Residents are being invited to take part in a series of web programmes about human rights issues.

The events, announced by US Consul General Bob Settje, will bring together citizens and experts to discuss topics of global importance.

“Online audiences from around the world can join the discussion, debate policies and engage government and policy leaders, as well as continue the conversation online after each event by clicking on the hashtag #StateofRights on their favourite social media platform,” said a Consulate spokeswoman.

The first programme, Citizen Activism — Building Coalitions, will air on Tuesday between 10am and 11am and will focus on the development of diverse coalitions for legislative change.

The discussion will highlight the development of civil rights legislation in the US and participants will include Judy Heumann, special advisor for international disability rights at the US State Department; Barney Frank, a former US Representative for Massachusetts; Judy Woodruff, journalist and writer; and Wade Henderson, leadership conference on civil and human rights.

The second programme, Internet for Social Good, will be a three-part discussion on the role of the web in strengthening democracies, facilitating the exchange of ideas, growing economies, improving global health and fostering education.

The chat, on September 22 from 1-2pm, will conclude with an argument for an open and inclusive governance structure.

Those taking part include Tom Malinowski, of the bureau of democracy, human rights and labour at the US State Department, and Daniel Sepulveda, of the office of international communications and information policy at the US State Department.

The final event, Inclusive Growth: The Role of Civil Society in Labour, will focus on the role of civil society and the right to freedom of association in promoting broad-based economic growth.

A date and list of participants for this discussion will be announced soon. Updates will be available on the Consulate’s website, http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov