As part of the Nordplus project "Human Rights Education – Addressing Emerging Global Challenges," BHRS, in collaboration with the Estonian Human Rights Centre and the Institute for Human Rights and Democracy Education in Lithuania, will develop two new themes for the Human Rights Guides in the Baltic states: New Digital Technologies and the Environment.

The new themes aim to help people better understand their human rights in relation to two key emerging challenges: the rapid advancement of new technologies and the increasing threats posed by climate change and environmental neglect. The themes entered the development stage in 2024, and will be published in Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian Human Rights Guides in 2025.

New Digital Technologies

This theme will explore how the rapid development of digital tools, while enhancing the enjoyment of human rights, also introduces significant risks. 

The theme of new digital technologies will explore the complex relationship between evolving technologies and the protection of human rights. It will provide an overview of how different technologies impact human rights, both positively and negatively, and outlines the responsibilities of states and businesses in ensuring human rights protections in a digital world. 

The theme will explain the rights and restrictions in these situations, outlining safeguards and providing guidance on how to appeal or challenge rights violations related to digital technologies.

Environment

The environmental theme will focus on the human rights challenges arising from climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation. It will highlight how vulnerable groups, such as the young, elderly, and economically disadvantaged, are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events and environmental hazards. This theme will also address the growing anxiety, especially among younger generations, regarding their lack of influence in environmental decision-making. 

The Guide will clarify the rights individuals have to demand protection of a healthy environment and how they can exercise their environmental rights, including accessing information, participating in decision-making, and seeking justice in environmental matters.

The development of the new themes under the project “Human rights education - addressing emerging global challenges” (NPAD-2024/10147) is financially supported by Nordplus Adult grant scheme from June 2024 until September 2025.