Human Rights First was founded in 1978 as the Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights to promote laws and policies that advance universal rights and freedoms. We exist to protect and defend the dignity of each individual through respect for human rights and the rule of law.

We fight for equality and for freedom of thought, expression, and religion;

We support people who struggle to promote these principles within their own societies;

We work to hold accountable under the law those who violate these principles;

We strive to ensure the security of individuals and to protect against the arbitrary exercise of state power;

We confront human rights challenges with strategic responses that do not compromise our integrity;

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We are committed to building a global movement of people who share these principles.

Within our organization we value learning, mutual respect, collaboration, and a diversity of viewpoints. We set ambitious goals, achieve measurable results, and make a difference in people’s lives.

Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C. To maintain our independence, we accept no government funding.