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About Us

Human Rights in China (HRIC) is a Chinese non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in March 1989 by overseas Chinese students and scientists. We actively engage in case and policy advocacy, media and press work, and capacity building. Through our original publications and extensive translation work, HRIC provides bridges and uncensored platforms for diverse Chinese voices. 

Our activities promote fundamental rights and freedoms and provide solidarity for rights defenders and their families by supporting citizens’ efforts to effectively communicate, as well as organize and participate in rights defense activities.

Through our media and advocacy work, we raise international awareness of and support for the diverse and expanding civil society activism in China. To accomplish these goals, we engage with a wide range of high-level authorities, including United Nations human rights bodies and national governments, as well as the business community and international media outlets.

With an international office in New York and a China office in Hong Kong, HRIC actively works on local, regional, and global platforms.

Staff

Our small and committed staff brings diverse expertise in Chinese and international human rights law, Chinese politics, language, and culture, as well as policy experience in the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector. Read about our senior staff below.

Board of Directors
  • William Bernstein, Chair, HRIC; Partner & Chairman of the Board, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
  • Sharon Hom, Executive Director, HRIC; Professor of Law Emerita, School of Law, CUNY
  • Cheuk Kwan, Secretary, HRIC; Chairman, Toronto Association for Democracy in China
  • R. Scott Greathead, Treasurer, HRIC; Senior Counsel, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
  • Andrew J. Nathan, Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science, Columbia University
  • Han Dongfang, Founder and Executive Director, China Labour Bulletin
  • Hu Ping, Veteran Democracy Activist & Political Commentator
  • Liu Qing, Veteran Democracy Activist & Political Commentator
  • Rochelle Korman, Esq. Of Counsel, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
  • Teng Biao, Chinese Rights Defense Lawyer and Legal Scholar
What We Do

Our Mission

Promote international human rights and advance the institutional protection of these rights in the People’s Republic of China.

Fellowship Opportunity for NYU Law graduates

HRIC is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Robert L. Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights. Great opportunity for a JD or LLM seeking practical experience in international human rights work focused on mainland China and Hong Kong. Deadline: November 19, 2021.

See description and application guidelines.

Applicants should be committed to HRIC's mission and interested in working in a friendly, high-energy, collaborative bilingual NGO that insists on the highest professional and public-interest standards. Currently available staff positions and information on internship opportunities can be found HERE.

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In Memoriam

Robert L. Bernstein

1923-2019

Chair emeritus and beloved supporter of
Human Rights in China

With gratitude and in friendship
The staff of HRIC

In Memoriam

Robin Munro (1952-2021)

HRIC is deeply saddened by the passing of a great friend, scholar, and human rights and labor activist. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Robin’s family and colleagues. Robin enriched all the lives he touched with his fierce intelligence, generous spirit, and dry sense of humor. We will always remember him.

Read tributes:
China Labour Bulletin
Donald Clarke