Realizing Rights as a National Mission: The Laboratory That Will Change the Rules of the Game
Realizing rights is an essential component in building an egalitarian society and reducing social and economic gaps. When people do not realize the rights they are entitled to, the gaps widen, and society pays the price. Studies show that the failure to realize social rights leads to increased poverty, a deterioration in the quality of life, and a lack of trust in public institutions. The full realization of rights is not just an individual matter but a mechanism that strengthens the social and economic resilience of the entire country.
For years, the Joint has been working to promote the realization of rights on the ground, through the establishment of direct assistance mechanisms, the operation of emergency services, and the development of innovative solutions that make rights accessible to diverse populations. Now, we are adding a new and significant layer: the Rights Realization Lab, which will investigate existing barriers and develop additional policy tools and solutions to deal with the challenges on the ground.
Jointly led by the School of Social Work and Social Welfare at the Hebrew University and in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Health, we recently established the Rights Realization Laboratory.
The lab is an applied research center working to make social rights more accessible to all. The lab will engage in information accessibility, research, data analysis, and identification of systemic problems, and will offer recommendations for improving policies and innovative tools to assist in the realization of rights.
Using advanced technology, data, and applied research, the products will help decision-makers simplify bureaucratic processes, reduce barriers, and make important information accessible. In addition, they will accompany field organizations and professionals in developing practical tools, training, and peer learning – all to ensure that everyone can exercise their rights easily and effectively.
Rights Centers and Emergency Mobility Committee – The Laboratory as the Next Step
The laboratory is an integral part of our broader effort to promote the realization of rights. In recent years, we have developed and implemented significant systems designed to make rights accessible and simplify the realization processes. For example, together with the Ministry of Social Affairs, we are leading the development of the “Rights-Promoting City” program, which operates in local authorities and connects residents to the rights and services they are entitled to. During the war, we implemented an emergency mechanism, in which rights-exhaustion vehicles directly reached evacuated residents throughout the country and provided advice and support in realizing rights.
About a month ago, the lab’s launch conference was held at the university. Over 250 participants from government ministries, local authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector gathered to learn together about innovation in the realization of rights and to outline future directions for action in the field.
An Investment That Strengthens the Entire Society
The integration of applied research is an important step in the set of actions to promote the realization of rights in Israel. Now, the Rights Realization Laboratory is joining this activity and serving as an innovative research arm to promote policy, create collaborations, and improve existing tools.
Realizing rights is not just a personal matter – it is an integral part of the fight against poverty, reducing gaps, and strengthening trust in public institutions. Countries that invest in accessible systems for rights see a decrease in inequality and an improvement in social and economic indicators.
