The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)

By Coleman Segal, Research Intern from USA, California

       The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) brings together a broad coalition of individuals to advance its goals of advancing “Human Rights and Civic Culture as a Foundation for Peace, Stability, Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development in Uganda”. With the help of international interns from Canada, Germany, the United States, and elsewhere, employees work on research, legal services, civic education and communication with communities.  Each of these endeavors is focused on promoting human rights, and FHRI puts out a number of publications intended to inform the public and guide policy decisions.  These include an annual report, as well as thematic reports focused on such topics as labour rights, juvenile justice, electoral reforms, and health care.

            The multi-cultural, international environment that is fostered at FHRI creates a unique opportunity for discussion and cooperation involving diverse viewpoints.  However, the publications created by FHRI are not informed by opinion, but rather are based on first-hand research and interviews conducted by the Foundation.  This result of this approach is that policy recommendations from FHRI come directly out of input from Ugandan communities.

            Additionally, FHRI pays close attention to current events, and responds dynamically and  rapidly to situations involving human rights abuses or the abridgment of civil liberties.  For instance, members of FHRI have recently participated in protests over the closure of newspapers and radio stations in Uganda by standing outside the affected organizations with tape over their mouths to symbolise the censorship that was taking place.  Through action like this, FHRI is making a difference every day.