Participate in the Human Rights Café new edition: Voices from the Peripheries

The Human Rights Café returns in 2026 with a new edition dedicated to discussing the state of human rights and democracy in Europe’s peripheral regions. This year’s theme, “Voices from the Peripheries”, invites participants to reflect on how geographical, social and political distance from central hubs can influence whose voices are heard and whose remain overlooked.

The Human Rights Café initiative brings together participants from several Arqus member universities. It creates an informal and safe space for open dialogue on human rights, encouraging students, researchers, professionals and members of the wider community to engage in meaningful discussions beyond the traditional academic setting.

The aim of the Human Rights Café is to involve people both inside and outside the university community in open and respectful conversations about human rights. Participants are invited to share their views and experiences freely, guided by a few core principles such as mutual respect for different opinions and backgrounds.

This year’s edition focuses on the idea of peripheries, as many of the universities involved in the project are located in cities that are not political or economic capitals. These contexts often present specific challenges and perspectives related to human rights and democratic participation, which participants will explore together during the discussions.

Participants are encouraged to grab a coffee or tea and join the conversation, sharing perspectives and contributing to discussions about human rights and democracy in contemporary Europe.

Join the discussion or get involved as a volunteer!

The Human Rights Café welcomes students, academics, professionals and anyone interested in human rights discussions, regardless of their background or level of expertise.

Those who would like to take part in the conversations are invited to register for the events, while anyone who finds the topic particularly engaging is also welcome to get involved as a volunteer and support the organisation of the initiative.

Make a note of the dates!

The Human Rights Café 2026 will take place at the different Arqus partner universities between March and April:

• 18 March – Padua, 14:30–18:00
  Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani “Antonio Papisca”, Via Beato Pellegrino 28

• 23 March – Graz, 15:00–18:30
  SZ 15.21, 2nd Floor, Tract A, Rewi Universität Graz, Universitätsstraße 15

• 24 March – Braga, 15:00–18:30
  Building 2, Room 2.06, R. da Universidade

• 25 March – Granada, 17:30–20:30
  Espacio V Centenario UGR, Av. de Madrid s/n.

• 1 April – Lyon, 14:30–18:00
  BU Sciences la Doua, Domaine de la Doua, 20 Av. Gaston Berger, Villeurbanne

• 10 April – Leipzig, 15:00–18:30
  Raum 5.30, Juristenfakultät, Burgstraße 21

• 10 April – Wrocław, 13:30–17:00
  Room 110, Budynek 2/3 Kampus WNS UWr, Koszarowa 3

About the Arqus Student Co-designed Projects

Arqus Student co-designed projects are innovative and collaborative initiatives that promote cultural exchange and the integration of international students across the Arqus member universities.

The contest aimed the promotion of projects that will shape the Alliance educational environment and will enhance student engagement, consolidate the community and support students personal and professional development.

More information about the 2025 winning projects and previous editions here.