FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE (FHRI) is an independent, non-governmental, non-partisan and not-for-profit human rights organization established in December 1991. It seeks to remove impediments to democratic development and meaningful enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the 1995 Uganda Constitution and other internationally recognized human rights instruments through enhancement of knowledge, respect and observance of human rights; and promotion of exchange of information and best practices through training, education, research, legislative advocacy and strategic partnerships in Uganda. FHRI addresses the entire range of human rights: civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights as defined in international human rights covenants.

Legal Status

FHRI is legally registered as a non-governmental human rights organization under the Non-Governmental Organizations Registration (Amendment Act) 2006. It is duly incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap.110 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 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 respect and observance of human rights practices and civic values, promote basic practices through training, education, research, advocacy, ICTs, and strategic partnerships.

Mandate

• To promote respect for human rights and civic values.
• To empower citizens with human rights knowledge and skills to demand and defend their rights.
• To advocate for a human-rights friendly policy and legislative framework that can foster respect for human dignity.

Objectives

1. To promote citizen awareness of basic human rights and duties guaranteed in the Ugandan Constitution and lnternational human rights instruments.
2. To undertake research, monitoring and documentation of human rights practices.
3. To promote good governance, respect for the rule of law, democracy and legal protection of human rights.
4. To promote best practices in the administration of justice in Uganda.
5. To enhance the capacity of democratic structures with knowledge on legal rights, procedures, remedies and civic obligations.
6. To promote access to justice through public interest litigation and legal aid services
7. To promote solidarity and partnership building with and among similar institutions, government, communities and individuals on a national, regional and International level.
8. To build a strong and sustainable human rights organization.

Core Values

1. Equal opportunity
2. Result-oriented
3. Team work
4. Excellence
5. Timeliness