INTERIGHTS defends and promotes human rights and freedoms worldwide through the use of international and comparative law. We achieve this through a range of activities designed to strengthen human rights jurisprudence and obtain redress for people whose rights have been violated.
We provide expertise and advice on human rights litigation regarding issues of particular international, regional or national importance. In cases where important principles are at stake we may act as co-representative, a ‘friend of the court’ (amicus curiae) or adviser to counsel.
We work with local lawyers, judges and NGOs, strengthening their capacity to defend human rights effectively at both national and international fora. We do so through tailored training programmes including practical case-focused ‘litigation surgeries’, internship programmes and the development of litigation partnerships.
Access to relevant, accurate legal information is a vital complement to this work and consequently we produce and disseminate a range of publications, keeping lawyers, judges and NGOs abreast of developments in human rights law which affect their work.
We support efforts to develop international and regional human rights standards, often through support for developing human rights institutions, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the recently established African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the European Court of Human Rights.
Through our mutually supportive regional and thematic programmes we are uniquely placed to bring an international and comparative law perspective to our work with partners. Our regional programmes focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, the Commonwealth, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and South Asia. Our thematic areas of work – Economic and Social Rights, Equality and Security and the Rule of Law – are priority issues across all of the regional programmes, and where appropriate, beyond.
INTERIGHTS holds consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council, the Council of Europe and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is accredited with the Commonwealth Secretariat and is authorised to present collective complaints under the European Social Charter.
We work with a Legal Research Panel which provides us with high quality research to support our innovative and ever increasing litigation work and related activities.
Related links
INTERIGHTS Business Plan 2011-2016
October 2007: INTERIGHTS celebrates 25 years of protecting human rights
INTERIGHTS Annual Review 2006/7
