
the Global Greengrants Fund, the Global Fund for Community
Foundations and the Environmental Funders Network. In the UK he is a
Trustee of the British Institute of Human Rights.

Locally, Stephen chairs the York Human Rights City Network Steering
Group, is a Trustee of the York Travellers Trust and he is on the
advisory committee of the Centre for Applied Human Rights at York
University. He is a Quaker and a member of New Earswick Quaker
Meeting.

7.30pm in the Denham Room of the Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York.