In September 2025, eighteen human rights defenders from ten countries visited Strasbourg as part of the Advocacy Training Programme, organised by Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) and co-funded by the Council of Europe (CoE) and the governments of Norway and Switzerland.
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Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) establishes and supports Human Rights Houses – coalitions of local independent civil society organisations working to advance human rights at home and abroad.
Today 80+ CSOs are united in the Network of Human Rights Houses, active across Eastern and Western Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus.
Together, we advocate for freedoms that underpin a strong and independent civil society and protect and empower human rights defenders.
Latest
Statements
December 16, 2025
Ongoing Russian violations in Ukraine challenge UN values and obstruct any chance of sustainable peace
At the UN, HRHF underscored Russia’s occupation of Crimea as marked by widespread abuses, eroding prospects for peace, reconciliation and global security. This statement was delivered during an interactive dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on his quarterly report on Ukraine.
Interviews
November 10, 2025
Serbia: “The government’s ‘expecting violence’ rhetoric is a clear warning sign… that they’re preparing to create it.”
Interviews
November 3, 2025
“Defending human rights in Russia is a lonely, exhausting, and often dangerous path. But some of us are still here—because someone has to be.”
We stand for
Human rights defenders
Human rights defenders work to improve societies and contribute to peace and democracy. Defenders are agents for positive change and development. They are key in protecting against human rights violations and in advancing universal human rights.