Foundation for Integrated Research and Development -FIRD

We believe that all countries need a strong civil society that scrutinizes those in power in order to continue to develop in a positive direction. People who defend the rights of others are often persecuted themselves. Police, military or public officials, threaten, harass, jail, ill-treat them – or worse. Many human rights defenders risk their lives in the course of their work. That is why we combine our human rights work with the empowerment of our partners. We primarily use the following three working methods:

a) Providing support to human rights defenders:

We use our network of human rights defenders to empower our partner organizations and networks. We seek to draw attention to the situation of human rights defenders where we work. We support them with training, resources and expertise to protect the space in which they act and strengthen their performance.

b) Monitoring and accountability:

Together with our partners, we scrutinize the state authorities and demand accountability when the legislation, or the way it is applied, is in conflict with the civil and political rights. We pursue legal proceedings against the state and those in power that violate human rights.

c) Lobbying and advocacy:

We conduct lobbying and advocacy work aimed at state and national decision makers. In conflict-torn and oppressive areas, we reach out with independent information to people through alternative media to encourage discussion and debate.