HuMENA, in a glimps
At its core, HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement embodies a deep-rooted commitment to human rights. Established as an autonomous entity for advocacy and activism, HuMENA strives to emerge as a pivotal civic force, addressing the constraints on civic freedoms in the MENA region and harnessing the power of both local and diasporic communities as catalysts for change in both local and international stages. Officially founded in 2020 in Brussels, HuMENA operates as a non-profit, non-partisan global human rights organization with active engagements across the MENA region.
HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement is dedicated to advancing the rights and empowerment of communities across the MENA region through strategic activism, advocacy, and collaboration. Our approach transcends borders, resonating with a diverse array of stakeholders, including civil society, activists, citizens, and democratic governments.
Narrowed labels do not bind us; we embrace an expansive vision that uplifts all voices within our organization. This means affirming the lives of activists, human rights defenders, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, disabled individuals, people of color, ethnic and religious minorities, diaspora activists, exiled activists, refugees, undocumented individuals, those with records, women, and all individuals across the gender spectrum who have been marginalized within liberation movements.
In our pursuit of justice and equity, we combat acts of discrimination, creating spaces for engagement, learning, development, imagination, innovation, and joy. Just as we advocate for the rights of marginalized communities within the MENA region, we recognize the importance of inclusivity and solidarity on a global scale.
At HuMENA, we believe that by centering the experiences and voices of those often sidelined, we forge a path toward a more just and equitable future for all. Our commitment to strategic activism knows no borders as we work tirelessly to bring about positive change and ensure no community is left behind.
Fight for Your Rights
Vision
Empowering MENA Communities for Justice, Equality, Freedom, and Democracy.
Mission
HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement is dedicated to advancing human rights, democracy, and social justice across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We strive to create a better future for all through strategic activism, advocacy, and collaboration. Our strategic activism transcends borders, resonating with diverse stakeholders—civil society, activists, citizens, diasporas, and democratic governments. Together, we forge a path toward a more just and equitable future.
- Justice and Equality
- Reciprocity
- Knowledge
- Principled Courage
- Respect for universal human rights
- Development of a pluralistic and participative democracy
- Social cohesion, integration, and harmony
- Care for the environment and sustainable development
- Commitment to non-violence
- Respect for diversity
- diasporic impact-oriented work
- Inclusion and inclusivity
- Participatory approach to decision-making
- operational excellence
- passion for innovation
- Long-term thinking.
- Promotion of unity through diversity
- Empowerment through Education: We believe that empowerment through education occurs when individuals gain knowledge of human rights and have access to resources, enabling them to improve their lives.
- Courage in Facing Challenges: We believe that courage in facing challenges entails tackling complex issues head-on, pioneering new solutions, and addressing gaps, especially in adversarial settings.
- Persistence and Learning: We believe persistence and learning are essential in addressing complex issues, demanding thorough analysis, unwavering determination, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to learning and development.
- Mental Health as a Priority: We believe that mental health is a priority, recognizing the critical importance of mental well-being for human rights defenders and emphasizing the need for self-care to prevent burnout.
- Inclusivity and Solidarity: We believe that inclusivity and solidarity are paramount, promoting a broad vision that amplifies all voices, advocating for marginalized groups, and fostering global inclusivity and solidarity.
How We Do Our Work?
– Knowledge Production
– Advocacy
– Capacity Building
– Supporting Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)
– Monitoring and Reporting
– Partnerships and Collaborations
Meet the team
Feryel Charfedine
Programs Lead
Mostafa Fouad
Mohammed Ali Moghabat
Senior Researcher
Thea Khoury
Outreach & Development
George Ghanoum
Accountant & HR
Sayed Yusuf Almuhafdha
Researcher
Taymour Kanaan
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Sarah Gebrayel
Engagement Lead
Board of Trustees
Mai El-Sadany
Board Member
Dima Samaro
Board Member
