ABOUT  US 

The International Organisation to Preserve Human Rights (IOPHR) is an active non-for-profit organisation and think tank based in the United Kingdom, with members spanning across the globe.

We are an independent body, and do not have any political or religious inclinations or associations. Founded by Dr. Seyed Azmayesh, a jurist-scholar and human rights activist, IOPHR is at the centre of human rights preservation, working towards equality, inclusivity and social development.

OUR WORK

The approach of IOPHR is based on research, education and social participation. We organize a series of academic conferences, research-based panels, publications and cultural events, that are aimed at facilitating an open dialogue within communities, highlighting core issues that threaten human rights in a democratic society, and formulating systematic and sustainable solutions. We embrace socio-cultural diversity and strongly encourage community involvement.

Our Values

IOPHR is a research-based organization, campaigning for social reform and preservation of human rights for all. Our foundational values are equality, equity, mutual respect, peace and inclusivity. Our work is aimed towards upholding the democratic values of secularism, fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and the rule of law.

Our work ethic is to provide a comprehensive account of human rights issues, by exploring all possible facets of a problem, including sociological, psychological, economic, cultural and political aspects. We work to provide an unbiased and well-rounded image, to empower individuals with reliable information. We do not partake in the blame-culture, but instead, actively support and facilitate open communication and transparency.

Academia and Conferences

We organise various conferences, academic lectures, series of seminars and workshops

We organise various conferences, academic lectures, series of seminars and workshops that are aimed at increasing education and awareness of human rights principles and providing an in-depth analysis of issues such as violence, extremism and gender-inequality, that pose a threat to our society.

Over the years, we have conducted several well-represented panels that include policy makers, such as EU officials, members of the UK Parliament and members of the United Nations, along with academics, researchers, public service officials, human-rights activists, and social representatives. Our panels aim to educate, debate and resolve human rights issues in a proactive manner, with representation from all areas of society. You can follow and participate in our events and live streams through our social media links and our online channel called ‘Pearl TV Channel’.

OUR AIMS

  1. Our aim is to counteract and resolve several issues that encroach upon the human rights of individuals and pose a threat to our democratic society. Our main areas of focus are gender-inequality, cultural and religious antagonism, extremism, forms of violence, and social inequity.

  2. We aim to promote and uphold human rights values that are universal, and should be equally available to every single human being, irrespective of one’s race, culture, gender or faith.

  3. We hope to empower women, and be a platform to bring forth the voices of those who are unrepresented or suppressed within our patriarchal society. Our work provides research-based evidence for the injustices and gender-based violence towards women. Our goal is to restore gender-equilibrium to the social sphere.

  4. Our research and campaigning efforts specifically include the issues of violent extremism within society. Our goal is to combat this instrument of organized crime which poses a threat to communities across the globe.

  5. We also hope to contribute towards the Global Goals as set out by the United Nations, including working towards gender equality by eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, combatting harmful practices such as early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (goal n°5), or the promotion of peace, justice and security to reduce all forms of violence, and ensure inclusivity and sustainable development within our societies (goals n°11 and n°16).

  6. IOPHR employs a dynamic long-term plan that will help achieve our goals, with a prospective approach to accommodate for the ever-changing social environment

Our Aims are:

  • Protection of human rights and democratic values within society.

  • Achieving gender-equality in all realms of society, and eliminating gender-based violence.

  • Eliminating the threats of extremism through research-based proposals, and working closely with policy-makers, public officials and members of the society.

  • Creation of an inclusive and well-integrated society that finds strength in diversity and cultural cohesion.

  • Reducing cultural, religious or racial discrimination and polarization, along with counteracting hate crime and social ignorance.

  • Contributing to the Global Goals devised by the United Nations to transform society in a sustainable way

Dr. Seyed Mostafa Azmayesh

Dr. Seyed Mostafa Azmayesh

Founder and Chairman

Dr. Seyed Mostafa Azmayesh, the founder IOPHR, is a jurist-scholar, human rights activist, and an author. He holds two doctorates, and is known for his extensive research in the fields of Theology, Law and Human Rights. His most notable efforts have been towards the reform of social or legal practices that are in violation of human rights and freedom of the people. His research includes strategic planning to counter the rise of violence and extremism within society. He firmly believes in the institution of secularism and diversity, and is a strong advocate for gender-equality and eliminating gender-based violence. Dr. Azmayesh established this organisation to identify, protect and preserve human rights of people across the globe. His vision and passion have helped establish the foundation of IOPHR, rooted in education, research and cohesion.

Mattie

Mattie

Director

Mattie is the Director and Policy and Advocacy Advisor, in charge of communications and public relations of IOPHR. As an international human rights activist, with substantial experience in areas of counter-terrorism, she is an expert in the field of islamist extremism and women’s rights issues in Islam. She plays a key role in the Research and Analysis team, and significantly contributes to the efforts of IOPHR in terms of education, awareness and research-oriented action. Mattie has spent years advocating for the protection of human rights principles and continues to give a resonant voice to those who may not be able to speak for themselves, hoping to inspire communities to get more involved and work towards the future of dynamic change in society.

Beverley

Beverley

Director

Beverley is passionate about social issues, especially equality and human rights, having volunteered for a number of different non-profit and charitable organisations throughout her life. Her efforts have seen her speak out for the rights of others at the European Parliament, the United Nations and the the U.K. Parliament. In her role at IOPHR she helps to direct the strategy and vision, working alongside a dedicated team of equally passionate individuals.

Farzad

Farzad

Research & Analysis Manager

Human rights activist Farzad manages the Research and Analysis team, leading the efforts of IOPHR to serve as a successful think-tank on issues such as human rights violations, extremism and radicalisation within society. As a senior advisor within IOPHR, he collaborates with several departments for the strategic planning and goal setting of the organisation. The Research and Analysis team is responsible for conducting extensive primary and secondary research, consisting of interviews with academics, public officials, and members of the community to present a comprehensive analysis of social issues relating to human rights.

Barbara

Barbara

Programme Coordinator

Barbara is in charge of the coordination of our projects, meetings and events. She assists in the organisation of several programmes and gatherings, and oversees the administrative duties within IOPHR.

Share This