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Aim for human rights

Aim for human rights is an independent Dutch NGO, registered as a foundation.

It was founded by three Dutch humanist organisations (Humanitas, Hivos and the Humanistische Verbond) in 1981. Until October 2007 the organisation was called the Netherlands Humanist Committee on Human Rights (HOM). Its roots therefore lie in the humanist movement.

The change in name does not imply a change in objective as this remains the same: based on humanist values to contribute to a better compliance to human rights across the globe.The mission and activities of Aim for human rights are based on humanist values such as freedom, equality and human dignity.


Then: promoting debate

At the founding of Aim for human rights the objective was to promote the compliance to human rights by stimulating the public and political debate on human rights in the Netherlands. In time, Aim for human rights developed into a human rights organisation that specifically focuses on promoting effectiveness.

Now: increasing effectivity

Aim for human rights is committed to increase effectiveness around human rights. Effectiveness of the human rights policy of governments and effectiveness of human rights organisations ánd companies. We strive to achieve this objective by developing evaluation methods, handbooks and questionaires with which the effect of policy on the human rights can be made visible. We usually develop these methods in cooperation with local human rights organisations that want to use the impact assessment. Thus, these instruments are practical and user friendly. We also strengthen the effectiveness of human rights organisations by capacity enhancement. By taking their needs as a starting point, Aim for human rights as well hopes to work as effectively and efficiently as possible

Mission

Everyone has basic human rights. The right not to be discriminated against, the right to fair labour conditions, the right to freedom of speech and the right to optimal health care are some of the many human rights. They can be found in international conventions and are valid for all people.

Unfortunately, human rights are not always upheld. All over the world, people are exploited, discriminated against, tortured and silenced. Worldwide people stand up to defend their rights. Aim for human rights supports them. We are working towards a world in which everyone's rights will be respected. A world in which governments not only promise to uphold human rights, but also do as they say. A just world in which people are free and equal. We strive to realise this objective by:

  • developing and promoting methods to make the effects of human rights policy and activities measurable;
  • strengthening the capacities of human rights organisations abroad;
  • advocacy to influence the human rights policy of governments and international organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations.


Making human rights measurable

Activities of governments, NGOs and comercial companies can have a positive or negative effect on a country's human rights situation. Policy does not always achieve what it is intended to do. Aim for human rights develops methods to make the effects of human rights policies and legislation measurable. These methods or tools are known as Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA). Abstract human rights standards are thus translated into practical and realistic objectives that can be evaluated objectively. Thus, policy can more effectively aim for an improvement of the human rights situation. Aim for human rights develops these methods for impact assessment together with NGOs, companies and authorities.

Cooperation with local organisations

Aim for human rights works together with partner organisations in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Local organisations are often the first to see that human rights are being violated and to take action. They can also improve the situation most effectively as change can only be brought on within social, cultural and political structures. Aim for human rights supports these organisations, mainly through trainings and knowledge transfer. Together we look at how methods can be developed and used for impact assessment in their specific situation. We also provide training in effective lobbying and bring organisations in contact with each other. This allows our partner organisations defend human rights in their community more efficiently.

Advocacy

Aim for human rights enters into dialogues with politicians and policy makers to bring more attention to human rights in Dutch and European policy. We do so both individually, as well as in cooperation with like minded organisations. Our aim is:

  • to keep human rights high on the political agenda;
  • to evaluate the influence of the Dutch and EU policies on the human rights situation in other countries;
  • to have important points of care of Aim for human rights and partner organisations considered in policy making.

Aim for human rights together with partners has discussions with foreign authorities and with international organisations such as the EU and the UN. At the UN, we have a special status with the Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc). Additionaly we advise multinational companies in the Netherlands on problems and solutions in the field of human rights.