Our Mission
Human Rights First builds respect for human rights and the rule of law to help ensure the dignity to which everyone is entitled and to stem intolerance, tyranny, and violence.
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.
How We Work
We utilize creative coalition-building, insider advocacy, litigation, research and reporting, and public advocacy. We approach tough challenges in pragmatic, focused, and integrated ways. We draw on a range of powerful communications tools to expand our reach and increase our impact. These core methods are the signature of our success and the basis of our credibility.
Our Work with Retired Military Leaders»
Our Programs
Crimes Against Humanity»
We act to halt mass atrocities by compelling the international community to respond. We promote actions to resolve conflicts and protect people at risk; and we demand accountability for perpetrators of abuses, as well as those who enable them.
Fighting Discrimination»
We work to combat hate crimes—violence driven by antisemitic, anti-Muslim, anti-gay, and other forms of bias. We document trends and show governments in Europe, the Russian Federation, and North America how they can put the proper tools in place to take a firm stance against hate crime.
Human Rights Defenders»
We provide a lifeline for international human rights activists whose lives are at risk and we advocate on their behalf with U.S. policymakers, the public, and their governments. Through this work, we fight persecution and injustice and promote positive, lasting change from within societies in transformation.
Refugee Protection»
We safeguard the rights of refugees through direct legal services and advocacy by helping asylum seekers find safety in the United States and by advocating progressive reform of asylum policies and a comprehensive response to the Iraqi refugee crisis.
Law and Security»
We advocate fair legal policies that effectively respond to national security concerns and we oppose U.S. counterterrorism measures amounting to torture or unlawful detention. We work with retired military leaders, intelligence experts, and prosecutors to bring facts and a dose of reality to the debates surrounding torture, Guantánamo, detention, and other national security challenges.
Participate in Current Human Rights First Campaigns