Network of Human Rights Houses

Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) connects Human Rights Houses (HRHs) and their member organisations in an international Network of Human Rights Houses. The Network is a community that provides opportunities for building meaningful transnational connections and solidarity, transferring competencies, increasing protection, and promoting regional and thematic collaboration. United, the Network works to raise awareness and increase the impact on the human rights agenda nationally, regionally and internationally.

About the Network of Human Rights Houses

Today, the Network of Human Rights Houses unites 80 independent civil society organisations working to advance human rights across Eastern and Western Europe, the Balkans and the

Caucasus. The Network is made up of Human Rights Houses and their member organisations with HRHF as its Secretariat. We believe in the value of international connections between and among civil society to our vision.

While the political context in which civil society operates differs from one country to another, long-term partnerships and trust built over time allow Network members to unite around common issues and trends. The Network contributes to the resilience of individuals and organisations to withstand the difficulties they face and bounce back from adversities, conflicts, war, trauma and stress.

History of the Network of Human Rights Houses

The first Human Rights House was established at Urtegata 50, Oslo in 1989.

Following the success of the first Human Rights House which was established in Oslo in 1989, the Human Rights House concept was adopted by civil society in Poland and in Russia. In 1994, Human Rights House Oslo and the then-active Human Rights Houses in Moscow and Warsaw established the Network of Human Rights Houses.

During the establishment meeting in Oslo, the founding HRHs determined that the Network should focus on building the capacity of civil society, human rights education, and thematically on the rights to expression, association, and assembly – the fundamental rights that make it possible for human rights activists to do their work.

Since then, the Network has expanded its membership to include diverse and vibrant coalitions of civil society organisations active across Eastern and Western Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus.

Regional Network

On 19 March 2024, a new Regional Network of Human Rights Houses in Southeastern Europe was launched by Human Rights Houses Banja Luka, Belgrade, Zagreb and the Sarajevo Open Centre. The group also launched their first Regional Report on the situation of human rights defenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia.

The Regional Network in Southeastern Europe was launched as an initiative for the Human Rights Houses in the region to cooperate more closely, with EU integration as a golden thread.

Network meetings

Advocating for increased support for civil society, and marking 30 years of the Network of Human Rights Houses

From October 7-11, 2024, 15 human rights defenders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine gathered for a week of advocacy as a part of the Network of Human Rights Houses’ 30th anniversary celebrations. Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) and Network partners aimed to deepen engagement with Norwegian policymakers and raise awareness of critical human rights challenges across the region, emphasising the need for increased political and financial support from Norway for civil society. Read more here.

Since its establishment in 1994, the Network of Human Rights Houses met regularly to discuss key issues, common challenges, and the future of the Network. Read about past Network meetings below.