The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) is an independent, non-governmental, non-partisan and not-for-profit human rights advocacy 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.

Legal Status

FHRI is legally registered, as a non-governmental human rights organization under the Non-Governmental Organizations Registration Statute 1989. It is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. It is duly incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap.110 as a body corporate.

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. This is done through public education, capacity building efforts for the community leaders as well as strengthening collaboration with grass root structures, strategic partnerships, media campaigns, mass empowerment, research, monitoring, documentation and reporting; strategic litigation and legislative analysis, review and advocacy.

Vision

A strong and democratic human rights culture as a foundation for peace, stability, democracy, social justice and sustainable development in Uganda.

Mission

To enhance knowledge, respect and observance of human rights, promote the exchange of information and best practices through training, education, research, advocacy and strategic partnerships.

Mandate

· To educate Ugandans about their fundamental human rights and to provide them with the tools to secure and defend these rights.

· To advocate for just and humane laws and practices that guarantee human rights respect and observance.

· To encourage the sharing of information and experience among human rights defenders and related agencies.

Objectives

1. To promote citizen awareness of basic human rights and duties guaranteed in the Ugandan Constitution and regional 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 upgrade the Resource Centre into a Communication and Information Centre.
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 promote access to justice through public interest and legal aid service delivery.
9. To build a strong and sustainable human rights organization.

Core Values

1. Excellence
2. Teamwork
3. Result Oriented
4. Equal Opportunity
5. Punctuality

Current Programmes

FHRI is implementing its sixth three year strategic year plan titled: ‘Put Our World to Rights: Deepening Democratic Practices in Uganda’- (2009-2011).

Execution of this strategic plan is done under five key operating divisions:-

1. Research Division;
2. Legal Services Division;
3. Capacity Development Division;
4. Communication and Information Division; and
5. Program Development Division.