International Human Rights

A list of selected NGOs that work in the human rights area.

The Section for Non-Governmental Organizations – Sector for External Relations and Cooperation of UNESCO has entrusted the Union of International Associations with the creation and maintenance of a customized Database of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), foundations and similar partner institutions.

The NGO Branch of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) maintains a database of organizations in consultative status with the ECOSOC. As of April 2020, 5451 NGOs enjoy active consultative status with ECOSOC. To be eligible for consultative status, an NGO must have been in existence (officially recognized by a government) for at least two years, must have an established headquarters, a democratically-adopted constitution, authority to speak for its members, a representative structure, appropriate mechanisms of accountability and democratic and transparent decision-making processes. The basic resources of the organization must be derived mainly from contributions of the national affiliates or other components or from individual members.

Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.

Over the past 40 years, the APT has developed a unique global overview and expertise in all aspects of the prevention of torture. We support governments, justice systems, National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society to take effective actions to prevent torture and other ill-treatment.

CRIN is a creative think tank that produces new and dynamic perspectives on human rights issues, with a focus on children’s rights. We challenge the status quo because the norms that dictate children’s place in society need radical change. We press for rights - not charity - and campaign for a genuine shift in how governments and societies view and treat children. Through research, artwork and our vision for the future, we encourage people to think critically about the world.

Equipo Nizkor is an international organization working for the respect and promotion of human rights in different topics and areas. Our work includes the socialization of human rights information, the investigation of human rights abuses, the development of international human rights law, the preservation of memory and the fight against impunity.

Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. We believe American leadership is essential in the struggle for human rights so we press the U.S. government and private companies to respect human rights and the rule of law.

A resource where people and organizations can access current and reliable human rights information and resources that inspire education, advocacy and dialogue in Canada and beyond.

Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights.

The International Human Rights Law Group is a non-profit organization of human rights and legal professionals from over 20 countries engaged in advocacy, strategic human rights lawyering and training around the world. Our mission is to empower local advocates to expand the scope of human rights protections and to promote broad participation in building human rights standards and procedures at the national, regional and international levels. We provide direct technical support to local organizations over extended periods, emphasizing essential human rights skills including fact-finding and reporting, human rights advocacy and strategic lawyering at both the domestic and international levels. Drawing on our in-country presence, we bring the voices of local activists to the attention of the international human rights community to integrate those voices into foreign policy discussions and actions, particularly in the United States and at the United Nations.

OutRight Action International fights for the human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight works at the international, regional and national levels to research, document, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ people around the world.

An organization that works at the intersection of medicine, science, and law to secure human rights and justice. They investigate and document human rights violations, give voice to survivors and witnesses, and plant seeds of reconciliation by ensuring that perpetrators can be held accountable for their crimes. PHR uses the core disciplines – science, medicine, forensics, and public health – to inform their research and investigations and to strengthen the skills of frontline human rights defenders. They work closely with hundreds of partners around the world, using facts to wage effective advocacy and campaigning and providing critical scientific evidence so that survivors can seek justice.

Created in 1985, the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) is the main coalition of international non-governmental organizations (NGO) fighting against torture, summary executions, enforced disappearances and all other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Based in Geneva, OMCT’s International Secretariat provides personalized medical, legal and/or social assistance to hundreds of torture victims and ensures the daily dissemination of urgent interventions across the world, in order to protect individuals and to fight against impunity. Specific programmes allow it to provide support to specific categories of vulnerable people, such as women, children and human rights defenders. In the framework of its activities, OMCT also submits individual communications and alternative reports to the special mechanisms of the United Nations, and actively collaborates in the respect, development and strengthening of international norms for the protection of human rights.