News Item

Fundamental Rights Forum programme online and registrations open!

Participants holding a discussion at the 2018 Fundamental Rights Forum
Voglhuber © FRA, 2018
The registrations for the Fundamental Rights Forum 2021 are now open.

From 11 to 12 October 2021, this leading human rights event will take place in the Vienna City Hall and online.

It will bring together people from very diverse backgrounds – the thought leaders, decision makers, civil society, artists, businesses, young people, faith and non-confessional communities and many more.

Its outcomes will feed into major EU and global debates on human rights that will shape our future.

This year, the Forum will be a hybrid event - offering the best of in-person and online events. It will be broadcasted live from Vienna City Hall and five other European cities – Strasbourg, Geneva, Warsaw, Ljubljana and Oslo.

By giving online audiences across Europe and the world access to the atmosphere and energy of live debates, the Forum can inspire in ways that a purely virtual event just cannot.

The Forum will kick off on 11 October with the Human Rights Band, followed by sessions including leading human rights defenders: the High Patron of the Forum, Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen; António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General and Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice – to name just a few.

Renowned Mayors of Human Rights Cities across the EU will also join the Forum speaking up to what makes a human rights city today and how to implement it. On Day 2, they will launch the Human Rights Cities Framework of commitments.

During the two days, you will be able to follow over 140 different talks, workshops and debates on the six main themes:

  • A human rights oriented digital age
  • Fighting hate and discrimination
  • People on the move
  • Social rights are human rights
  • Strengthening human rights practice
  • Defending the rule of law and securing access to justice

An integral part of the Forum are performances by different artists, poets, musicians and comedians. The Forum will host dozens of live art performances, highlighting the unique connection between art and human rights.

Do you want to be part of the biggest human rights event in Europe this year?

Do you want to make a difference for the protection of human rights in the EU?

Then join the Forum! Browse the programme and register for your sessions now.