General Info

Human Rights First is a nonprofit group that works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. The organization supports human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and the world. HRF partners with a number of activists and offers them provide support and assistance at the national and international levels. To advance this support, it uses its longstanding access to and ability to mobilize an elite group of influential people in the United States, including government officials and diplomats, academics, corporate leaders and U.N. officials. When Human Rights First was founded one of its programs was devoted to helping win asylum in the United States for those fleeing political and religious persecution in their home countries. The organization was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in New York. Its activities are supported by private contributions and it does not accept government funds.