The Human Rights Institute of Catalonia (HRIC) was created more than twenty years ago by a group of people committed to fighting for the progress of freedom and democracy in the world. Their aim was to join both individual and collective forces, coming from both public and private institutions, in order to expand the political, social and cultural rights of everyone.

Progress in a globalised world cannot be separated from the progress of peace and democracy. For this reason the opposition to constant violations of human rights that affect us, and/or can affect the entire world, becomes necessary through both legal means and militant action.

Our activities centre around the promotion of human rights, providing consultancy on human rights to public and private institutions, and organizing educational activities such as courses, seminars, scholarships and grants, and professional training.

To achieve our goals HRIC is open to all different opinions and forms of participation committed to the defence of fundamental rights, and works with public and private organisations in the planning, realisation, execution and financing of activities.

As an association we have a large number of members, who, with different levels of involvement and financial support, have created through the Board of Directors and other participative groups an institute which is a plural, independent and democratic organization. We our proud to have reinforced the objectives with which we began more than twenty years ago, and, furthermore, that we have been able to adapt them to new challenges so that we can continue working towards a world in which everybody is able to have and enjoy their fundamental human rights.

The HRIC was registered in the Registre d'Associacions i Fundacions de la Direcció General d'Associacions i Fundacions de la Generalitat de Catalunya on the 22nd of July 1983, no. 6296 of Section 1a, Barcelona. Any person over the age of 18 who assumes the rights and responsibilities written up in the statute can become a member of the Institute.