Who are we?

The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) is an independent, Belgium-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights and sustainable development.

Europe

MENA

Our Working Regions

The International federation operates in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, given the exceptional situation in those regions of ongoing conflict, in which thousands of innocent civilians have died.

Our Objective

The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD), established in January 2004, is dedicated to advancing human rights, promoting justice, and fostering dignity for all individuals within its areas of operation. IFRD actively engages with EU institutions, policymakers, and civil society to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and frameworks that uphold human rights and international legal standards.

The key objectives of IFRD, alongside its specific forms of engagement with the EU, include:

  1. Monitoring and Documenting Human Rights Violations
    IFRD systematically monitors and documents human rights abuses, producing evidence-based reports that are shared with EU institutions to inform discussions and policy development on human rights issues globally.

  2. Advocacy for Rights and Decent Living Conditions
    The organization works to ensure that all individuals can fully enjoy their fundamental rights and live with dignity. IFRD contributes to this goal by:

    • Submitting position papers and policy recommendations to EU institutions.
    • Participating in public consultations and hearings related to human rights, migration, labor rights, and other relevant topics.
  3. Engagement with EU Institutions to Prevent and Mitigate Violations
    IFRD collaborates with the European Parliament, European Commission, and other EU bodies to highlight human rights concerns, propose solutions, and support efforts to reduce or prevent violations. This includes:

    • Providing briefings to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
    • Contributing to the drafting of resolutions and reports on human rights issues.
    • Organizing events, workshops, and roundtable discussions in collaboration with EU stakeholders.
  4. Promoting Accountability and Justice under International Law
    IFRD supports efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable, emphasizing adherence to international legal norms. Specific actions include:

    • Contributing to EU efforts on justice mechanisms and accountability frameworks.
    • Submitting case studies and analyses to EU bodies to support their human rights agenda.

By engaging in these activities, IFRD reinforces the EU’s commitment to human rights, international law, and social justice. IFRD operates transparently and is committed to providing reliable information and recommendations to enhance the EU’s policy effectiveness and alignment with its foundational values.

How We Protect Human Rights?

The IFRD team monitors and investigates human rights violations in the regions within its scope of work by collecting, analyzing, and verifying information, including eyewitness accounts. Based on these findings, IFRD engages with national authorities, international organizations, and EU institutions to advocate for accountability and justice. We call on relevant stakeholders, including EU, to fulfill their responsibilities under international law, ensuring that perpetrators of human rights abuses are held accountable and victims receive the justice they deserve.

Our areas of work

  • Freedom of speech
  • Armed conflicts
  • Arbitrary detentions and arrests
  • Asylum and immigration issues
  • labor rights
  • Political prisoners