International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting and protecting human rights. 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, the organisation has made a major contribution to designing and building the global human rights system and to supporting and strengthening regional and international human rights movements.

ISHR’s 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.

The organisation carries its 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.

More on ISHR’s work here.