Decision-making

Shareholders have mandated the Board of Directors to operate the Human Rights Defenders Fund (HRDF) according to the following framework:

• Aid Criteria are drafted by the Advisory Board, based on the HRDF Mission Statement. Board of Directors, in consultation with the Advisory Board, Legal Counsel and Accountant, drafts annual Aid Strategy, including priorities, operational guidelines and budget management policy. Aid Criteria and Aid Strategy are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
• Funds are disbursed in response to aid requests submitted by attorneys. Board of Directors reviews Aid Requests in consultation with Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer. It seeks to approve these on the shortest possible timetable, provide they (a) meet the Aid Criteria; and (b) are aligned with Aid Strategy.
• Once an aid request is approved, a contract is signed with attorney. The contract governs the size of the grant, method of transfer and reporting requirements.