Providing support & protection for HRDs
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) is an independent, non-profit NGO founded in 2011 that provides support and protection to human rights defenders (HRDs) in order to promote human rights, including but not limited to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Protection
To provide protection for human rights defenders, including journalists and Internet activists, and enhance their effectiveness online and offline.
Awareness
To raise awareness locally, regionally and internationally about issues pertaining to human rights defenders at risk.
Advocacy
To enable a safer environment for human rights defenders at risk, through advocacy at regional fora and via international mechanisms.
Networking
To facilitate networking and exchanges between human rights defenders, partner organisations and social movements.
Based on feedback from annual platforms and UN consultations with human rights defenders, we focus on 5 key themes:
1Protection Mechanisms
Protection mechanisms, with an increased focus on women HRDs (WHRDs), and responses to attacks on women’s rights
2Closure of Civic Space
Closure of Civic Space in the Gulf and wider Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region
3Journalists' Safety
Journalists’ Protection, Freedom of Expression & Impunity
4Rights and Technology
Technology and Human Rights, Defense of Digital Rights
5Business and Human Rights
The intersection between business operations and their impact on human rights
Connecting the Gulf Region to international communities
GCHR provides a bridge from the region to the international community by carrying out research, publishing reports and appeals in English and Arabic, providing emergency resources and capacity building training, organising consultations between W/HRDs and experts, carrying out campaigns and advocacy, including at the United Nations and in key Capitals, and coordinating joint actions and live and online human rights events with local partners and international allies. For our Theory of Change, please click: here
Where We Work
GCHR is based in Lebanon and documents the environment for human rights defenders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with an emphasis on the Gulf region and neighbouring countries, specifically Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. GCHR regularly issues urgent appeals about HRDs from other countries in the MENA region.
Our Vision
To have vibrant civic spaces in the Gulf region and neighbouring countries in which human rights are fully respected and human rights defenders, including journalists and Internet activists, can work free from oppression and fear.
Our Values
We believe in justice, equality, freedom, safety and solidarity.
1. Justice
We call for fairness in a just society where human rights are respected and impunity for human rights violations is overcome by holding all perpetrators accountable.
2. Equality
We respect everyone’s right to be treated equally in terms of rights, status and opportunities, regardless of any differences. We are guided by the principles of non-discrimination and gender equality.
3. Freedom
We believe that everyone should be free from any form of oppression and that voices of people who engage in peaceful protest must not be silenced.
4. Safety
We aim to establish safe spaces and maintain a secure environment for human rights defenders to ensure well-being, as well as physical and digital security.
5. Solidarity
We support a culture of trust and exchange among human rights defenders to build a stronger and more collaborative network throughout our region.
We Work With
Integrity
We are adamant about being credible and trustworthy. We are bound by impact-oriented processes and the highest ethical standards.
Independence
We do not take funds from governments in the countries in which we work, or any party that may compromise our values.
Cooperation
We cooperate with all local, regional and international partners through networking and complementary efforts to promote and protect human rights for all.
Learning
We include evaluation in all our activities, and survey the human rights defenders in our community to best assess their needs.