Introduction
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Founded in 1984, ISHR operates with a mission to support human rights defenders, strengthen human rights systems, and lead or participate in coalitions for human rights change. With offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York, USA, ISHR leverages its strategic locations to build and utilize its expertise and networks at the United Nations and among key diplomats, enhancing its advocacy and impact.
Historical Background
ISHR was established in 1984 to address the growing need for a dedicated organization that supports human rights defenders and advocates for stronger and more effective human rights laws and institutions. Over the years, ISHR has played a pivotal role in various human rights initiatives and has been instrumental in shaping international human rights policies and frameworks.
Significant milestones in ISHR’s history include:
- 1994: ISHR’s advocacy leads to the adoption of a landmark UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning reprisals against human rights defenders.
- 2011: ISHR leads civil society efforts to strengthen UN human rights treaty bodies, preventing their weakening and better connecting their work with victims and human rights defenders.
- 2013: ISHR’s advocacy results in the adoption of a Human Rights Council resolution calling on States to amend national laws to protect human rights defenders.
- 2015: ISHR spearheads the development of the San Jose Guidelines, a comprehensive policy to combat reprisals against human rights defenders.
Structure and Governance
ISHR is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the overall strategy and governance of the organization. The Board ensures that ISHR’s activities align with its mission and objectives. The day-to-day operations are managed by the Secretariat, led by an Executive Director. ISHR’s governance structure includes:
- Board of Directors: Provides strategic direction and oversight.
- Executive Director: Manages the organization’s operations and implements the Board’s decisions.
- Secretariat: Comprises staff members who carry out ISHR’s programs and initiatives.
Mission and Objectives
ISHR’s mission is to promote and protect human rights by supporting human rights defenders, strengthening human rights laws and systems, and leading or participating in coalitions for human rights change. The organization’s objectives include:
- Supporting Human Rights Defenders: Providing training, information, and strategic advice to human rights defenders to enhance their capacity and effectiveness.
- Strengthening Human Rights Systems: Advocating for stronger human rights laws and institutions at national and international levels.
- Promoting Accountability: Ensuring accountability for grave violations of human rights by States or non-State actors.
- Building Partnerships: Forming powerful partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to drive human rights change.
Key Initiatives and Programs
1. Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP)
The HRDAP is ISHR’s flagship training program designed to strengthen the advocacy skills of human rights defenders. Participants engage with UN Special Procedures, diplomats, and other stakeholders, deliver statements to the Human Rights Council, and meet with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The program aims to enhance the capacity of human rights defenders to effectively advocate for their causes at the international level.
2. Yogyakarta Principles
ISHR has been instrumental in developing and promoting the Yogyakarta Principles, which provide legal recognition and protection of LGBT rights worldwide. The principles address issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, and have been influential in shaping international human rights law.
3. Model National Law on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
ISHR spearheaded the development of a Model National Law on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, which has been endorsed by leading human rights lawyers and experts. The model law serves as a template for countries to develop their own laws to protect human rights defenders. ISHR successfully worked with partners in Côte d’Ivoire to enact the first such law in Africa.
4. Global Campaigns and Advocacy
ISHR engages in global campaigns and advocacy efforts to address pressing human rights issues. For example, ISHR has worked intensively with national civil society and international partners to establish accountability mechanisms for States responsible for gross human rights violations, such as Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Russia, and Venezuela. ISHR also played a key role in the campaign to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council following its aggression in Ukraine.
Achievements and Impact
ISHR has made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide:
- Strengthening Human Rights Mechanisms: ISHR’s advocacy has led to the adoption of important UN resolutions and policies that protect human rights defenders and strengthen human rights mechanisms.
- Supporting Human Rights Defenders: Through training and capacity-building programs, ISHR has empowered thousands of human rights defenders to effectively advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
- Promoting LGBT Rights: ISHR’s work on the Yogyakarta Principles has advanced the legal recognition and protection of LGBT rights globally.
- Developing Legal Frameworks: The Model National Law on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has been used as a template in various countries, contributing to the development of national laws that protect human rights defenders.
Challenges and Future Directions: Despite its successes, ISHR faces several challenges:
- Political Resistance: Advocacy for human rights often encounters resistance from governments and powerful interest groups.
- Resource Constraints: As a non-profit organization, ISHR relies on donations and grants, which can be unpredictable and insufficient to meet its needs.
- Security Risks: Human rights defenders supported by ISHR often face threats, intimidation, and violence.
Looking to the future,ISHR aims to:
- Expand Training Programs: Enhance its training and capacity-building programs to reach more human rights defenders worldwide.
- Strengthen Advocacy Efforts: Increase its advocacy work to address emerging human rights challenges and ensure greater accountability for human rights violations.
- Promote Inclusive Human Rights: Continue to advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, LGBT individuals, and indigenous communities.
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) has been a steadfast advocate for human rights for nearly four decades. Through its comprehensive programs and initiatives, ISHR has supported human rights defenders, strengthened human rights systems, and promoted accountability for human rights violations. Despite facing challenges, ISHR remains committed to its mission of promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. As the organization continues to adapt to new global realities, its work will remain crucial in the ongoing quest for justice, equality, and human dignity.