Created in Brussels in 2001, Human Rights Without Frontiers International (HRWF Int’l) is a non-profit association that seeks to shape European and international policy in ways that strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law and protect human rights globally. The organisation is composed of a number of national branches in Belgium, Bhutan, Chad, Hong Kong, Nepal and the United States and works w
ith associated member organisations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Iraq, Kenya, Japan, Moldova, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia and South Korea. Since its inception, the executive director has been W***y Fautré, a long-standing human rights activist. HRWF Int’l conducts research, field missions, analysis and monitoring of a wide range of human rights concerns in many countries around the world. An international network of correspondents provides the NGO with first-hand information. HRWF Int’l tries to strengthen the culture of human rights by sharing information, publishing reports and organising seminars and events that educate policy makers and inform the general public. HRWF Int’l focuses particular attention on freedom of religion or belief, trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, ethnic and linguistic minorities and human rights violations in China, North Korea, Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East. The foundation for HRWF Int’l advocacy is the body of international covenants and treaties that bind its parties to the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms. These instruments include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and legal precedents set by decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. The organisation addresses its advocacy primarily through EU institutions, the United Nations, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). A World Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief is published annually as well as an annual listing of those who have been imprisoned for reasons of religion or belief. Other recent reports (2013-2014) include: Religion, LGBT People & Human Rights – Abduction of Japanese Citizens by North Korea – Hindu Extremist Movements and their Impact of Religious Minorities – MISA, Grigorian Bivolaru & Yoga Practitioners in Romania – European Court Jurisprudence on “sect” related issues, and so on. HRWF Int’l develops advocacy through the EU institutions, the FRA (Fundamental Rights Agency), the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations. More on Human Rights Without Frontiers Int’l: https://hrwf.eu
