The World Health Organization has defined health as a ‘’state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’’ At the individual level, early recognition and adequate care of health problems caused by human rights violations may help prevent subsequent health problems. At the community level, psychosocial intervention may strengthen the coping abilities and resilience of those affected by human rights violations. On this basis, ISHHR seeks to:

1. Capacity building of professionals working in the field of health and human rights through organizing regular international conferences and professional development workshops. ISHHR has successfully organized eight International Conferences: France (1987), Costa Rica (1989), Chile (1991), The Philippines (1994), South Africa (1998), Croatia (2001), India (2005) and recently Peru (2008). Comprehensive information about the Peru conference is available on our ISHHR websites (www.ishhr.org or www.ishhr.com).

2. Make information in the form of lectures and texts on health and human rights more accessible available to our members and the general public through our website.

3. Maintain and establish contacts between relevant national and international organizations to promote the accessibility of health care and human rights of persons suffering from violations of human rights. ISHHR has signed letters of cooperation with The Reference centre for Psychological Support, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the World Health Organization (WHO).

4. Support like minded organizations in monitoring and campaigning for adherence to international legal instruments.

5. Supporting and protecting health workers involved in the care of persons whose human rights have been violated.