International Human Rights Programme
The International Human Rights Programme has three overarching aims:
- To stop human rights abuses;
- To ensure that those who commit human rights abuses are held to account;
- To ensure that victims of gross human rights abuses obtain redress.
The programme gives priority to civil and political rights. It is especially concerned by violations of liberty and security of the person, the prohibition on torture and the proper administration of criminal justice.
OAK sponsors a range of creative interventions. These include forensic investigations and transitional justice initiatives to hold abusers to account, strategic litigation as a catalyst for reform, documentation of human rights abuses (including through video and other creative technologies), advocacy to inform public debate and influence key policy makers, rehabilitation and asylum services for victims of gross violations and emergency assistance for human rights defenders at risk. The list is not exhaustive.
The program operates with no geographic limitation but does not work in conflict zones. While OAK supports international NGOs, there is an interest in supporting increasingly local initiatives. The programme does not fund research or academic exchanges.