The "Vote Human Rights" Project
The Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights (LCHR), with support from the ENAR Foundation, has developed a powerful project that not only amplifies marginalised voices but also reshapes the political landscape in Lithuania. At the core of this initiative lies the "Vote Human Rights" project, a testament to the enduring potential of local activism. This endeavour, spanning from April to December 2024, aimed to bring the concerns of marginalised communities to the forefront of pre-election political debates.
Political engagement
The centrepiece of the initiative was the creation of a human rights questionnaire, carefully crafted to address pressing issues such as migration, anti-racism policies (creation of National Action Plan Against Racism), and hate speech. This questionnaire became a powerful tool for engaging politicians and voters alike.
The project's success hinged on its ability to unite diverse voices. A coalition of nine NGOs and two umbrella organisations, representing a total of 80 entities, came together with a shared vision. This collaboration exemplifies the strength that lies in solidarity, particularly when addressing issues of racial justice and human rights.
Impact and reach
The project's impact was profound and far-reaching:
78 political candidates, including high-profile figures like the former Speaker of the Parliament and former ministers, participated by answering the questionnaire.
The yrakarinkti.lt platform, which hosted the candidates' responses and allowed voters to compare their views with those of the politicians, was visited over 30,000 times.
A social media campaign reached more than 250,000 users, demonstrating the project's ability to engage a wide audience.
The road ahead
The success of this project has laid a strong foundation for future endeavours. The LCHR plans to utilise the existing IT infrastructure for elections, ensuring that the call to "vote human rights" continues to resonate across Lithuania.
In conclusion, this grassroots initiative shows the vital role that community-led projects play in advancing racial justice and human rights in Europe. It serves as an inspiration for activists and organisations across the continent, proving that local action can indeed lead to significant societal change.
