Introduting DeCiDE: "Boost Democratic Participation in Cities to Recharge Democracy in Europe"
The Human Rights Cities Network and the Global Parliament of Mayors proudly present the innovative DeCiDE project. Our two-year initiative involves municipalities and civil society organizations from selected cities co-creating human rights indicators and monitoring tools. Our aim is to enhance urban democracy and human rights practices in Europe, through community participation in human rights monitoring and knowledge sharing between cities’ networks.
“The DeCiDE project is a testament to our commitment to human rights at the local level. By co-producing a set of indicators and monitoring tools with local administrations and civil society representatives, we are placing people and their rights at the center of public policies and practices.” – Mayor Ricardo Rio GPM Chair & Mayor of Braga
Why DeCiDE?
In a rapidly changing political landscape, cities are at the forefront of tackling unique challenges. The DeCiDE project is driven by the belief that strong, inclusive urban governance is key to a thriving democracy. By prioritizing human rights, cities can not only solve pressing issues but also create vibrant, just communities where every voice is heard.
In 2024, many European mayors selected social inclusion and equity as a priority of the utmost importance. This shows the growing desire to put human rights at the center of local governance.
Our Objectives:
Support ten European cities to improve monitoring capacities of public service delivery with a participatory and inclusive approach;
Strengthen cities and local civil society’s capacity to guarantee democratic participation and access to human rights through enhanced consultation mechanisms with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the design of public services;
Improve knowledge of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights through capacity building and exchange of experience to translate it into practices at local level, promoting solidarity among citizens and engaging transnational city networks in policy dialogue.
Project duration:
1 September 2025 – 31 August 2027
Scope:
10 cities across 10 European countries
How?
- Methodology Development: Co-create a participatory, inclusive monitoring system with 10 cities.
Training: Equip participating cities with the skills to implement the monitoring system.
Implementation: Roll out the monitoring system across all cities
Best Practices: Standardize and share successful approaches among cities.
Policy Dialogue: Facilitate discussions with citizens, EU institutions, and policymakers.
Raise Awareness: Host high-level discussions to promote the monitoring system.
DeCiDE is more than a project—it’s a call to action. It reflects our belief that cities have the power to reshape democracy and ensure human rights for all.
Project Summary available below:
YOUR CITY CAN STILL JOIN US!
Please reach out to our project coordinator: marshall.wanimo@humanrightscities.net
Project Activities:
WEBINAR – Protecting Civic Space in Cities: Local Challenges and Community Responses
12 October 2026 16.00 – 17.30 CET REGISTER HERE! The European Civic Forum’s Civic Space Report 2026 highlights the impact of democratic backsliding on civic participation and fundamental freedoms across Europe. While restrictions on civic space are often shaped by national and European political dynamics, their consequences are felt directly at the local level,
WEBINAR : “The European Democracy Shield and Local Democratic Resilience: Bridging Policy and Practice”
Date: 29 Sept 2026 Time: 16.00 – 17:15 CEST REGISTER HERE! Background Europe is witnessing a dangerous and unprecedented rollback of civic freedoms. Local authorities and civil society organisations are operating in a context marked by growing democratic challenges, including declining trust in institutions, civic space deterioration, political polarisation, and barriers to meaningful citizen participation.
WEBINAR – DeCiDE: Turning Evidence into Action
Cities are at the forefront of protecting human rights, promoting democratic participation, and translating EU values into concrete action at the local level. Across Europe, local governments and civil society organisations have increasingly recognised that ensuring effective human rights practices requires structured monitoring and reliable data. As a result, many human rights cities have invested
WEBINAR SERIES : CSO’s Consultation Mechanisms
Inspired by the release of European Civic Forum’s Civic Space Report 2026, followed by the launch of the Human Rights Cities Network’s (HRCN) Human Right Cities Compendium of Good Practices in Monitoring, our partnership is pleased to launch a webinar series on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Consultation Mechanisms ! Beyond examining the challenges facing
Compendium of Good Practices in Monitoring
BOOSTING DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN CITIES TO RECHARGE DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE Urban areas are central to addressing contemporary global challenges and revitalising democratic governance. Cities, the closest level of government to its inhabitants, play a decisive role in safeguarding fundamental rights, promoting inclusion and EU values, and ensuring equitable access to public services. To achieve
ACTNOW Mayorsʼ Conference in Cascais
Localising the European Democracy Shield The Human Rights Cities Network (HRCN) organised a panel discussion and interactive session at the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2026 in Cascais on 11 May 2026, in the context of the city becoming the 2026 European Capital of Democracy. Our panel “Building a Local Democracy Shield: Monitoring and Participation as
This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.