The CERV programme celebrates Human Rights Day 2024

The United Nations Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The theme for Human Rights Day 2024, “Our rights, our future, right now” shows how fundamental rights are essential for addressing challenges that affect people everywhere, every day. 

In line with the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme was created to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter on Fundamental Rights, recognising and defending the universality of human rights. Launched in 2021, CERV is the EU’s largest funding programme fostering fundamental rights promotion and protection in the EU. The CERV programme boasts a budget of 1.55 billion euros over a seven-year period. 

The CERV programme engages with a diverse array of beneficiaries through multiple calls for proposals, responding to pressing societal needs and different policy priorities in relation to fundamental rights, equality, and citizens’ engagement. The programme funds a broad range of public, private, non-profit, and profit-oriented organisations in the EU and associated countries, including national, regional, and local authorities, towns and municipalities, and public authorities. 

Projects supported by the CERV programme include:

• RISE and ERIACNET4EU: Fighting racism and discrimination of the Roma.
• SEE CHANGE: Empowering women’s organisations in Southern and Eastern Europe to combat gender-based violence.
• FutureUp: Unlocking the potential of young people to foster innovation and inclusivity.
• Catalyst of Change: Strengthening civil society to advocate for women’s rights, environmental justice, and anti-corruption.
• JUST EU and ME: Empowering youth to advocate for their social rights.
• RIGHTSCITIES: Promoting the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights at the local level.