From 27 to 29 May 2024, HRJust partners gathered in Sweden for three days of workshops and meetings co-hosted by University of Gothenburg, Stockholm University, and University of Helsinki. The meetings brought together researchers and partners to strengthen collaboration and exchange perspectives across work packages.

The programme began on 27 May with Work Package 5, hosted by Stockholm University, which focuses on migration-related research. The workshop, held in Knivsta outside Stockholm, gathered partners from Taiwan, Ukraine, India, and Sweden for a full day of discussions and internal coordination.

On 28 May, an externally oriented workshop organized by the University of Gothenburg and hosted by the law firm Wallin & Partners in Stockholm brought together HRJust researchers from Ukraine, Taiwan, Sweden, and Finland with invited speakers and participants from Sweden and the United Kingdom. Contributors included representatives from Leeds Law School, BRIS, Humana AB, Malmö University, Swedish National Human Rights Institute, Civil Rights Defenders, Fridh Advokatbyrå, and International Youth Think Tank, representing civil society, public authorities, and private actors.

The workshop initiated discussions on developing a shared understanding of ongoing shifts in democracy and policy related to states’ use of human rights justifications, and explored the role of civil society engagement in supporting democratic renewal.

The workshop series concluded on 29 May with a meeting hosted by the University of Helsinki, focusing on strengthening synergies between work packages and incorporating insights gained from the external workshop discussions.

The three days provided an important opportunity for collaboration, reflection, and exchange across the HRJust network, and the project extends its thanks to all partners and participants who contributed to making the workshops productive and successful.