Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights was founded in 1989 by the members of the Helsinki Committee in Poland.Their mission is to promote the development of a culture based on the respect of freedom and human rights in Poland and abroad. Since 2007 they have a consultative status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights is a member of Human Rights House Foundation created by non-governmental organizations from Norway, the United Kingdom, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kenya and Uganda, among other countries. The HFHR is also a member of a Civic Solidarity Platform.