The 3rd World Forum on Human Rights took place at the International Convention Center of Nantes Métropole between the 30th of June and the 3rd of July 2008. It was organised by the permanent international Secretariat Human Rights and Local Governments, association by French Law (Law 1901).

The Forum of Nantes was created, from the start (in 2004), to support and develop the networks of actors involved in the protection, the respect and the implementation of Human Rights by strenghtening the solidarity between these  different actors (political leaders, ONG activists, academics and international experts, representatives of international organisations...). Therefore, it is necessary to keep exchanges direct and have free dialogue, on an equal footing : this is the reason why the World Forum on Human Rights existsç

In an era where disparities, intolerance and violence fail to stop increasing, human rights need promoting and protecting more than ever.  This protection is none other than a collective enterprise, that of the international community as a whole. Two editions of the World Forum on Human Rights have already been held, one in 2004 and the other in 2006.  The latest edition gathered together 1,200 participants and speakers, representing more than 70 different nationalities, at the Nantes Metropolis International Convention Centre.

Adopting the title, “From Major Principles to Local Action”, issues in the headlines concerning human rights were discussed by State and parliamentary officials, by representatives from towns and local governments worldwide, by members from international organizations, from the academic world and from the civil society.

Hence, the World Forum on Human Rights is deemed to become a much-awaited event by all those working in this field.