Human Rights Advocacy & Protection

UCSJ envisions a world where human rights are universally respected and protected. By empowering local communities, fostering dialogue, and promoting collaborative advocacy, we aim to create a more just and inclusive society. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact on human rights and build a better future for all.

1. Empowering Grassroots Activists
   • We provide resources and mentorship, including comprehensive training programs, to equip grassroots activists with the tools they need to effectively advocate for human rights.
   • By partnering with local organizations, we address specific human rights issues within their communities, ensuring that our efforts are impactful and relevant.

[ongoing initiative] Together with the Ukrainian human rights and religious freedom NGOs, we set up a Religious Freedom Round Table in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 16, 2019. This Roundtable brings together representatives of confessions, NGOs, academicians and government officials of Ukraine to lower religious tensions and hopefully end acts of anti-Semitism and religious persecution.

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2. Raising Awareness
   • We engage with media, schools, and community centers to raise awareness about human rights issues.
   • Our initiatives promote a culture of respect and inclusivity, fostering a deeper understanding of human rights within the broader community.

[ongoing initiative] UCSJ is actively participating in the meetings of the International Religious Freedom Round Table, the horizontal grassroots platform which meets regularly where NGOs, individuals, and government officials from all faiths and none work together for freedom of conscience globally.  UCSJ participates in the launch of multi-faith initiatives and advocacy projects and brings an important Jewish view to the Round Table. In the past, the UCSJ actively participated in the Conference “Ukraine-Russia Conflict: The Religious Dimension,” called by the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), conference hosted Ukrainian religious leaders, scholars, and others to examine the religious aspect of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on religious freedom in the country.  Our participation in initiatives like the International Religious Freedom Roundtable showcases our role in networking and advocating for beneficial legislation. Through these platforms, we engage with policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society to promote religious freedom and combat intolerance.

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3. Peace-Building Dialogue
   • Recognizing the ongoing tensions and the long-term impact of the existing conflicts, we prioritize initiatives that promote peace-building dialogue between human rights defenders from both countries.
   • We organize regular workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate productive dialogues, bridging divides and building trust.
   • We support joint projects and exchange programs that address common challenges and promote cross-border cooperation.

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4. Collaborative Advocacy
   • We collaborate with organizations to advocate for human rights and demand to hold perpetrators accountable, promoting respect for human rights globally.
   • By fostering partnerships with law firms, their foundations, and legal groups, we secure funding and support for our initiatives.