We work in solidarity with defenders to achieve freedom, dignity, equality and justice, and partner with them to strengthen human right laws and systems.
About us
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.
On 22 June 2026, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs adopted the 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules', granting the Indian government sweeping new powers to police the activities, operation, management and leadership of non-governmental organisations receiving foreign funding.
ISHR is deeply concerned by the deteriorating health of Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 8 June while detained in Kénitra prison, in Morocco.
While they acknowledged the interlinkages between human rights, peace and security, and the importance of adequate and sustainable financing of the Human Rights Council, UN Member States decided to maintain the Council’s position as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly.
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!
'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.'
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 defenders work toward enhanced respect, dignity, equality and a world free from violence and discrimination for their communities, for everyone!
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 environmental rights defenders work against the clock to address the climate crisis and help us all live on a healthy, sustainable planet.
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.
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.
Number of people accessing information and support through the ISHR Academy in 2024.
Number of human rights defenders to whom ISHR provided training or advocacy support in 2025.
Percentage of recommendations made by ISHR and taken up by States in the Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
© Lorena Rossi
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