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Press ReleaseLAUNCH OF THE ARAB HUMAN RIGHTS FUND Beirut, 7 March 2008 – The Arab Human Rights Fund (AHRF), an independent foundation, was launched at a press conference in Beirut today. Based in the Lebanese capital, AHRF boasts an entirely Arab board and staff. It aims to provide financial resources and technical assistance to organizations and individuals active in the promotion of all human rights in the Arab region in line with local and regional needs. The Fund calls upon organizations and individuals working on every kind of human rights issue to apply for grants. “The idea of establishing AHRF was prompted by the desire to increase resources for human rights protection in a focused manner, to reduce dependence on foreign funding and to encourage social justice philanthropy in the Arab region,” said Fateh Azzam, Chair of the AHRF Board. “The Fund is committed to all human rights as detailed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international treaties and conventions,” added Mr Azzam. “We work to promote these rights and principles without discrimination by reason of gender, ethnicity, religion, national or social status, political opinion or any other distinction.” AHRF Executive Director Fouad Hamdan said: “The Fund is at the heart of the Arab region. We understand the needs, priorities and agendas of human rights activists in the Arab region, and we are committed to long-term solutions. We will listen to our grantees because people on the ground know best what the problems are and how to address them.” Mr Hamdan continued: “We want to empower all peoples in the Arab region – men and women, Arabs and non-Arabs, religious and secular – who believe that positive change is possible. We appeal to people from the Arab region to support us with a donation to help establish independent funding and long-term endowments, thereby ensuring sustainability and continuity.” Mr. Azzam also pointed out that “long-term development and progress in the region depend on the enjoyment of all human rights by all people, and this requires a comprehensive commitment from all of us.” The Ford Foundation, itself a long-time supporter of human rights worldwide, including in the Arab region, provided start-up funds to AHRF. Future sources of funding will come from donors in the Arab region, and from the Diaspora, as well as from international foundations. AHRF will not accept donations from sources that contradict its mission, compromise its reputation, or affect its free and independent program decisions. Moreover, it will not accept support from political parties and politicians. AHRF operates according to the principles of transparency and accountability, and in line with these values, will publish details of a financial audit by an independent firm every year and produce an annual report. Further information
Background information The process of establishing AHRF began in 2002, with the formation of a four-member Preparatory Committee – aided by financial and administrative support from the Ford Foundation. The Committee commissioned studies on establishing an endowed and sustainable fund in the Arab world devoted to supporting long-term efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law in the Arab region. It established AHRF’s legal framework by registering it as a non-profit making foundation, known as Stichting in the Netherlands, where its liquid assets are also maintained. AHRF is currently in the process of registering its operating office in Beirut, Lebanon. Arab Human Rights Fund
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