From 17 to 19 October 2025, HURIDOCS and the Association of Monitoring Equal Rights (AMER), in collaboration with Data4Change, hosted Beyond Pixels & Bytes in Ankara. This three-day immersive workshop brought together human rights defenders in Türkiye to explore how data and design can amplify their advocacy and communications efforts.
The event was an important milestone in the project carried out in partnership with HURIDOCS and AMER, supporting Turkish civil society. Funded by the European Commission, the project has provided sub-grants and technical support to three clusters of Turkish civil society organisations: the Human Rights School – Union Rights Monitoring Network, Hayat Sende and the Youth Re-Autonomy Association.
Over the past 11 months, the participants have been conducting field research while receiving training from the HURIDOCS team on data modelling, documentation and the use of Uwazi to manage their data. The Human Rights School focused on labour rights, Hayat Sende documented data on youth under state protection and access to work, while the Youth Re-Autonomy Association centred on the education of imprisoned children.
The Beyond Pixels & Bytes workshop built on this foundation, creating a space for participants to reflect on how the data they have gathered can be translated into stories that inform, engage and inspire action.
Data, design & storytelling
Over three days, the clusters explored how data and design can work together to strengthen human rights. The sessions combined practical exercises and group reflections, encouraging participants to look at data not just as information, but as a way to better understand and communicate the realities they work to change.
Working in small groups, participants experimented with simple digital tools such as Canva to design and prototype a landing page. Supported by Michael Brenner, Head of Creative at Data4Change, and Tommaso Renzini, Head of Design at Accurat, they tested ways to reshare their research more effectively and connect it with the audiences they aim to reach. Each group left the workshop with a draft version of their campaign.
“When I used to think of data, I thought it was boring, but now with the learnings, I realise its potential. This has been one of the best workshops I’ve ever been to.” – The Human Rights School.
Next steps
In the coming weeks, the groups will continue meeting online with Michael, Tommaso and the HURIDOCS and AMER teams to finalise their campaign pages and refine how they present their findings. At the same time, the clusters are preparing their policy recommendation reports that will be presented at the Policy Dialogue Forum 2025 in Ankara on 3 December 2025. This space will bring together civil society organisations, academics, policymakers and local government representatives to discuss their research, specific policy recommendations, and the steps necessary to improve and strengthen the economic, social and cultural rights in the country.