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About ISHR

About ISHR

The International Service for Human Rights is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting and protecting human rights. Founded in 1984, ISHR is currently based in Geneva (Switzerland) and New York (United States). 

Our mission is to support human rights defenders, strengthen human rights systems, as well as lead and participate in coalitions for human rights change. We believe that no matter who we are or where we come from, no matter the differences between cultures, as human beings, we all share the same humanity. We all wish to live in peace, be respected, be surrounded by our loved ones in a safe and fair environment, and with opportunities to lead our lives in dignity.

We want to make sure that as humanity advances, no one is left behind. To always speak out against injustices like racism, sexism, or the climate crisis and support people working on the frontlines with communities.

We carry out our mission by:

  • strengthening human rights defenders’ capacity,
  • strengthening human rights laws and systems at the national and international level, 
  • promoting accountability for grave violations of human rights by States or non-State actors, 
  • securing implementation of effective human rights mechanisms at the national level,
  • building powerful partnerships for change.

Our reach is global thanks to our network of human rights defenders, the diverse human rights fields we contribute to and our privileged connections with the United Nations and other important stakeholders. 

Read more about ISHR’s mission, activities, impact and vision in our Annual Reports and our Strategic Framework for 2021-2025.

Learn about the people who make ISHR!

Board

ISHR is governed by a Board of Directors which is responsible for the overall strategy and governance of the organisation.

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ISHR's staff strategy retreat group photo

Staff

Meet our staff members, the driving force behind ISHR's impact.

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Interns and Fellows

Meet the talented, passionate people who are gaining experience at ISHR - and who bring a whole fresh look into our activities!

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Latest updates

HRC48 | SOGIESC developments at the Human Rights Council

During the 48th session of the Human Rights Council, civil society expressed concern and condemnation about an anti LGBTI bill in Ghana, while the second joint government statement on the rights of intersex persons was delivered on behalf of 52 States​​.

Elections | Human Rights Council Pledging Event 2021

This week in an online event, 10 candidate States publicly spoke to an audience of around 200 people on their pledges as incoming Human Rights Council members for 2022 – 2024. They also faced questions on pressing human rights issues from both States and civil society organisations.

Annual Report | Supporting humanity's essential workers

It's difficult to encapsulate such a complex year in a word, but "interconnected" is one that comes to mind when reflecting on 2020. We are proud to have remained deeply interconnected with defenders and to have supported, protected and amplified their work at the national, regional and international levels. With them, the "essential workers" of our times, we strive for a 2021 full of freedom, equality, dignity and justice.

Phishing | Malicious emails and messages pretending to be from ISHR

The International Service for Human Rights is warning that phishing emails, camouflaged to appear as sent by an organisation called International Society for Human Rights and using the same acronym ISHR, are being disseminated with the goal of delivering malware and stealing information under the pretext of an invitation to an “International Human Right Conference on (Elimination Violence Against Women & Children, Human Trafficking and Child Abuse) Taking place from the 21st - 24th of JUNE 2021 in Massachusetts , Boston the United States and from the 27th - 30th of JUNE 2021 in Saint Louis, Senegal.

Explore our resources

Annual Report | Supporting humanity's essential workers

It's difficult to encapsulate such a complex year in a word, but "interconnected" is one that comes to mind when reflecting on 2020. We are proud to have remained deeply interconnected with defenders and to have supported, protected and amplified their work at the national, regional and international levels. With them, the "essential workers" of our times, we strive for a 2021 full of freedom, equality, dignity and justice.

Gratitude, impact and a new strategy

Here are some of the things we are most proud of; impacts that reflect and were made possible thanks to the creativity, solidarity and resilience of our partners, our staff and the human rights defenders we collectively serve.

Impact | Independent external review of ISHR

The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commissioned an external evaluation of nine international NGOs active in the human rights field, including ISHR. The evaluation report provides valuable insights in ISHR’s work and impact.

Annual Report | Supporting defenders, serving humanity

As we embark on a new decade, the world faces tremendous challenges, from climate change to COVID-19. There are plenty of reasons for anxiety and concern. But we see even more reasons for ambition and hope. We take hope from courageous human rights defenders across the world who continue their vital work to make human rights a reality for all of us. We are proud to serve them, with the solidarity and support of people like you.

Creating and maintaining civil society space: What works?

States, corporations, investors and the UN all have an interest and responsibility to ensure civil society actors are able to undertake their vital work in a safe and enabling environment, according to a major report by ISHR together with eleven national human rights organisations from around the world.