List of human rights organisations

List of organizations that promote and protect human rights

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List of human rights organisations refers to the various groups and entities around the world that are dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. These organizations operate at local, national, and international levels and work on a wide range of issues, including freedom of speech, gender equality, racial discrimination, and torture.

Types of Human Rights Organisations

Human rights organisations can be broadly categorized into several types based on their scope, focus, and operational methods:

International Organisations

These organisations operate across multiple countries and often have a global mandate. They work to influence international policies and provide support to local human rights groups. Examples include:

• Amnesty International - A global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. They campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
• Human Rights Watch - An international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) - An international human rights NGO federating 192 organizations from 117 countries.

Regional Organisations

These organisations focus on specific geographic areas and address human rights issues pertinent to those regions. Examples include:

• African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights - A quasi-judicial body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights and collective (peoples') rights throughout the African continent.
• European Court of Human Rights - An international court established by the European Convention on Human Rights.

National Organisations

These organisations operate within a single country and focus on national human rights issues. Examples include:

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - A non-profit organization in the United States whose stated mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States."
• Liberty (advocacy group) - A British civil liberties and human rights advocacy group.

Grassroots Organisations

These are often smaller, community-based groups that focus on specific local issues. They play a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities.

Functions of Human Rights Organisations

Human rights organisations perform a variety of functions, including:

• Advocacy and Lobbying: They advocate for policy changes and lobby governments and international bodies to uphold human rights standards.
• Research and Documentation: They conduct research to document human rights abuses and publish reports to raise awareness.
• Education and Training: They provide education and training to empower individuals and communities to understand and claim their rights.
• Legal Assistance: They offer legal support to victims of human rights violations and may engage in strategic litigation.

Challenges Faced by Human Rights Organisations

Human rights organisations often face significant challenges, including:

• Political Pressure: Governments may exert pressure on human rights organisations, especially those that criticize state policies.
• Funding Constraints: Many organisations struggle with limited financial resources, which can hinder their ability to operate effectively.
• Security Risks: Human rights defenders often face threats to their safety, including harassment, arrest, and violence.

Also see

• Human rights
• International human rights law
• Non-governmental organization
• Civil liberties