WHO WE ARE
The Institute of Human Rights & Environmental Studies (IHES) – (the Institute) is an independent Think Tank – a private entity duly constituted and organized under the laws of Uganda. The Institute, with new and innovative approaches, works with key partners and stakeholders to contribute to knowledge, awareness and community of practice in the very important areas of Human Rights & Environmental sustainability. IHES also works on Policy and undertakes related advisory work in the two areas of Human Rights and the Environment.
At IHES, we believe in employing new approaches and work methods that are novel and complementary; but always innovatively adding value to our said focus areas. We take serious consideration of relevant local and international programming in the conception and implementation of IHES’ different programmes and interventions.
IHES focuses on policy and institutional functioning in the focus areas by undertaking studies, development of tools and mechanisms that support policy formulation, review and implementation. The institute also trains and skills young graduates, undergraduates, public and private sector personnel using modern and practical methods to understand, protect, practice and advocate for human rights and Environmental concerns.
The Institute works to provide our clients and stakeholders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and tools that participants and graduates need to be trailblazers in their own country and the East African region as a whole. In order to accomplish our mission and vision in the area of the environment, the national Environmental Management Authorities and related institutions are key partners and stakeholders of the Institute.
The Institute endeavors to have active relationships with national and international human rights agencies, the different Economic Communities and particularly in Africa where it seeks to address those key areas the regional and international Communities deem urgent to deepen and further strengthen the regional and global integration agenda.
IHES Key principles
The Institute of Human Rights & Environmental Studies (IHES) is established under; and espouses the following principles:
- It is run independently and endeavours to bridge the gaps resulting from the monopoly of state run institutions and other non-specialist institutions in the private sector in the skilling of human rights professionals and environmental scientists, policy makers and practitioners. The Institute therefore provides knowledge, employable skills and tools outside the traditional teaching practices while tackling the skills gap and policy challenges in the all-important fields of human rights promotion, protection, as well as environmental conservation; with the ultimate goal of ensuring sustainable development.
IHES core objectives
- Carrying on the activities of an Institute and functioning as a “Think Tank”; offering research and consultancy services in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment.
- Carrying out and offering specialized training and different forms of capacity development in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment.
- Carrying on the activities of research, documentation and dissemination of data and information in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment.
- Carrying on activities aimed at supporting and helping vulnerable persons and communities to access justice.
- Carrying on activities of providing advisory services in policy making, policy review as well as formulation, including the development of legislation in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment aimed at the transformation of societies and institutions.
- Working in collaboration with different partners and stakeholders at all levels to address common issues of interest in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment.
- Doing all such other things as are incidental to or conducive to the attainment of the above objects.