In November-December 2024, upon request of the Marist Secretariat of Solidarity and the  Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI), the CCIG delivered an online training session course to over 20 local human rights activists from the USA, Syria, and several countries of Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The training consisted of 4 modules focusing on: (i) The commitment of the United Nations to the respect of Human Rights, in particular through the Human Right Council; (ii) the United Nations Human Rights Treaty System, and in particular the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; (iii) the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the importance for the grassroot and civil society actors to engage with it; and (iv) How to draft a UPR submission.

Through this online training, participants assisted remotely to some UPR sessions and acquired familiarity with relevant UPR reports and recommendations. They learned how States’ compliance with international human rights recommendations can generate positive changes in domestic policies and a real impact on the lives of vulnerable populations who are most affected by human rights violations and discrimination. By sharing best practices and practical examples, they were encouraged to raise awareness on key human rights issues at the local level.