Annual Human Rights Campaign

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About the Campaign

The Annual Human Rights Campaign is an international project of ELSA which aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of protecting human rights and
providing a platform for the voices of law students and young lawyers throughout Europe. This campaign brings together the entire ELSA Network to collaboratively create a unique forum focused on human rights. Throughout each academic year, members can participate in discussions regarding both national and international standards for the protection and enforcement of human rights.

The Annual Human Rights Campaign begins on the 1st August every year, lasting until the 31st July of next year, with a different focus topic each year selected by the International Council of ELSA.

The Current Topic

Human Rights and Criminal Justice

This year’s Annual Human Rights Campaign focuses on the critical intersection between Human Rights and Criminal Justice, highlighting how these two areas are deeply interconnected. The criminal justice system plays a vital role in safeguarding human rights by ensuring that justice is administered fairly and equitably. This year’s campaign will emphasise how the protection of human rights must be a priority at every stage of criminal justice—from the arrest and prosecution to the treatment of prisoners and the rehabilitation of offenders.

At the heart of the campaign is the understanding that criminal justice systems must work to uphold human dignity, prevent abuse, and ensure fairness for both victims and those accused of crimes. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) sets a global example by advocating for justice systems that address and prevent crime while maintaining security and protecting fundamental rights.

Interactive Event Map

Annual Human Rights Campaign events range from panels to social media activity, from moot courts to publications, from debates to school visits. There is something for everyone – so if you are interested in a particular event or just happen to find yourself nearby one of the map tacks – click on the event and find out more about it on the organising ELSA Group’s online outlet.

AHRC events are usually focused on law students and young lawyers, but are often open for anyone participate. Check relevant info.

 

Pay special attention to the 60 most impactful events highlighted on the map in red. These events receive special support in visibility materials from the Council of Europe for their participants.

Submit or Update an EventAHRC Event Submission Form

Don’t see your event on the map even though you specified it?

Send us an email here.

The initiative of ELSA Day

ELSA Day is a pivotal part of the Annual Human Rights Campaign, first introduced to the ELSA Network in 2012 and now a lasting tradition. Held annually on the last Wednesday of November, ELSA Day will take place this year on 27 November 2024.

The primary goal of ELSA Day is to showcase our collective commitment to human rights by offering legal education and creating opportunities for law students to become independent, critical thinkers who can contribute meaningfully to society. The event also aims to raise awareness of human dignity and promote cultural diversity, embodying ELSA’s motto in action.

Over the past twelve editions, the event has unified the ELSA Network, with more than 1,200 ELSA Day events having been organised, solidifying its role as a key platform for advancing human rights awareness across Europe.

Council of Europe - ELSA's Human Rights Partner

Council of Europe

The Council of Europe, established as the longest-standing European political organisation dedicated to protecting human rights, has continuously adapted to the evolving political and social landscape of Europe. One of its landmark achievements is the establishment of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which laid the foundation for the abolition of the death penalty across its Member States and the creation of independent monitoring mechanisms to assess human rights compliance. In addition, the Council has developed strategies and tools to promote human rights education. This collaboration is crucial to ELSA’s mission, as the Council of Europe’s expertise and ongoing efforts to guarantee human rights align perfectly with ELSA’s goals of fostering legal education promoting human rights across Europe.

Collaboration with ELSA

Since 2000, ELSA has closely collaborated with the Council of Europe, having been granted Participatory Status that year. This partnership was further solidified in 2008 with the signing of a Human Rights Partnership between the two organisations. Through this collaboration, ELSA members gain numerous opportunities for professional growth, with the most prominent examples being the joint organisation of the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition and the Council’s endorsement of the Annual Human Rights Campaign.

Support for the Campaign

The Council of Europe actively supports the Annual Human Rights Campaign by recognising and rewarding the Network’s engagement. One significant form of this support is through the provision of visibility materials, which enhance the impact and outreach of campaign events. Furthermore, those members and groups who show the highest levels of engagement in the campaign are eligible for additional benefits. This not only increases the visibility of the campaign but also encourages widespread participation in raising awareness about human rights across Europe, strengthening the ongoing partnership between ELSA and the Council of Europe.uman rights across Europe.

How to get involved

As a Participant

Please refer to the map above for the details and links for each event.

As an Organiser

National and Local Groups of ELSA can be Organisers. Please refer to the AHRC Outline, AHRC Supporting Materials, AHRC Specification Form, AHRC Evaluation Form and more on ELSA’s Officers’ Portal.

 

AHRC Competition – each spring, a National Group of ELSA is proclaimed the winner of that year’s Campaign based on the quality of their events. The Group is awarded a trophy, and the National Coordinator is granted a 4-8 week study visit at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Contact us

Vice President in charge of Academic Activities of the International Board of ELSA, academicactivities@elsa.org.

ELSA - The European Law Students' Association