BIHR Human Rights Day Conference 2026
Human Rights in Action: Building Change Together
Wednesday 9 December | Leigh Day, London | 9.30am–3pm
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What is this event?
On the eve of Human Rights Day, BIHR is bringing together people from across civil society, public services, policy, law and communities to explore how the Human Rights Act can be used in practice to improve people's lives and create positive change.
The conference will move beyond talking about human rights in principle to focus on what they can make possible in everyday life. Through practical workshops, real-world examples, shared learning and discussion, we'll explore how the Human Rights Act can strengthen public services, shape policy and law, support advocacy and campaigning, and improve decision-making.
What will you get from the day?
The conference is designed to be practical, participatory, and focused on change. You'll hear how people and organisations are using the Human Rights Act in different settings, share learning with others, and explore how human rights can be put into practice more consistently.
By the end of the day, you will have:
Practical examples of how the Human Rights Act is being used to influence policy, improve public services, strengthen advocacy and support better decision-making.
Learning from across sectors about what is working, what can be challenging, and what helps turn human rights principles into practice.
New connections with people working across civil society, public services, policy, law and communities.
Ideas and renewed confidence to use the Human Rights Act as a tool for positive change in your own work and community.
Who is this conference for?
This conference is for people working across civil society who want to use the Human Rights Act to help create positive change in policy, public services, advocacy and everyday decision-making.
The event is designed to bring together those with different roles, experiences and perspectives from organisations across civil society, creating space to learn from one another and build connections across sectors.
Please note: this event is for people representing an organisation, civil society group or institution. It is not aimed at individuals or students; please check out other resources on our website, and you can sign up to our eNews to learn about other upcoming opportunities.
Programme
Morning
Following registration and networking, we'll open with a welcome from BIHR and Leigh Day, followed by our keynote conversation, Harnessing the Human Rights Act: From Lived Experience to Law-making. You'll then join one of three Human Rights in Action workshops:
A: Using the Human Rights Act for local and community change
B: Using the Human Rights Act for public services and systems change
C: Using the Human Rights Act for national law and policy change
Each workshop will explore how rights-based approaches are being used in practice, sharing learning, challenges and impact from organisations working to create change.
Afternoon
After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to explore impact stories, BIHR resources and contribute to our Human Rights Act message station before joining a facilitated participatory session, Building Change Together, drawing together the key themes and learning from across the day.
We'll then close with a cross-sector panel discussion, Where Next for Human Rights Implementation?, exploring what is needed to ensure the Human Rights Act continues to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
The event will conclude with a closing reflection and call to action on the eve of Human Rights Day.
Registration opens at 9.30am and the event will finish at 3.00pm. Refreshments and comfort breaks will be provided throughout the day.
Accessibility and practical information
We want the conference to be accessible and welcoming. You can tell us about any access or dietary requirements when you register. The venue has step-free access and accessible toilets, and a quiet/low stimulation room will be available.
Ready to join us?
Don't miss out. Register for BIHR's Human Rights Day 2026 conference.
Conference Partner:
