Prof. Sanjoy Roy
University of Delhi
Based on the provided search results, PROJECT ARTICLE 26 (Extension of Human Rights to Education) is an international initiative aimed at amending Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to redefine education as a progressive, high-quality, and universally accessible right. The project, celebrating its 10th anniversary (originated in 2015), is supported by approximately 100 trade unions from 45 countries, along with academic partners.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Changes should be:
- Quality Education as a Right
- Inclusion of Adults and Workers
- Democratic Participation
- Timeline and Future Action
Submission to the UN General Assembly to create a new, modern, and universally accepted Article 26 under long term goal.
The Global positioning of Article 26 should focus on strengthening international criminal law, ensuring non-discrimination, and promoting the rights of victims over the interests of state actors.
I believe that working together against international lawlessness and acts against humanity in today’s society requires a multi-layered, „whole-of-society“ approach that connects local actions with global, institutional, and legal frameworks. Also, effective collaboration involves strengthening accountability, enhancing transnational cooperation, and mobilizing civil society to protect human rights.
How to work together against international lawlessness and anti-humanity based on current strategies:
- Strengthen International Legal Frameworks and Accountability
- Support the International Criminal Court (ICC):Promote universal acceptance of the Rome Statute, which provides the legal basis for prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
- Develop Crimes Against Humanity Treaty:Support current initiatives to create a dedicated treaty on crimes against humanity, aimed at bridging gaps in existing international law, promoting the prevention of such crimes, and enhancing state obligations to prosecute or extradite perpetrators.
- Implement „Responsibility to Protect“ (R2P):Leverage this principle to mobilize international action when states fail to protect their populations from mass atrocities.
- Strengthen Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs):Advocate for enhanced cross-border cooperation for evidence sharing and the prosecution of transnational criminals, preventing safe havens for perpetrators.
- Empower Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
- Protect Activists:Ensure the safety of journalists, human rights defenders, and legal professionals who document abuses, as they are often targeted by repressive regimes.
- Support Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):Fund and support organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and local grassroots groups that monitor abuses and provide evidence to international bodies.
- Foster Transnational Networks:Encourage coalitions that combine efforts across borders to combat specific issues like trafficking, environmental crime, and corruption.
- Leverage Technology and Information Sharing
- Combat Digital Crime:Use advanced technological tools to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, online fraud, and digital misconduct that cross borders.
- Utilize Evidence Preservation:Use modern technology to securely collect and store evidence of human rights abuses, making it admissible in court.
- Improve Information Exchange:Utilize platforms like INTERPOL to speed up „Red Notices“ for fugitive offenders and share intelligence across agencies.
- Foster a Culture of Rights and Solidarity
- Promote Education:Integrate human rights education into curricula to foster a culture of dignity and equality from an early age.
- Engage in Advocacy:Organize public actions, such as protests, petitions, and campaigns, to raise awareness and pressure leaders to uphold international law.
- Promote Inclusivity and Diversity:Combat discrimination based on race, gender, and religion, which often fuels conflict.
- Practical Collaboration Examples (2026-2027 Focus)
- Joint Training and Exercises:Participate in international maritime seminars and cross-border law enforcement exercises (e.g., ‚Allies 2026‘ in Europe) to enhance interoperability.
- Regional Action Plans:Implement frameworks like the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combatting Transnational Crime, which involves engaging the private sector, media, and academia.
- Targeted Aid and Support:Use organizations like UNICEF to protect children and provide resources in conflict zones.
By combining these approaches, stakeholders can create a more resilient international system that protects human dignity and enforces the rule of law
