HURIDOCS is a loose network. It does not impose formal rules for membership. Groups and individuals participate in network activities by soliciting advice and support; by participating in training courses, forums and meetings; as well as by contributing to the development of tools.

The majority of participants in the network are human rights NGOs, but there are many others, e.g. professional organisations, academic and research institutions or national human rights institutions.

The major official bodies in the HURIDOCS network are the General Assembly, the Continuation Committee, the International Advisory Council, and the Secretariat.

General Assembly

The General Assembly sets overall policies for HURIDOCS. It is held every five years combined with a major conference. Attendance is open to all network participants. The fifth General Assembly was held on 28 February in Geneva, Switzerland.

Continuation Committee

The Continuation Committee functions as the Board and is charged with the overall implementation of the HURIDOCS programme as approved by the General Assembly. Its composition reflects a geographical balance. The number of members has been kept to a minimum in order to ensure an efficient operational structure that requires limited resources.  Below is the former Continuation Committee (1998-2009) at work:

A new CC was elected at the General Assembly of 28 February 2009. It is composed of:

Agnethe Olesen, Chairperson(Denmark)
Jean Enriquez, Vice Chair(Philippines)
Hannah Forster, Treasurer (Gambia)
Judith Dueck (Canada)
Frej Fenniche (Ethiopia)
Edward Halpin(United Kingdom)
Rosario Narvaez Vargas (Peru)

For brief information about them, see http://www.huridocs.org/about/people

International Advisory Council

The International Advisory Council has 15-20 individuals from diverse geographical backgrounds and professional experience. The Council members provide guidance for the Continuation Committee, the Task Forces, the specialized networks and other aspects of HURIDOCS work.

A new International Advisory Council was elected at the General Asssembly of 28 February 2009. It is composed of:

Adama Dieng (Tanzania)
Ibrahim Sarr (Senegal)
André Titus (South Africa)
Aurora Javate de Dios (Philippines)
Adilur Rahman Khan (Bangladesh)
Dan Brickley (United Kingdom)
James Lawson (France)
Tom Longley (United Kingdom)
Hans Thoolen (Greece)
Nelly Benilde Herrera Román (Ecuador)
Luis Maria Lozano (Argentina)
Aída María Noval (Mexico)
Lucrecia Molina Theissen (Costa Rica)
Nina Atallah (Palestine)
Youssef El-Bouhairi (Morocco)
Lars Bromley (United States)
Sam Gregory (United States)
William R. Pace (United States)

Secretariat

The HURIDOCS Secretariat provides administrative support and facilitates collaborative activities for the network. It will progressively develop into a Centre of Excellence with sufficient staff and resources to:

• Provide support to the network’s activities including training activities and tools development
• Coordinate programmatic activities including the updating and maintaining of tools
• Advise organisations on the establishment and strengthening of their information and documentation systems
• Maintain a specialized library and help desk
• Consult with the network regarding activities, new tools and technology advances
• Inform the network about relevant developments
• Consult with the members of the Continuation Committee (Board) and the International Advisory Council and inform them
• Prepare for meetings of the Board, the General Assembly, Task Forces and other bodies
• Administer the finances of the organisation and report to donors
• Implement the plans drawn up by the policy-making bodies
  

Auditors

SFG Société Fiduciaire et de Gérance SA