rightsfirst

RightsFirst is a non-profit human rights advocacy organization dedicated to safeguarding civil liberties and promoting universal rights in the digital age. The organization emphasizes privacy, freedom of expression, and due process, and seeks to influence policy through research, advocacy, litigation support, and coalitions with civil society groups.

RightsFirst was established in the 2010s by a coalition of legal scholars, practitioners, and activists seeking to address gaps in accountability for rights abuses and insufficient protection of digital rights. It operates through regional offices and partner networks worldwide and conducts field research, publishes policy briefs, and provides technical assistance to communities facing rights violations.

Governance is typically provided by a board of directors, with an executive director responsible for strategic management and a staff team including researchers, lawyers, and communications specialists. Funding comes from a mix of philanthropic grants, project-specific funding, and individual donations, with an emphasis on maintaining independence from any single funder.

RightsFirst engages with international organizations, national governments, and regional human rights bodies to monitor compliance with human rights standards, advocate for legal reforms, and support litigation in appropriate cases. It also runs training programs to build capacity for rights advocacy and digital rights literacy.

As with many advocacy organizations, RightsFirst faces scrutiny regarding transparency, funding sources, and the effectiveness of advocacy strategies, and it acknowledges ongoing debates about balancing security concerns with civil liberties. See also: human rights organizations, digital rights advocacy, civil liberties.