Empowering human rights defenders

With the world facing converging crises – from climate change to conflict to the soaring cost of living – basic freedoms are increasingly being eroded. At the same time, the rapid development of AI has created multiple new, complex and evolving challenges to human rights.  

To mark Human Rights Day 2023, we are shining a light on how the Thomson Reuters Foundation uses its unique combination of media and legal expertise to empower those on the frontlines of global efforts to secure and defend human rights. 

Our human rights work is grounded in our mission to strengthen free, fair and informed societies. We work to support and equip journalists and civil society organisations to build awareness and enhance public discourse, in order to facilitate positive change. Our services include: 

• cutting-edge investigative journalism that highlights emerging and ongoing human rights issues. Our award-winning platforms Context and Openly cover climate change, technology, inclusive economies and LGBTQ+ issues.  
   
• expert-led training and practical legal resources for journalists around the world, enabling them to report accurately, effectively and impartially on human rights, and to defend their own rights. 
   
• free legal research and assistance for NGOs and civil society organisations working on human rights through our legal network TrustLaw, the largest pro bono service in the world.  
   
• events and projects that bring together world-leading experts, activists and innovators in this space, to amplify impact. This includes our annual free flagship forum, Trust Conference. 
   
• newly-developed training to support businesses to embed human rights into their operations and supply chains, with a particular focus on the ‘S’ in ESG.