Independent non-governmental organisations - International

Washington Appleseed - http://www.waappleseed.org

Nationally, Washington Appleseed is a non-partisan, non-profit organisation consisting of a network of public interest law centres working to identify and address injustices in their communities. It works through education, legal advocacy, community activism and policy expertise, addressing root causes and producing practical solutions. As one of the nation's largest legal pro bono networks, Appleseed Centers work both independently and collectively, using their own experiences to create local solutions that are nationally relevant. It connects the top private practice lawyers, corporate counsel, law schools, civic leaders and other professionals to tackle problems locally, at their root cause.

Rights Watch UK - http://rwuk.org/

Rights Watch UK is an independent non-governmental organisation that has been monitoring the human rights dimension of the conflict, and latterly the peace process, in Northern Ireland since 1990. Our services are available free of charge to anyone whose human rights have been violated because of the conflict, regardless of religious, political or community affiliations. We take no position on the eventual constitutional outcome of the conflict.

Human Rights First - http://www.humanrightsfirst.org

Human Rights First is an independent, non-governmental organisation which advocates for human rights in the United States and abroad. It takes strategic cases, highlights human rights abuses and runs programmes to protect groups such as refugees and human rights defenders.

American Civil Liberties Union - http://www.aclu.org/

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a US-based organisation advocating individual rights, by litigating, legislating and educating the public on a broad array of issues. It is the oldest and largest civil liberties organisation in the US and has brought about very important changes in constitutional law through its litigation and other work on behalf of individuals and groups.

Human Rights Watch - http://www.hrw.org/

Human Rights Watch is a non-profit, non-governmental human rights organisation made up of more than 275 staff members around the globe. Its staff consists of human rights professionals including country experts, lawyers, journalists, and academics of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. It is known for its accurate fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy, often in partnership with local human rights groups. Each year, Human Rights Watch publishes more than 100 reports and briefings on human rights conditions in some 80 countries. With the leverage this brings, Human Rights Watch meets with governments, the United Nations, regional groups like the African Union and the European Union, financial institutions and corporations to press for changes in policy and practice that promote human rights and justice around the world.

Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) - http://www.caj.org.uk/

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) was established in 1981 and is an independent non-governmental organisation and affiliated to the International Federation of Human Rights. CAJ seeks to secure the highest standards in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland by ensuring that the government complies with its responsibilities under international human rights law.

Urban Justice Center - http://www.urbanjustice.org/

The Urban Justice Center (UJC) is based in New York City and works to serve its most vulnerable residents through a combination of direct legal service, systemic advocacy, community education and political organising. The UJC is composed of nine distinct projects, ranging from domestic violence to street vendors to veterans & service members.

British Institute of Human Rights - https://www.bihr.org.uk/

The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) is an independent charity based in London which raises awareness and understanding about the importance of human rights. It runs events about contemporary human rights issues throughout the year, and provides human rights training and other practical tools to organisations which represent or provide public services to socially excluded and disadvantaged groups. BIHR conducts research and develops policy about human rights and their potential to help tackle problems of social and economic exclusion.

Participation and the Practice of Rights Project - http://www.pprproject.org/

The Participation and the Practice of Rights Project exists to promote awareness of international human rights instruments and standards and support marginalised communities and groups to use them in accessing services and achieving equality. It is a coalition of groups and organisations working on social justice issues in Northern Ireland.