The Lawyers for Human Rights is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that advocates effective human rights and serves as a constitutional watchdog. It is furthermore, an international force in the development and delivery of human rights. It is also primarily provides legal services to disadvantaged communities.

The LHR began in 1979, when its primary focus was to fight against the oppression and abuse of human rights under apartheid. During the 1980s and early 1990s, the LHR focussed on the atrocities committed by relevant South African stakeholders in their attempt to enforce apartheid principles.

It also investigated and prosecuted cases involving attempts by security forces and other role-players to hamper the transition process towards the first democratic elections. During 1994, LHR also played a crucial role in the transition to a democratic South Africa when it assisted with voter education and monitoring processes.

According to the LHR Constitution, adopted in Nov 1994, the aims and objectives of the organisation were:

Promote, uphold, foster, strengthen and enforce in South Africa all human rights, including civil rights, political rights and socio-economic rights. It strives to protect and enforce the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the South African Constitution.

Uphold and promote the utilisation of law as an instrument for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights.

Assist in the maintenance of the highest standards of justice administration.

Protect fundamental human rights in accordance with international human rights.

Political independence from all organisations which function within and form part of society. As a non-governmental organisation it has an additional objective to uphold democracy, encourage a human rights culture, promote and strengthen South African civil society.

In order to pursue its aims and objectives, LHR's functions involve:

Engaging in the study of and research into human rights and their protection.

Holding periodic related conferences, meetings and seminars.

Publishing human rights' journals.

Monitoring legislative, executive and administrative State activities and representing human rights infringements.

Issuing publications concerning human rights and related research findings.

Cooperation with national and international organisations committed to the achievement of related objectives.

Providing practical assistance during related litigation matters.

Borrowing money for the purposes of promoting LHR's aims and objectives.

LHR's management, policy formulation and code of conduct for members and employees remain the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is made up of prominent civil society citizens seriously committed to the issues of human rights. The Board of Trustees are the employer of all employers working for LHR. The powers of the Board are:

To apply, obtain, collect and receive money and other sources of income by means of contributions, subscriptions and donations exclusively for utilisation in South Africa.

Open and operate banking accounts and invest the assets of the Trust.

The members of LHR includes any person in South Africa who holds judicial office, practices as an attorney or advocate, law teacher, legal post in public service or local government, candidate attorney, enrolled for any law degree or diploma, and has had a law degree or diploma conferred.

LHR also has regional membership branches around South Africa. The regional branches are required to promote the aims and objectives of LHR; uphold the objectives and code of conduct; undertake tasks and projects that further LHR's objectives; participate in national projects and activities; and liaise with personnel and employees to offer support and assistance in the performance of functions and projects.

Funding

Since its inception in 1979, LHR has depended on the generosity of national and international funders.

Projects

LHR has been and is currently involved in numerous projects. The origins of many of these projects can be found in this record collection. There are basically eight categories of projects. This being education and training, gender issues, paralegal training, penal reform, refugee rights, security of farm workers, children?s rights, and disability rights.

Education and training

The aim of this project was the propagation of a human rights culture through education and training. It targeted groups at both provincial and national levels of government. The groups targeted are children and adults in urban and rural areas to include matters like paralegals, community learning centres, community-based organisations, state institutions, schools and universities.

Access to justice

This programme aimed at remedying the inequitable access to justice to people living in rural areas. This project involves facilitating legal and para-legal services and training to indigent persons.

Human rights promotion

The project aims at monitoring and exposing human rights violations by means if lobbying, campaigning, research and litigation. The programme focuses on issues such as policing, gender and child rights, disability, criminal justice, prisons, AIDS, environment, international and regional human rights mechanisms, and refugees matters.