Artists for Human Rights (AFHR) was formed with the purpose of bringing artists together with the common cause of raising awareness of human rights around the world while providing a voice to those artists who have been suppressed due to governmental, religious or cultural oppression.

     In 1948 the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with 190 countries ratifying and ascribing to this declaration. This document delineates 30 basic articles of universal human rights (see page 2). The startling fact is that most people have not had the opportunity or benefit of even seeing these rights clearly laid out. You can't defend what you do not know.

     While artists are often the first-line target when human rights are curtailed, they also have the ability to influence and change viewpoints on a large scale through their stories, dance, music and pictures. They have the power to enlighten and elevate an entire culture, bringing sanity and tolerance to a troubled world.

     Artists for Human Rights was formed as non profit organization by artists who have taken up this responsibility and the challenge to make a difference, to increase human rights awareness and to provide a voice for those oppressed artists who are being silenced.

     Founded by the celebrated Academy Award nominated film actress and human rights advocate, Anne Archer, Artists for Human Rights invites artists from all disciplines to contribute. Participation is broad-based, embracive of all races, creeds and nationalities with its only prerequisite - support and affirmation of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Working Board members are exactly that - working board members. Not in name only, Working Board members attend meetings, take on projects, bring their own creative genius to the cause for human rights.

     Maintaining its goals and mission statement, Artists for Human Rights works inclusively with allied organizations to bring the full force of artistic expression to bear in the human rights arena. What many do not know about AFHR Founder Anne Archer is that she has tirelessly and unceremoniously fought for human rights across the globe for nearly two decades. She has led religious tolerance movements in Germany, France, the United States, Spain and Africa. She has, with other artists, led protest marches in uneven streets, testified to Congress, met quietly and openly with State Department officials around the world - always bringing her creativity and passion to the fight.