December 10th and 11th, cities worldwide are stepping up to champion human rights in an era increasingly defined by digital technologies. Protecting and promoting human rights at the local level is essential for building resilience, bridging inequalities, and ensuring equitable access to public services in both physical and digital spaces.

Digital technologies have proven to be transformative tools for local and regional governments, enabling the delivery of more accessible and effective public services. However, the promise of digitalization and smart city innovations can only be fully realized when they are people-centered, ethically governed, and focused on bridging the socioeconomic and digital divides.

A Global Call to Action

To address these pressing issues, the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, a global network of over 60 cities and international organizations, has launched the inaugural International Digital Rights Days (IDRD) on December 10th and 11th, 2024.

This initiative is a global celebration of human rights defenders and local governments working to remind everyone that digital rights are human rights. For the first time, cities are coming together to turn dialogue into action for a new era of ethical, inclusive, and human-centered digital advocacy.

Why Digital Rights Matter

In today’s interconnected world, digital rights are essential to safeguarding privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. They empower individuals to:

• Access and use digital platforms and content equitably,

• Participate in online communities safely and without discrimination,

• Share ideas without fear of undue censorship or surveillance.

To name only a few…

Protecting these rights is not just a technical imperative—it is a social one. It ensures that everyone can engage meaningfully in the digital world and that technology becomes a force for inclusion, equity, and empowerment.

A Global Movement in Action

This first edition of IDRD features the participation of 50+ cities and partners worldwide, organizing 20+ events, including:

• Workshops and conferences to foster knowledge-sharing,
• Hackathons to spark innovation,
• Youth dialogues to engage the next generation,
• Exhibitions and podcasts to raise awareness,
• Social media campaigns to amplify the message.

Join Us

We invite cities, organizations, and human rights defenders to be part of this movement. Let’s work together to ensure that digital technologies enhance the quality of life for people everywhere—creating more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities.

For more information about the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights or how to get involved, do not hesitate to contact us

Download the Press Release below

Press Release of the International Digital Rights Days