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ASDO Launches Bold Push for Human Rights Cities Across the Balkans
In a major step toward advancing inclusive governance in the Western Balkans, the Albanian Sustainable Development Organization (ASDO) has launched the Balkan Human Rights Cities Initiative. Supported by The CIVICS Innovation Hub through the Civic Innovation Fund and implemented in partnership with the European Policy Institute (EPI) in North Macedonia and the Institute for Human Rights (IHR), the initiative is set to redefine how local governments engage with their citizens.
The project promotes a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to governance, equipping municipalities with practical tools to embed key principles such as participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment, and legality into public services and local decision-making processes.
“Our aim is to strengthen democratic values where they matter most—at the local level,” said ASDO representatives. “Municipalities are at the front line of people’s everyday lives. Empowering them with rights-based tools is essential for inclusive and resilient communities.”
A cornerstone of the initiative is the development of a Map of Challenges and Opportunities, based on data collected through tailored assessment surveys conducted in participating municipalities. The findings will serve as a baseline for future capacity-building and the design of local policies that reflect the real needs and rights of all citizens—particularly marginalized and underserved groups.
Beyond assessments and capacity-building, the initiative also fosters cross-border dialogue, connecting local governments, civil society actors, and policy experts to exchange best practices and champion the “Human Rights City” model across the region.
The Balkan Human Rights Cities Initiative builds on ASDO’s long-standing mission to advance local democracy and social justice through regional cooperation. With the support of The CIVICS Innovation Hub, the project aspires to spark a ripple effect of transformative change – starting from local communities and extending across borders.
