Empowering Young People to Stand Up for Human Rights

Across Europe, discrimination, hate speech, conflict, and growing social inequalities continue to threaten fundamental human rights. For many young people, these challenges are not distant political issues but realities that affect their opportunities, safety, and sense of belonging.

Understanding human rights is essential, but knowing how to defend them and take meaningful action is just as important.

From February 24 to March 4, 2026, ONDE will host “Rights in Action,” a 7-day Erasmus+ youth exchange in Lecce, Italy, bringing together 24 young people from Italy, Greece, Poland, and Slovakia to explore human rights, active citizenship, and the power of youth advocacy.

Through interactive workshops, debates, role-playing, and intercultural dialogue, participants will examine pressing human rights issues while developing practical skills to challenge discrimination, promote inclusion, and contribute to positive change in their communities.

The project aims to:

• Strengthen young people's understanding of human rights and their relevance to everyday life.

• Develop practical advocacy, communication, and critical thinking skills.

• Encourage active citizenship and participation in community decision-making.

• Foster empathy, solidarity, and respect for cultural diversity.

• Empower participants to create and lead human rights initiatives in their communities.

Inspired by the Council of Europe's Compass manual for human rights education, the exchange will emphasize experiential learning, collaboration, and the importance of turning knowledge into action.

“Rights in Action” is built on a simple principle: young people are not merely beneficiaries of human rights but essential voices in defending them. By equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to act, the project hopes to inspire a generation of informed, engaged citizens committed to building a more inclusive and equitable Europe.

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The "Rights in Action" youth exchange will take place February 24 to March 4, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. It is coordinated by Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union with support from Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù. This article reflects the views only of ONDE, and neither the European Union nor the Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.