Human Rights Foundation

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, particularly in closed societies and authoritarian regimes. Founded in 2005 by Thor Halvorssen Mendoza, HRF focuses on defending individual liberty and freedom in countries where these rights are most at risk, highlighting the challenges faced by over 5.7 billion people living under tyranny.

HRF supports human rights activists by providing resources, skills, and international attention to empower their efforts for change. The organization produces legal reports and public letters to influence policymakers and global institutions. It also organizes the Oslo Freedom Forum, an annual conference that brings together activists, journalists, and policymakers to discuss human rights and democracy. Through educational programs and legal advocacy, HRF aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of freedom and democracy globally.