International Society for Human Rights (ISHR)

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) and its national branches are independent non-governmental human rights organisations (NGOs) which base their work on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the United Nations on 10 December 1948. The ISHR seeks to promote international understanding and tolerance in all areas of culture and society. It is a non-profit organisation, independent of all political parties, governments or religious groups. It acts according to the philosophy that the realisation of human rights and the improvement of social conditions cannot be pursued by use of force. ISHR was founded in order to support individuals who share this principle and, consequently, claim their rights in a non-violent manner.
 
The ISHR operates as a membership organisation with approximately 30.000 members in 26 states worldwide. The International Society for Human Rights has observatory status at the European Council in Brussels and ECOSOC status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The ISHR is mainly financed by membership fees and private donations and largely cooperates with different human rights organisations.