In the past eight years the government of Russia has weakened, almost beyond recognition, most of the essential elements that underpin a healthy democracy.

Less well known is the extent to which has deliberately gone about stifling another essential pillar of a vibrant and successful democracy: independent nongovernmental organisations.  The main tool has been a 2006 law that gives the government agencies broad authority to regulate the activities of non-governmental organizations.

Russia is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has also ratified a number of other international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (fully) and the European Convention of Human Rights (with reservations). These international law instruments have to take precedence over national legislation.

At the same time Nordic countries have went long way to strengthen human rights in all levels and grown to a democratic region in widest meaning of this word. During this time Nordic countries have accumulate a lot of knowledge, skills and experience that can be very useful in strengthening human rights in Kaliningrad.  

Latvia is on its way to full compliance with human rights. Also Latvia have been on its way now for a while and gathering together best practice of Western Europe have made view on human rights that is more closer to mentality of Russia.

With help of this project and cross border co-operation we want to strengthen already active NGO in Kaliningrad to place greater weight of human rights. This project is focusing on the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills as well as creating network between partner organizations.

The main aim of the project is to promote the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in Kaliningrad in society and to advance the use of international law to ensure that their rights are respected and enforced.

The main target group is people with disabilities and their advocacy NGO’s who will benefit from the project the most. Indirect target group involves all local society in region of Kaliningrad.

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