What we do
1. Bringing cases from Latin America and the Caribbean to the Universal Human Rights System.
We accompany defenders, victims, and grassroots organizations through the complex process of activating the highest international justice mechanisms.
Specialized technical support
We act as co-litigators and strategic advisors in the preparation and submission of cases and shadow reports to Treaty Bodies and the Human Rights Council in Geneva. We also contribute to Special Procedures together with partner organizations and participate in country reviews.
Activation of urgent mechanisms
We facilitate the rapid issuance of urgent appeals before UN Special Rapporteurs to protect the life, integrity, and freedom of individuals at imminent risk.
Strategic follow-up
Our work does not end in Geneva. We support local organizations in following up on UN recommendations and decisions, pushing for their translation into legal and public policy reforms at the national level.
2. Serving as a bridge between the United Nations and local initiatives
Strategic communication
We close the historical gap between Geneva’s diplomatic world and the realities on the ground in Latin America and the Caribbean, democratizing access to international law.
Legal-diplomatic translation for grassroots groups
We decode UN language and processes so that grassroots organizations can use them as their own effective tools, without reliance on intermediaries.
Capacity building
We train local defenders to understand how and when to engage with the universal system, empowering them to lead their own defense strategies.
Unfiltered visibility
We ensure that the direct voices of victims and local initiatives are heard in international forums where decisions affecting their territories are made.
3. Promoting a new vision for Human Rights advocacy in the face of global challenges
Innovation in defense
We convene global discussions to rethink current mechanisms in response to emerging threats to human dignity. At IPHR, we do not merely react to violations—we anticipate the challenges of the 21st century.
Defense in the face of new technologies:
We address the human rights impacts of artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and algorithmic opacity on democratic processes.
Socio-environmental and climate justice
We link struggles for land and environmental protection with human rights guarantees, recognizing the climate crisis as a humanitarian crisis.
Protection of civic space
In the face of renewed authoritarianism, we develop cutting-edge strategies to protect freedom of association, electoral integrity, and the security of civil society organizations.
1. Actions for change by area of work
Stablish
Work
Support
local actors in engaging with UN mechanisms
Ensure
the presence of grassroots organizations in international mechanisms and key conversations
Consolidate
a regional network of activists, NGOs, and academics supporting case submissions.
Training
through IIRESODH on procedures and protocols.
2. Bridging the UN and local initiatives
Design
Design and implement an internal intelligence system.
Develop
qualitative and quantitative mechanisms to gather grassroots data on UN engagement and perceptions.
Advise
Offer operational and ongoing advisory services to UN entities with a regional focus.
Facilitate
and curate collaborative spaces connecting the UN with local leadership and action.
Generate
insights for Latin America on UN initiatives, meetings, and developments.
Organize
thematic events involving diverse stakeholders, including civil society.
3. Promoting a new vision of Human Rights defense
Impulse
regional human rights events.
Conduct diplomacy
with key governments and their UN representations.
Governments
Work with governments leading discussions around the 80th anniversary of the UDHR.
Facilitate
Facilitate and curate collaborative spaces.
Reach
Bring civil society into discussions on necessary reforms to the international system.
Consolidate
existing networks of NGOs, activists, and defenders.