Our story

Human Rights House Foundation envisions a world in which everyone can freely and safely promote and enjoy all human rights. 

We make a difference by: 

• Establishing and supporting Human Rights Houses to effectively address the human rights needs of their societies. 
• Connecting Human Rights Houses to build an international network for change and freedoms.  
• Working with partner organisations to advocate and fulfil rights that underpin independent civil societies.  
• Advancing the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and the right to be a human rights defender. 

Find out how we worked towards these goals in 2019.

Solidarity has never been more important

To stem the tide of illiberalism in Europe, democratic voices must unite and be heard.

Maria Dahle, Director, Human Rights House Foundation

“As human rights defenders around the world are under renewed attack for their vital work, we are reminded that ‘international solidarity is a precondition to human dignity, the basis of all human rights,’ as reflected by Rudi Muhammad Rizki, independent expert, in his 2010 report to the UN Human Rights Council. Certainly, solidarity has never been more important.”

“Over the last decade, Europe has been on a gradual march towards illiberal democracy, bringing a challenge unseen since the Cold War. Without a coordinated response, underpinned by the values which led to the creation of the Council of Europe in 1949, Europe faces the prospect of once again having islands of democratic values in a sea of illiberalism.”

Read Maria Dahle’s full foreword.

The numbers we celebrated

2019 was a monumental year for Human Rights House Foundation here are some of the numbers we celebrated:

• 1 New Human Rights House welcomed to the network.
• 27 Houses & their member organisations implemented joint projects via HRHF’s “House-to-House” fund.
• 290 Human Rights Defenders benefitted directly from HRHF and Human Rights Houses’ protection efforts.
• 7 international human rights mechanisms strengthened following HRHF advocacy, reporting, engagement, and direct communication with policymakers, mandate holders, and human rights bodies.

Top photo: Baia Pataraia (Human Rights House Tbilisi) photographed by Salome Sagaradze.