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We work in solidarity with defenders to achieve freedom, dignity, equality and justice, and partner with them to strengthen human right laws and systems.
About us
We support human rights defenders. Here’s how.
Through our programmes, we support and act in solidarity with human rights defenders, contributing to a world that is fair, just and peaceful, in which all people can live free and equal, in communities that are diverse and inclusive.
Latest updates
Hong Kong and Macao: UN human rights chief raises concerns over harsh national security sentences
The UN Human Rights Office has raised concerns over harsh national security sentences against activists in Hong Kong and Macao. ISHR joins 39 other organisations in condemning Joshua Wong’s sentencing and calling for his immediate release.
US skipping mandatory review requires immediate response from UN Human Rights Council
Following the United States' refusal to attend its scheduled Universal Periodic Review and its unprecedented lack of cooperation throughout this process, States at the Human Rights Council must place the country under tighter scrutiny.
Helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN
ISHR Academy is ISHR's e-learning space, helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN for greater impact on the ground. Our learning modules demystify the UN human rights system and build capacity to push for change. Discover new tools, insider tips, defender stories, and more!
Human rights defenders' stories
'A desirable future would be a country full of peace and prosperity, where all genders would have access to their basic rights and to justice.'
Our priorities
Women's rights
Women human rights defenders have historically been at the forefront of human rights progress relating to gender and equality, creating and implementing campaigns for change.
LGBTQI+ rights
LGBTQI+ rights defenders work toward enhanced respect, dignity, equality and a world free from violence and discrimination for their communities, for everyone!
Business and human rights
Responsible business should support human rights and people who defend them. Companies can take concrete actions to protect defenders and the 'shared space' in which both operate!
Land, climate and environment
Land, climate and environmental rights defenders work against the clock to address the climate crisis and help us all live on a healthy, sustainable planet.
Where we work
ISHR has permanent offices in Geneva and New York, enabling us to build and leverage our distinctive expertise and networks at the UN and among key diplomats for the benefit of defenders. ISHR establishes presences in strategic locations from time-to-time as is appropriate and necessary to best enable achievement of our goals. As is the case with our office in Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, such presences may include the co-location or secondment of ISHR staff with key national and regional human rights defender organisations or networks or the relocation of staff to provide enhanced access to key decision-makers.
Our impact
We support defenders, strengthen laws and systems for their protection and contribute to a safe and enabling environment for them at the national, regional and international levels.
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16945
Number of people accessing information and support through the ISHR Academy in 2024.
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1318
Number of human rights defenders to whom ISHR provided training or advocacy support in 2025.
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73%
Percentage of recommendations made by ISHR and taken up by States in the Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
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© Lorena Rossi
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