Who Are We
Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) is an independent, non-governmental, non-partisan, and not-for-profit human rights advocacy organization established in December 1991. FHRI seeks to remove impediments to democratic development and meaningful enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, and other internationally recognized human rights instruments. This is through the enhancement of knowledge, respect, and observance of human rights; as well as the promotion of the exchange of information and best practices through training, education, research, legislative advocacy, and strategic partnerships in Uganda.
Our unique holistic approach to human rights is inclusive of a programme that tackles civil and political as well as economic, social, and cultural rights; as is defined in the international human rights covenants.
Legal Status
FHRI is legally registered as a non-governmental human rights organization under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2016. (Act No 5 of 2016). It is duly incorporated under the Companies Act, No. 1 of 2012 as a body corporate and incorporated under the Trustees Incorporation Act, Cap.165, Laws of Uganda.
The organization has observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is a member of the World Coalition against the Death Penalty and is also affiliated to the International Federation of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH).
Vision
A human rights and civic culture as a foundation for peace, stability, democracy, social justice and sustainable development in Uganda.
Mission
To enhance the respect and observance of human rights, rule of law and civic values through training, education, research, advocacy, ICTs and strategic partnerships.
Mandate
- To promote respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
- To empower citizens with human rights knowledge and skills to demand and defend their rights.
- To advocate for a human rights responsive policy and legislative framework that can foster respect for human dignity.
Our Objectives
- To promote citizens’ awareness of basic human rights and duties guaranteed in the Ugandan Constitution and International human rights instruments.
- To undertake research, monitoring and documentation of human rights practices.
- To promote good governance, respect for the rule of law, democracy and legal protection of human rights
- To promote best practices in the administration of justice in Uganda
- To enhance the capacity of democratic structures with knowledge on legal rights, procedures, remedies and civic obligations.
- To promote access to justice through public interest litigation and legal aid services.
- To promote solidarity and partnership building with and among similar institutions, government, communities and individuals on a national, regional and international levels
- To build a strong and sustainable human rights organization.
Core Values
Governance Structure
FHRI is a membership organisation with an organisational structure that comprises the General Assembly, Trustees, Board of Directors, and the Secretariat.