The Human Rights Institute (HRI) advances human rights through education, research, and advocacy. We partner with organizations around the world to develop and strengthen the human rights legal framework, promote justice and accountability for human rights violations, and build and amplify collective power.

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HRI works in partnership with advocates, communities, and organizations pushing for social change to develop and strengthen the human rights legal framework and mechanisms, promote justice and accountability for human rights violations, and build and amplify collective power.

Founded in 1998 by the late Professor Louis Henkin as the anchor for human rights within Columbia Law School, HRI promotes engagement and knowledge of human rights within the law school, throughout the University, and around world. 

Across the many substantive areas of our work, HRI bridges between scholarship and activism, develops capacity within the legal community, engages governments, and models new strategies for progress.

The Human Rights Institute’s work spans our key areas: human rights, security, and conflict; equality and justice; human rights and business; and empowerment of human rights defenders and transformation of systems and the human rights field.