ISHR has made a major contribution to designing and building the global human rights system and to supporting and strengthening national, regional and international human rights movements.
ISHR was established in 1984 to support human rights defenders and advocate for stronger and more effective human rights laws and institutions. Over the last 40 years, we have made a major contribution to designing and building the global human rights system and to supporting and strengthening regional and international human rights movements.
Our theory of change is founded on the fact that the work of defenders is essential to the promotion, protection and realisation of all human rights for all people. Based on extensive consultation, research and evidence, we theorise that:
If defenders can work safely at the national, regional and international levels,
And if defenders have the capacity, connections and support to organise and engage with international and regional mechanisms,
And if these mechanisms are accessible and responsive to defenders, and effective in promoting human rights and accountability for violations and abuses
Then, defenders will be able to work more effectively, collaboratively and influentially at the national, regional and international levels to ensure that all people enjoy all human rights.
Read here about our enduring global impact.
Read here about our Strategic Framework for 2021-2025 – a bold, ambitious and dynamic agenda
Read about ISHR's mission, activities, impact and vision in our Annual Reports.
Despite the challenging times, we continue to work towards effectively realising human rights for everyone, everywhere. Read our annual report!
Human rights and multilateralism are making a remarkable comeback. Discover why and how in our Annual Report!
2021 has been challenging from a human rights perspective, but it’s also been a year over which sparks have been lit on key issues which we must now nurture and ensure fires of progress that long burn bright.
It's difficult to encapsulate such a complex year in a word, but "interconnected" is one that comes to mind when reflecting on 2020.
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.
