Human Rights And Forest Brain Africa (Hurifba)

Hurifba (Human Rights and Forest Brain Africa) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with the mission to promote human rights, environmental protection, sustainable development, and community well-being across Cameroon and the wider African region. Established in response to the urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges affecting vulnerable populations, Hurifba has grown over the past decades into a respected, multidisciplinary organization with both national and international engagement.

History and Vision

Hurifba was created to address critical gaps in social inclusion, disability support, environmental degradation, and access to essential services such as water, health, and education. From its origins as a grassroots initiative, the organization has evolved into a fully structured NGO recognized for its commitment to rights-based development and community empowerment.

Hurifba holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is accredited to the UNCCD, serves as an observer to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and has recently been granted observer status by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR/CADHP)—a recognition of its long-standing engagement in the promotion and protection of human rights across Africa.

The organization is also affiliated with Inclusion International, Rotary International, and Global Affairs Canada.

Mission and Objectives:

Hurifba’s mission is to defend human rights, protect the environment, promote equitable social development, and support vulnerable groups through advocacy, capacity building, service delivery, and community-based initiatives. Its core objectives include:

1) Advancing human rights and gender equality.

2) Supporting persons with disabilities through care, rehabilitation, and inclusion programs.

3) Promoting climate resilience, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection.

4) Improving access to clean water, sanitation, and health services.

5) Strengthening food security and rural livelihoods.

6) Supporting education, digital literacy, youth leadership, and community empowerment.

7) Combating modern slavery, trafficking, and all forms of violence.

Past and Current Activities:

Over the years, Hurifba has implemented numerous projects across Cameroon, including:

1) Construction of a reception, training, and rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities, addressing long-standing gaps in specialized care and inclusion.

2) Water access and borehole drilling projects to reduce waterborne diseases and improve community health.

3) Reforestation and environmental restoration programs, contributing to climate change mitigation and the preservation of key forest species.

4) Human rights advocacy campaigns, including on disability rights, HIV and disability, gender-based violence, and social justice.

5) Community health outreach, including hygiene promotion, maternal and child health support, and disease prevention.

6) Capacity-building workshops on governance, youth development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

7) Consultation and analysis for national development policies, including contributions to the Cameroon 2035 long-term vision, rural development strategy, poverty reduction strategies, and monitoring of the Paris Declaration commitments.

Hurifba regularly partners with local Rotary Clubs in District 9150, international NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies to strengthen impact and sustainability.

Future Projects and Strategic Direction:

Hurifba aims to scale its work in the coming years through:

1) Expanding its disability rehabilitation and training center to serve more beneficiaries.

2) Developing climate-smart agriculture and food sovereignty programs to strengthen rural resilience.

3) Extending community water and sanitation projects to underserved regions.

4) Implementing large-scale reforestation and biodiversity conservation initiatives, including the protection of endangered forest species.

5) Establishing new international partnerships to improve governance, monitoring and evaluation, and innovation in project delivery.

6) Strengthening digital inclusion, education access, and youth skills programs.

Hurifba remains committed to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. Its work is guided by strong governance, an experienced leadership team, and a vision of equitable and sustainable development for all communities.