What we do

Human Dignity is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation created in January 2014. We work to advance economic, social and cultural rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We are based in Paris. Since 2017, we hold The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Consultative Status.

Human Dignity works towards the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights in Sub-Saharan Africa as a way of positively impacting peoples’ lives. In particular we aim to achieve the full implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR).

Since 2014, we have contributed to the promotion and realization of economic, social and cultural rights in 16 countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, DRC, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Uganda, Senegal and Togo.

Economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) are still poorly understood and rarely implemented in many States despite their being party to international treaties related to ESCR. Some States often cite the lack of resources to postpone actions and measures to progressively realise ESCR while national NGOs cite lack of expertise to monitor those rights. It is in this context that Human Dignity acts.

Our 2026–2030 Strategy: Advancing Human Rights in the Face of Climate Challenges

For the 2026–2030 period, Human Dignity is evolving its strategy by placing the intersection between climate change and economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) at the core of its work, while integrating gender equality and economic justice as cross-cutting priorities.

This strategic shift is based on the observation that climate change is increasingly undermining the realization of human rights across sub-Saharan Africa. In particular:

• Climate-related shocks (droughts, floods, heatwaves) are affecting access to essential services such as water, health, food, housing, and education

• Governance systems and service delivery remain fragile, exacerbating existing inequalities

• Women, youth, informal workers, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected

In response, Human Dignity adopts a strengthened human rights-based approach, linking local realities with national, regional, and international policy processes.

Our 2026–2030 strategy is structured around four strategic goals:

• Building knowledge and strengthening the monitoring of ESCR, including integrating climate-related impacts into rights analysis

• Strengthening the capacities of key actors (civil society organisations, public institutions, development professionals) to address climate–ESCR linkages

• Empowering communities through community-based organisations (CBOs) to enhance participation, accountability, and rights-claiming

• Driving multi-level strategic advocacy, engaging national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms to influence policies and promote rights-based approaches

These actions are implemented in close collaboration with national and regional partners, ensuring that the experiences of affected populations — particularly the most vulnerable groups — inform policy and advocacy processes.

Through this strategy, Human Dignity aims to strengthen civil society accountability, promote more inclusive and equitable public policies, and advance the progressive realization of human rights in a context of climate challenges and growing inequalities.

👉 Our 2026–2030 strategy is available in English HERE. A French version will be available soon.