OUR JOURNEY

Recognising the lack of a forum from which to set human rights standards and promote them in the Commonwealth countries despite their sharing a common set of values and legal principles, the following professional associations set up CHRI in 1987 in the United Kingdom:

·    Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA)

·    Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)

·    Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA)

·    Commonwealth Trade Union Council (CTUC)

·    Commonwealth Medical Association

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) joined this group in 1996 followed by the Commonwealth Press Union (CPU) in 1999 and the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA) in 2001. The CTUC and the CMA have since disbanded.

In order to open up the international human rights discourse by enabling civil society voices based in the Global South and Africa to be heard internationally, CHRI was set up as a separate legal entity in New Delhi-India in 1993 and Accra-Ghana in 2001. CHRI-Africa was established as an independent company limited by guarantee under Ghana’s laws to work for the promotion and protection of human rights in Commonwealth Africa.

Renowned human rights advocate – now a politician, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, formerly known as Nana Oye Lithur was instrumental in establishing CHRI Africa Office. Nana Oye was the first head of the Office supported by an eminent board members which included Mr. Sam Okudzeto (founder of Sam Okudzeto & Associates, Ghana and a member of Commonwealth Lawyers Association), Mr. Emile Short (former boss of Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice)

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Our Mission

To promote the practical realisation of human rights in Commonwealth Africa and beyond by promoting access to justice, access to information and other human rights through:

  • Demanding accountability for human rights violations

  • Advocating for policy reforms and systemic change to ensure the rights of all

  • Conducting robust research to raise awareness and drive evidence-based interventions on human    rights

  • Collaborating at national, regional, and international levels with others who share our vision.

  • Empowering communities through capacity building and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized.

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Our Vision

An Africa where human rights are realised, respected and enjoyed by all.

Group of diverse people placing their hands together in a teamwork gesture, seen from above on a marble floor.

Core Values

We believe in the principles of our shared humanity to build a world where people enjoy and are ensured justice, liberty and dignity. We take pride in celebrating the Commonwealth’s diversity and are determined to leave no one behind as we advance towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • We are committed to accountability, transparency and reflectiveness in our work

  • We are committed to inclusivity, partnership, teamwork and collaboration for greater relevance and impact

  • We strive for integrity, perseverance and the empowerment of marginalised communities to amplify their voices for sustainable change

MEET THE TEAM