As part of the Move 4 Human Rights program, over 45 students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Hogeschool Leiden explored human rights issues and security challenges in the Netherlands. Students from the minors Human Security, Racism and Discrimination, and The International Professional, brought diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to the challenges they examined.
Guided by Human Security Collective, students followed a participatory action research trajectory, engaging in hands-on research that allowed them to build critical analysis skills, collaborate with stakeholders, and create innovative solutions for complex social challenges.
Throughout the program, students participated in a variety of interactive workshops and activities designed to stimulate participatory and creative approaches to human security and human rights issues. These included mind-mapping exercises to identify key human rights challenges, speed-dating sessions and guest lectures with professionals from civil society organizations, and designing action research projects focused on the most pressing social issues.
Students explored a range of pressing issues including the housing crisis, civil servants' rights to demonstrate, nightlife safety, human sex trafficking, revitalization of rural areas, discrimination against Muslim students, among others. Their research led to the creation of impactful projects aimed at addressing these issues. These included informational pamphlets to educate civil servants about their rights to demonstrate, a podcast discussing disordered eating habits, and a safety scorecard for nightlife establishments. Other initiatives featured a video challenging misconceptions about homelessness, policy recommendations for the inclusion office at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and a cookbook with affordable, healthy eating tips.
The program culminated in a final celebratory presentation, where students had the opportunity to showcase their work to peers, faculty, and experts. In recognition of their participation, students received an MDT certificate for their involvement and achievements in the program.
Move 4 Human Rights is a maatschappelijk diensttijd (MDT) program funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. This initiative is a collaboration between human rights organizations, including Human Security Collective, Justice and Peace Netherlands, Stichting Our Bodies Our Voice, and Human Rights in the Picture, and educational institutions such as Erasmus University College, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and University of Twente. The program offers young people the opportunity to bridge theory and practice by engaging with critical issues surrounding human rights, social justice, and inclusivity.
