ISHR fundraising appeal donor board
A big thanks to everyone who is getting behind our fundraising appeal and investing in a better world by supporting human rights defenders!
i
2025 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP) participants and ISHR staff in front of the UN building in Geneva ©Ben Buckland for ISHR
Fight back with human rights defenders! Protect the international system that protects us all.
DonateWith human rights defenders, we work for a world that is more just, equal and sustainable for all.
About us
We support human rights defenders. Here’s how.
Through our programmes, we support and act in solidarity with human rights defenders, contributing to a world that is fair, just and peaceful, in which all people can live free and equal, in communities that are diverse and inclusive.
Latest updates
UN experts warn of surge in transnational repression targeting defenders from China and Southeast Asia
UN experts report a sharp rise in transnational repression linked to China and several Southeast Asian States, documenting at least 150 defenders, dissidents, members of marginalised groups, and family members targeted by violence, refoulement, legal harassment, and intimidation.
Efficiency must not mean doing less: Civil society’s call to safeguard the Human Rights Council
A coalition of 25 civil society organisations urges the Human Rights Council to pursue long-term, well-resourced reforms that strengthen—rather than shrink—its ability to respond to human rights crises.
Helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN
ISHR Academy is ISHR's e-learning space, helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN for greater impact on the ground. Our learning modules demystify the UN human rights system and build capacity to push for change. Discover new tools, insider tips, defender stories, and more!
Human rights defenders' stories
'A desirable future would be a country full of peace and prosperity, where all genders would have access to their basic rights and to justice.'
Our priorities
Women's rights
Women human rights defenders have historically been at the forefront of human rights progress relating to gender and equality, creating and implementing campaigns for change.
LGBTQI+ rights
LGBTQI+ rights defenders work toward enhanced respect, dignity, equality and a world free from violence and discrimination for their communities, for everyone!
Business and human rights
Responsible business should support human rights and people who defend them. Companies can take concrete actions to protect defenders and the 'shared space' in which both operate!
Land, climate and environment
Land, climate and environmental rights defenders work against the clock to address the climate crisis and help us all live on a healthy, sustainable planet.
Where we work
ISHR has permanent offices in Geneva and New York, enabling us to build and leverage our distinctive expertise and networks at the UN and among key diplomats for the benefit of defenders. ISHR establishes presences in strategic locations from time-to-time as is appropriate and necessary to best enable achievement of our goals. As is the case with our office in Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, such presences may include the co-location or secondment of ISHR staff with key national and regional human rights defender organisations or networks or the relocation of staff to provide enhanced access to key decision-makers.
Our impact
We support defenders, strengthen laws and systems for their protection and contribute to a safe and enabling environment for them at the national, regional and international levels.
-
18185
Number of people accessing information and support through the ISHR Academy in 2024.
-
1163
Number of human rights defenders to whom ISHR provided training or advocacy support in 2024.
-
73%
Percentage of recommendations made by ISHR and taken up by States in the Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
i
© Lorena Rossi
Stay in the loop!
Would you like to be informed of future campaigns, events, news, updates on our work, invitations and appeals? Please enter your email address below!