We strive to ensure that everyone can work free from oppression and fear
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) is an independent, non-profit NGO that provides support and protection to human rights defenders (HRDs) in order to promote human rights, including but not limited to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
By donating to GCHR, you are helping us protect and support Human Rights Defenders across the MENA Region.
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Protection
To provide protection for human rights defenders, including journalists and Internet activists, and enhance their effectiveness online and offline.
Awareness
To raise awareness locally, regionally and internationally about issues pertaining to HRDs at risk.
Advocacy
To enable a safer environment for human rights defenders at risk, through advocacy at regional fora and via international mechanisms.
Networking
To facilitate networking and exchanges between human rights defenders, partner organisations and social movements.
Facilitators of vibrant civic spaces in the Gulf region
Founded in 2011 by human rights defenders in the MENA Region, GCHR is based in Lebanon and documents the environment for human rights defenders in the Gulf region and neighbouring countries.
LEARN MORE ABOUT USProviding tools & resources to those who need them most
Get the tools and resources to manage threats and much needed support for your cyber, physical, and psychological well-being
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Recent Actions
Abdulrahman Al-Khalidi faces another 6-month extension of detention by authorities in Bulgaria
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) continues to urge the Bulgarian authorities to enforce the multiple court orders to release Saudi human rights defender
15/10/2025 Learn More
Release human rights lawyer Abdulmajeed Sabra
The undersigned non-governmental organisations call on the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen, Ansar Allah, to immediately and unconditionally release the prominent
14/10/2025 Take Action
On the 5th anniversary of the arrest of 10 Egyptian Nubian citizens, a call for their immediate release
Update: on 06 September 2025, the Specialised Criminal Court of Appeal decided in an e-hearing on a reduction of between 30% to 50% of the sentences against all of the
14/07/2025 Take Action
Stop deportation of Abdulrahman Al-Khalidi from Bulgaria & address serious deterioration of his health
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) is following with a great concern the dire development of the case of Saudi human rights defender Abdulrahman Al-Khalidi in
27/05/2025 Take ActionRecent News & Publications
Human rights lawyer Khalil Ma’touq’s family announces his death
On 31 October 2025, artist Raneem Ma’touq, daughter of prominent Syrian human rights lawyer Khalil Ma’touq, announced her father's death on her Facebook page: "I,
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Prisoners at Jaw Prison on hunger strike, as calls mount for Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja’s freedom
The Gulf Centre for human rights (GCHR) expresses grave concern over the well-being of prisoners who have been hunger-striking in Bahrain’s Jaw prison. While
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