2024 was a year of stark contrasts for the Network of Human Rights Houses and beyond: continuing armed conflict and the disregard for human life were met with the bravery, solidarity and unity of those opposing it; rising authoritarianism was met with the uprising of communities that speak up against it.

Maria Dahle, Director, Human Rights House Foundation

Our work in 2024

HRHF envisions a world in which everyone can freely and safely promote and enjoy all human rights.

HRHF recognises that lasting human rights change can be achieved when a strong and independent civil society is united in solidarity and able to freely contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad. Human Rights Houses (HRHs) are central to HRHF’s work empowering civil society and advancing its vision. In 2024, HRHF worked to achieve this vision through three strategic goals:

1. Strengthening Capacities of Human Rights Houses to advance human rights
2. Strengthening the Human Rights House Network and its impact
3. Strengthening the promotion and protection of rights that underpin independent civil society

Strengthening Capacities of Human Rights Houses (HRHs) to advance human rights

In 2024, Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) strengthened the Network of Human Rights Houses, enhancing members’ capacities to address existing and emerging challenges and trends. HRHF focused on sustainability through capacity-building as well as direct coaching and mentoring in key areas including; advocacy, communications, language skills, and sub-grant management. HRHF also launched its Good Governance of a Human Rights House guide, a living document providing insights into best practices for the Network and wider civil society. Thanks to the generous support of its donors, HRHF provided core and project sub-grants, empowering Houses and their members to serve as platforms for human rights work and respond to local needs.

Find out more in our 2024 Annual report 

Strengthening the Network of Human Rights Houses and its impact

HRHF connects HRHs and their member organisations in an international Network, enabling transnational connections, solidarity, competency transfer, protection, and collaboration to amplify human rights impact nationally, regionally, and internationally. In 1994, Human Rights House Oslo and Human Rights Houses in Moscow and Warsaw founded the Network of Human Rights Houses. Three decades later, we celebrated this milestone as the total number of organisations united in the Network rose to over 80. Human Rights Houses in Southeastern Europe joined forces with the Sarajevo Open Centre to establish a new Regional Network, enhancing cross-border collaboration. Throughout the year, HRHF worked alongside partners to strengthen the Network, amplify the voices of its members, and raise the alarm on emerging human rights challenges. HRHF thanks its donors for making this work possible.

Find out more in our 2024 Annual report 

Strengthening the promotion and protection of rights that underpin independent civil society

Thanks to the support of its donors in 2024, HRHF continued to empower and work alongside Human Rights Houses, their members and partners to defend fundamental freedoms and advocate for systemic change. HRHF responded, alongside partners, to political and human rights crises in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as trends like reprisals and rising authoritarianism, through international advocacy and institutional engagement. Together we called for action and accountability in response to deteriorating human rights situations, for increased support for human rights defenders, and for the release of our imprisoned colleagues. We advocated for the renewal and strengthening of key international mechanisms including the mandates of the UN Special Rapporteurs on Belarus and Russia to sustain bridges between the international community and civil society in both countries. HRHF and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee co-hosted a Human Rights Tour of the OSCE region, providing a platform for HRDs to share first-hand accounts of ongoing challenges.

Find out more in our 2024 Annual report