Participate
In The Fight for Tolerance!

Who We Are

The Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance United Kingdom is part of the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance which is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to making human rights and religious tolerance a reality in today's troubled world.

Through programs, projects, and special events in many countries, the Foundation brings about increased awareness and demand for basic rights and freedoms as set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Foundation takes its message of freedom to all levels of government, and to the citizens who continue to suffer from harrassment and discrimination - often in spite of the fact that their countries are signatories to the Declaration.

Our Work is Valuable

When we look at the world today, we are struck by widespread fear and unhappiness, conditions that can often be linked to misunderstanding, intolerance, and abuses of basic human rights.

Whether in Asia, Africa, Europe, or the Americas, much of the discord and violence can be traced to religious intolerance and abuses of basic human rights.

By increasing tolerance and understanding among the peoples of the world, we are directly addressing the source of so much unhappiness. The value of such a sky-high goal is incalculable.

Taking Action to Create a Better World

Among the many projects undertaken by the Foundation are the following:

• In recent years, the Foundation has participated in the organization of International Human Rights Marathons to bring public attention to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at a grassroots level, reaching tens of thousands of citizens in more than a dozen countries:
  
  
  • In Europe, major marathons culminated in Frankfurt (1997), Berlin (1997), Frankfurt again (1998), Hamburg (1999), Paris (2000), and Geneva (2001).
    
    
  • In the United States, in 2000, a 250-mile, four-State marathon began at the Statue of Liberty in New York City and ended with a multifaith rally in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.
    
    
• Petitions asking governments to take more responsibility for ensuring human rights have been an integral part of each of our Marathons. Over the years our teams have paused in hundreds of cities, towns, and villages across Europe, gathering thousands of signatures from citizens, local politicians, religious leaders, and even the police. A common reaction is, "At last, someone is doing something about it!"
  
  
• Interfaith concerts and events are held as part of each international marathon, often at both the start and at the end. For example, in 1999, events were held first in Athens, the starting point for that year's 13-week, 4,500-kilometer marathon, and in Hamburg at its conclusion. Thousands of people attended to enjoy impassioned music, and speeches by representatives of major religions.
  
  
• Peaceful demonstrations have been held on a regular basis for several years to bring attention to religious intolerance in Europe. For example:
  
  
  • In Los Angeles, weekly demonstrations have been held at the consulates of the German and French governments, to protest religious intolerance in those countries.
    
    
  • In London, England, peaceful marches and demonstrations were held at the French consulate to protest passage of a repressive law targeting religions in France.
    
    
  • In Washington, D.C., peaceful demonstrations were held at the French embassy to draw attention to the repressive law targeting religions in France.
    
    
• Letter writing campaigns are undertaken to to government leaders, human rights groups, and the media, to draw attention to religious intolerance and abuses of human rights.
  
  
• Round tables have been held in Europe and America, attended by religious and human rights leaders, to discuss situations of intolerance and abuse and propose solutions. These events have been covered by media and reported to government and the public.
  
  
• Seminars regarding human rights and religious tolerance are held for Foundation volunteers and supporters, and the general public, to hear about current conditions in various areas, and to provide guidance and instruction on how to approach and effectively deal with intolerance.
  
  
• Educational programs are a new area for the Foundation, and are taking on increasing importance. Our first major project is the International Youth for Human Rights organization, founded in 2000, and aimed at forwarding the meaning and importance of human rights to children of all nations. This group has the full support of the Foundation, and of one of our major allies, The Friends of the United Nations. The new Youth group has held its first International Essay Contest, and prizes were presented to the winning children in Geneva, Switzerland late last year.
  
  
• The Foundation publishes a regular Newsletter to its membership summarizing our activities and presenting related news from "hot spots" around the world. As well, we distribute a frequent Newsflash e-mail news update, and maintain our Web site, www.humanrightsandtolerance.org.

Why You Should Help

In Europe, where nearly every country is a signatory to The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, citizens' rights are still routinely abused. The governments of France, Russia, and other democratic nations have recently targeted peaceful, law-abiding religious and charitable organizations, based almost entirely on religious intolerance.

Although The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a legally binding document, it has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments, which together constitute an international standard of human rights. These instruments include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which are legally binding treaties. Together with the Declaration, these constitute the International Bill of Rights.

By broadly increasing awareness of the principles embodied in these agreements, the Foundation is changing the way Europeans and others are viewing their rights, and their responsibilities. Such agreements offer a peaceful weapon for good people to use to help bring about a better way of life.

The Foundation is supported by many religious and secular organizations that share our values and goals. But the greatest support comes from people like you - people who believe that everyone should be free to practice their chosen religion without fear of persecution - people who are willing to help preserve such freedoms.

By becoming Foundation donors, members, and active volunteers, people like you are beginning to make a difference in the world. By helping to bring peace and understanding to those who are suffering from indifference to human rights and incessant conflict, you help ensure a worthwhile future for everyone.

You Can Help in Many Ways

Your participation in our activities will help bring about greater happiness and better lives for people whose only crime is living in a country where human rights are ignored, or worse, violently repressed.

Become a Member

Your tax deductible annual membership helps us continue to expand our activities. It brings us a step closer to achieving basic human rights, including the security to practice our chosen religions, in many countries of the world. As our membership grows, our voice grows stronger. And as we grow stronger, we become more effective in resolving intolerance and abuse. To support the Foundation as a member, fill out the membership application.

Become a Volunteer

Your direct involvement as a volunteer will accelerate the many changes we can bring about. A few hours, or even a few minutes, on a regular basis, are welcome. Many hands are needed to make a difference, and there are many ways you can help. Contact us to discuss becoming a volunteer.

Make a Donation

Your donations in any amount provide the vital energy that fuels the Foundation's programs and projects around the world. To make a donation, contact the Foundation by telephone, mail, or e-mail.

It's Everyone's Responsibility

The Foundation holds that each of us has the responsibility to ensure that everyone is able to pursue his or her chosen religion with complete freedom.

Your participation is needed. An increased membership will enable us to become more effective in resolving religious intolerance in Europe and everywhere in the world we are needed.

As our members increase, our voice becomes stronger. You make this possible by your PARTICIPATION.

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