The Human Rights Foundation promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies.

HRF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights and democracy globally. HRF works to promote freedom where it’s most at risk: in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes. 

We do this in three main ways: by supporting grassroots activists and providing them the resources, skills, and attention to make a difference in their countries; by popularizing the struggle for freedom and against dictatorship and bringing human rights into the mainstream of global public discussion; and by producing international legal reports, public letters, and op-eds that can influence institutions, policymakers, and the public in the direction of protecting individual rights in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes.

HRF promotes liberal democracy in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes. Liberal democratic values are best expressed through the rights outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is ratified by 173 countries and includes every human being’s…

• freedom of speech and expression
• the right to equal treatment and due process under law
• freedom from slavery and torture
• freedom of association
• the right to leave and enter their countries
• freedom from interference and coercion in matters of conscience
• the right to acquire and dispose of property
• freedom from arbitrary detainment or exile
• the right to worship in the manner of their choosing
• the right to participate in the government of their country

Like many other not-for-profit organizations, HRF relies primarily on the generous donations and support of individuals and foundations, who believe in our mission and care about the promotion of freedom and democracy across the globe.