For FIDH, transforming societies relies on the work of local actors. Therefore, FIDH’s activities aim to reinforce their capacities and their influence.

It acts at national, regional and international levels in support of its member and partner organisations to address human rights abuses and consolidate democratic processes. Its work is directed at States and those in power, such as armed opposition groups and multinational corporations. Its primary beneficiaries are national human rights organisations who are members of FIDH, and through them, the victims of human rights violations. FIDH also cooperates with other local partner organisations and actors of change.

Each year, FIDH guides over 60 human rights defenders and representatives of its member organizations through the maze of United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council (as well as its Universal Periodic Review and special procedures), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and treaty monitoring bodies. Acting on its own behalf, FIDH also interacts with the UN human rights system on a daily basis through, inter alia, advocacy and lobbying work and submission of reports and information to relevant stakeholders.