The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) is one of the leading human rights non-governmental organizations in Malawi. It was founded in February 1995 as a non-profit, apolitical, voluntary organization registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act of 1962. The organization was founded by former students exiles who returned home to the promises of a new democracy in 1994. The organization is authorized to provide its services anywhere in Malawi. Its registration under Incorporation Act 1962 provides the basis that defines the organization’s mandate and scope of work. Currently programmes are carried out in all the (3) three regions namely Southern, Central and Northern Regions.

In March 2003, CHRR conducted a comprehensive strategic review that included a re-examination of the organization’s vision and mission, its existing structures, systems and policies, as well as they ways in which it carried out its work. The review re-affirmed the continuing efficacy of the principles and ideals on which CHRR was founded.However, it also observed that there was need for a change in operational approaches if CHRR was to make an impact in its chosen field of activity. To this end, the review recommended a programmatic approach to activities, and called for a change from being project-driven, as had been the case hitherto to a programme approach. It also called for greater emphasis on community-based activities as well as the streamlining of gender in CHRR’s policies and programmes.The review further conducted a survey of the institution’s internal climate. In this context, it further called for, among others, the formulation of a clear policy on HIV/AIDS. The programme of activities for the three-year period 2003 to 2005 was also adopted. The strategic review also came up with reformulated CHRR vision, mission and also values that would guide the organization in its work.