View source for The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies

The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is an independent, non-governmental organization that promotes respect for human rights and democratic values in the Arab region. CIHRS is recognized for its research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, focusing on civil and political rights, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights defenders. The institute is active in engaging with international mechanisms, such as the United Nations, to highlight human rights violations and advocate for reforms<ref>Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. (n.d.). About CIHRS. Retrieved from https://cihrs.org</ref> <ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref> <ref>
Case History: Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/case-history-cairo-institute-human-rights-studies</ref>.

==Location==
CIHRS was originally established in Cairo, Egypt. Due to increasing restrictions on civil society and human rights organizations in Egypt, CIHRS relocated its main operations to Tunis, Tunisia, in 2014. The institute also maintains a presence in Europe, particularly in Geneva and Paris, to facilitate its international advocacy efforts<ref>Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. (n.d.). About CIHRS. Retrieved from https://cihrs.org</ref><ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref>.

==History==
Founded in 1993, CIHRS emerged in response to the need for an independent voice on human rights issues in the Arab world. Over the years, it has played a significant role in documenting abuses, supporting human rights defenders, and promoting legal and policy reforms. The organization has faced challenges due to political repression in Egypt, which led to its relocation to Tunisia, but it continues to operate regionally and internationally<ref>Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. (n.d.). About CIHRS. Retrieved from https://cihrs.org</ref> <ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref>.

==Establishment and Founders==
CIHRS was established in 1993 by a group of Egyptian intellectuals and human rights advocates, most notably Bahey eldin Hassan, a prominent Egyptian human rights defender. Hassan has served as the institute’s director since its inception and is widely recognized for his contributions to the human rights movement in the Arab region<ref>Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. (n.d.). About CIHRS. Retrieved from https://cihrs.org</ref> <ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref>.

==Financial Sponsors==
CIHRS is funded by a variety of international donors, including governmental and non-governmental organizations. Its financial supporters have included European governments, international foundations, and human rights organizations. The institute emphasizes its independence and transparency regarding funding sources to maintain credibility and avoid conflicts of interest<ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref>.

==Website and Contact Information==
* Website: www.cihrs.org
* Contact Information:
* Email: info@cihrs.org
* Main office: Tunis, Tunisia

==Iran’s Perspective==
From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, organizations like CIHRS are often viewed with suspicion, particularly due to their international connections and advocacy activities. Iranian authorities have historically criticized foreign-funded human rights groups, alleging that they serve Western interests and interfere in domestic affairs. Iran’s official stance tends to reject external criticism and monitoring of its human rights record, as reflected in its responses to reports by international bodies and NGOs<ref>FIDH. (2023, November 7). Iran: UN body highlights serious violations of civil and political rights. Retrieved from https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/iran/iran-un-body-highlights-serious-violations-of-civil-and-political</ref> <ref>OHCHR. (2023, October 24). Iran must safeguard basic freedoms and protect human rights: UN expert. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/iran-must-safeguard-basic-freedoms-and-protect-human-rights-un-expert</ref> <ref>Iran Human Rights. (2025, March 17). Joint Letter by 42 Human Rights NGOs Calling for Renewal of the ... Retrieved from https://iranhr.net/en/statement/70/</ref> <ref>ARTICLE 19. (2025, March 18). UN: Ensure continuation of investigative mechanism on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/resources/un-ensure-continuation-of-investigative-mechanism-on-iran/</ref>.

==Prominent Research Figures==
* Mohamed Zaree is a key figure at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), serving as the Egypt country director. Zaree is recognized internationally for his leadership in human rights advocacy and research, particularly on freedom of expression and association. He was awarded the 2017 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders for his dedication and personal risk in defending human rights in Egypt, despite facing government persecution and a travel ban<ref>Human Rights First. (2022, October 20). Mohamed Zaree Selected as the 2017 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. Retrieved from https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/mohamed-zaree-selected-as-the-2017-laureate-martin-ennals-award-for-human-rights-defenders/</ref>.
* The institute also collaborates with a network of researchers and human rights defenders across the Arab world, though Zaree stands out for his public profile and international recognition<ref>Human Rights First. (2022, October 20). Mohamed Zaree Selected as the 2017 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. Retrieved from https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/mohamed-zaree-selected-as-the-2017-laureate-martin-ennals-award-for-human-rights-defenders/</ref>.

==Key Fields of Concentration (Research)==
CIHRS focuses on:
* Civil and political rights: Researching and advocating against restrictions on freedom of speech, association, and assembly, as well as documenting cases of arbitrary detention, torture, and forced disappearances<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref> <ref>FIDH. (2024, November 13). Egypt: Report on the human rights situation for the Universal Periodic Review. Retrieved from https://www.fidh.org/en/region/north-africa-middle-east/egypt/egypt-report-on-the-human-rights-situation-for-the-universal-periodic</ref>.
* Human rights education: Providing training and educational programs to youth, civil society activists, and human rights defenders to build capacity and awareness of universal human rights standards<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* Women’s rights and gender equality: Addressing structural and institutional discrimination against women in the Arab region.
* Democratic transformation and legal reform: Suggesting legislative alternatives and supporting pro-democracy movements<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* International advocacy: Engaging with United Nations mechanisms and other international bodies to promote accountability and reforms<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* Environmental and regional issues: Analyzing the impact of international cooperation, such as Sino-Arab relations, on human rights and environmental standards in the region<ref>CIHRS-Rowaq. (n.d.). Sino-Arab Cooperation and Its Impact on Human Rights in the Arab Region. Retrieved from https://cihrs-rowaq.org/sino-arab-cooperation-and-its-impact-on-human-rights-in-the-arab-region/?lang=en</ref>.

==Relations to the Islamic World==
CIHRS operates throughout the Arab region, which is predominantly Islamic, and its work often intersects with issues relevant to Islamic societies. The institute:
* Promotes universal human rights standards while acknowledging local cultural and religious contexts.
* Partners with civil society organizations in Islamic countries, such as its involvement in the Yemeni Coalition for Human Rights, aiming to strengthen advocacy and protection mechanisms in Yemen and other Muslim-majority societies<ref>IFEX. (n.d.). Yemen: Seven organizations launch the Yemeni Coalition for Human Rights in partnership with CIHRS. Retrieved from https://ifex.org/yemen-seven-organizations-launch-the-yemeni-coalition-for-human-rights-in-partnership-with-cihrs/</ref>.
* Engages in dialogue with political and religious actors to advocate for reforms and address challenges specific to the Islamic world<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.

==Publishing/Significant Reports==
* CIHRS has published over 200 books and numerous reports on topics including democratic transformation, civil and political rights, women’s rights, and the impact of political changes on human rights in the Arab world<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* It produces specialized periodicals, such as Rowaq Arabi, which examines human rights issues in the Arab region from a scholarly perspective<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* The institute regularly issues joint reports with other organizations, such as its recent submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, highlighting Egypt’s failure to comply with international human rights obligations and documenting abuses like torture, arbitrary detention, and repression of civil society<ref>FIDH. (2024, November 13). Egypt: Report on the human rights situation for the Universal Periodic Review. Retrieved from https://www.fidh.org/en/region/north-africa-middle-east/egypt/egypt-report-on-the-human-rights-situation-for-the-universal-periodic</ref>.

==Impacts and Partnerships==
* CIHRS has played a leading role in shaping the human rights discourse in the Arab world, providing research, advocacy, and capacity-building that influence both local and international policy<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref> <ref>Human Rights First. (2022, October 20). Mohamed Zaree Selected as the 2017 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. Retrieved from https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/mohamed-zaree-selected-as-the-2017-laureate-martin-ennals-award-for-human-rights-defenders/</ref>.
* It enjoys consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and is a member of networks such as the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange<ref>Europarl. (n.d.). The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/presentationngos_/presentationngos_en.pdf</ref>.
* The institute’s partnerships include collaborations with international NGOs, United Nations agencies, and regional coalitions like the Yemeni Coalition for Human Rights, aimed at empowering local organizations and enhancing advocacy efforts<ref>IFEX. (n.d.). Yemen: Seven organizations launch the Yemeni Coalition for Human Rights in partnership with CIHRS. Retrieved from https://ifex.org/yemen-seven-organizations-launch-the-yemeni-coalition-for-human-rights-in-partnership-with-cihrs/</ref>.
* CIHRS’s advocacy and reporting have contributed to international awareness and pressure on governments in the region, though from the Iranian perspective, such activities are often viewed as foreign interference and met with skepticism regarding their motives and funding sources.

==Iran’s Perspective==
From the viewpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran, CIHRS’s activities-particularly its international advocacy, partnerships with Western and regional organizations, and focus on issues like women’s rights and government accountability-are often seen as aligning with Western interests and exerting external pressure on Islamic societies. Iranian authorities typically regard such organizations with suspicion, criticizing their reports as politically motivated and dismissing their findings as interference in domestic affairs.

==Critique of its work or hidden objectives from Iran’s perspective==
From Iran’s perspective, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is often viewed critically, with suspicions about its underlying objectives and the nature of its work. Iranian authorities and state-aligned narratives tend to perceive CIHRS as part of a broader network of foreign-backed organizations that allegedly aim to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs under the guise of human rights advocacy.

===Critique and Alleged Hidden Objectives from Iran’s Perspective===
* Accusations of Foreign Interference: Iran frequently criticizes CIHRS and similar organizations for their close ties with Western governments and international bodies, suggesting that their reports and campaigns are politically motivated tools used to undermine Iran’s sovereignty and destabilize the Islamic Republic. This perspective views CIHRS’s human rights investigations and advocacy as part of a broader agenda to impose Western values and pressure Iran on sensitive political and social issues.
* Questioning Impartiality: Iranian authorities challenge the impartiality and credibility of CIHRS’s reports, arguing that they selectively highlight negative aspects of Iran’s human rights situation while ignoring contextual factors such as security concerns, regional instability, and Iran’s cultural and legal norms. The organization’s focus on issues like women’s rights, freedom of expression, and minority protections is seen as a direct challenge to Iran’s political and religious frameworks.
* Portrayal as a Political Actor: From Tehran’s viewpoint, CIHRS is not merely a neutral human rights monitor but a political actor aligned with opposition groups and international actors hostile to Iran. This includes allegations that CIHRS supports or amplifies narratives connected to protest movements like the "Woman Life Freedom" uprising, which Iran’s government portrays as foreign-instigated unrest.
* Rejection of UN Mandates Supported by CIHRS: Iran rejects the mandates of UN Special Rapporteurs and Fact-Finding Missions on Iran’s human rights situation, mandates that CIHRS actively supports and promotes. Tehran accuses these mechanisms of bias and of being influenced by organizations like CIHRS, which it claims distort facts to justify international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

===Summary of Iranian Critique===
Iranian official discourse frames CIHRS’s work as part of a Western-led campaign aimed at:
* Delegitimizing Iran’s government and judicial system.
* Encouraging internal dissent and unrest.
* Imposing external political agendas under the pretext of human rights.
* Undermining Islamic and national values by promoting concepts perceived as incompatible with Iran’s socio-political system.

==References==

[[Category:English Wikivahdat]]
[[category:Think tanks]]