About Gohoud
“Gohoud” is a human rights organization that aims to continue on, improve & develop the Egyptian human rights movements. It also aims at supporting the work of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Egypt and it’s regional and international scope. “Gohoud” was established in 2021 by a group of Egyptian human rights defenders (HRDs) from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. As a group, we aim at promoting human rights culture, by supporting W/HRDs and enhancing their capacities to continue their legitimate activities. Additionally, We aim to contribute to building a society that embraces human rights advocacy and supports defenders in their vital efforts, ensuring the continuous emergence of new W/HRDs in the public sphere.
At “Gohoud”, We recognize that the complexity of political and social contexts in Egypt has contributed to a centralized perception of who are W/HRDs and what activities they do. There is a prevailing assumption that W/HRDs are only those working on specific issues, such as freedom of expression, the right to organize, or exposing human rights violations like anti-torture groups. This narrow focus has marginalized many W/HRDs and their critical work, resulting in missed opportunities for support, networking, and collaboration on broader agendas that ensure inclusivity and leave no one behind. Therefore, we adopt a broad definition of W/HRDs, which includes each individual/ group, committed to defending one or more of human rights, or dedicated to advocating for fundamental freedoms of individuals/ groups
We also understand the significance of recognizing the different intersections within human rights activism, which require specialized forms of understanding and support—such as gender identity, racial and religious diversity, and geography, among other equally important factors. Given the complexities of the MENA region, where social structures may amplify the risks faced by W/HRDs from these intersecting identities, we are committed, through our organizational structure, policies, and programs—to prioritizing and providing tailored support for these defenders.
“Gohoud” believes in the cumulative struggle. We are proud to be part of such an accumulation, as we take international human rights standards, and the efforts and tireless work of those who came before us, as our reference. We also believe in the importance of continuous work to develop policies/tools/interpretations for our issues, in line with our evolving contexts. Moreover, we believe in the universality of human rights, and the connection between the Egyptian and the regional, and international human rights movements. This draws our attention and support to W/HRDs, regionally and globally, knowing the importance of connecting defenders and their issues in different contexts to each other, and enhancing ways of cooperation and exchange of experiences and mutual support.
Vision
A world where everyone enjoys basic human rights without discrimination; Where the voices of human rights defenders are raised without fear; where they practice their activities safely and are protected from all forms of violations, targeting, and stigmatization.
Mission
We work to promote and sustain the work of human rights defenders inside and outside Egypt. Additionally, we advocate for the right of W/HRDs to practice their legitimate activities in a safe environment.
Our Values
We believe in full equality for all human beings in the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and the necessity of ensuring that these rights are accessible to everyone equally and without discrimination. At Gohoud, we are committed to combating all forms of discrimination, particularly gender-based discrimination.
We believe in solidarity as an umbrella for the rights that we struggle for, as all human rights are interconnected in one indivisible fabric. Also, we believe in the unity and universality of the movement to defend human rights. We stand in solidarity with all human rights defenders, regardless of the specific rights they defend.
We operate independently of all official authorities and bodies, as well as political spectra, and parties. We pledge that our first and only alignment will be with the human rights principles and values.
We are committed to the utmost objectivity, integrity, and accuracy. In addition to respecting the ethical rules of research, and knowledge production, in a way that guarantees our credibility and aligns with the values we defend.
We are aware of our responsibility toward victims/ survivors of violations, including human rights defenders and witnesses who have shared their experiences with us. Hence, we are committed to dealing with the safety and security of defenders as a priority and responsibility, including respecting the values of informed consent and confidentiality, and everything that ensures respect for the capacity and safety of defenders in all of our activities.
We embrace participatory approaches in managing our work at all levels، including planning, implementation, and impact evaluation. We believe in working “with”, and not just working “for”. We are committed to engaging and listening to the voices of all the beneficiaries and stakeholders in the decision-making processes within the organization.