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The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) was established in 1996 by then President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and the European Union (EU), to address the legacy of apartheid, support South Africa’s transition to democracy, and build a culture of human rights in the new democracy.

Among other programmes, the FHR works in partnership with the EU and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on the implementation of the EU-funded Socio-Economic Justice for All (SEJA) programme. Another major programme managed by the FHR is the Unfinished Business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) programme. This programme is funded by institutional donors. The FHR’s responsibilities within this programme include coordinating the efforts of various parties seeking justice for the victims of apartheid; funding and overseeing the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes; and supporting the South African Coalition for Transitional Justice in their quest for truth, reparations, and criminal accountability for human rights violations during apartheid.

The FHR gives grants to civil society organisations and projects concerned with social justice, human rights, civil rights, gender issues, refugee and migrant rights, accessing justice, and constitutional education and awareness. In addition to financial support, the FHR also provides guidance to various organisations, and often works with them on these projects. The FHR has also produced a number of publications and digital resources educating the public on civil and constitutional rights.

Contact Details

Foundation for Human Rights

25 Owl Street cnr, Stanley Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092

+27 (0)11 593 4000

EXTRA RESOURCES

Additional material and channels

Foundation for Human Rights website
Foundation for Human Rights’ Keep It Constitutional website
Foundation for Human Rights' Facebook page
Parliamentary Monitoring Group meeting summary on the FHR’s Socio-Economic Justice for All programme (November 2016)
ProBono.org podcast interview with former FHR Executive Director Yasmin Sooka (April 2018)
Letter by former TRC Commissioners to the President of SA to order a commission into the interference in TRC cases (February 2019)
SAfm interview with former FHR Executive Director Yasmin Sooka and others (May 2019)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Support justice and democracy. FHR is a human rights non-profit. With your help we can make a difference.

The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) is a non-profit organisation and relies on helpful support and contributions.