Institute for Human Rights (IHR)

Institute for Human Rights (IHR) is a non-profit association under Swiss law, based in Geneva (Rue Hoffmann 9, 1202 Geneva). Its current statutes were adopted on 3 July 2024, however the organization previously functioned in Georgia from 2014 till 2024, but it had to move to the political situation there where the rights to organise and undertake human rights work were curtailed. IHR's statutory purpose is to promote and defend fundamental human rights, with explicit emphasis on improving the security and protection of human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists. Its mandate spans civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights to life, self-determination, health, food, water and sanitation and adequate housing; the rights of women, children, migrants, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities; the rights of LGBTQ+ persons; transparency and access to information; human rights in the context of emerging technologies and the regulation of artificial intelligence; environmental health and climate change; and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Its primary activities are advocacy within international and inter-governmental organisations, in particular the Geneva-based United Nations human rights system; organising seminars and training for human rights defenders; providing logistical and administrative assistance to international institutions based in Geneva; producing public-interest media content on human rights; and convening debates and conferences on human rights and security questions. IHR is an NGO with ECOSOC consultative status.