The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) recently hosted a virtual onboarding session to welcome its 2025 cohort of Ambassadors. The session, held on March 3, 2025, aimed to introduce the new Ambassadors to ISHR’s mission, values, and programs, and to foster a collaborative and engaging environment for their upcoming eight-week journey.

The session commenced with a warm welcome from moderator Martin Musiime, who provided a brief overview of ISHR, highlighting its accreditation with the United Nations and its global network of human rights advocates. Secretary General Mathias Boehning and President Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Paul Schirrmacher further emphasized the importance of the Ambassadors’ roles, encouraging active participation, teamwork, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives.

Mr. Boehning elaborated on ISHR’s global reach, noting its presence in 39 countries, including former Soviet Union states. He outlined the organization’s three core areas of work: supporting human rights defenders, addressing global human rights topics, and combining thematic work with practical humanitarian aid and support for individuals and communities facing human rights challenges. He also underscored ISHR’s commitment to recognizing the importance of religion and faith in the world.

Irene Evadine Ngong Bonjeh, Head of Communications at ISHR, then led an engaging icebreaker exercise and presented a comprehensive overview of the eight-week Ambassador program. Key program elements include a focus on commitment and collaboration, participation in workshops and training sessions, open communication and feedback mechanisms, and access to a storytelling platform to amplify Ambassador Voices. Ms. Bonjeh stressed the importance of time management and adhering to deadlines for weekly articles, encouraging Ambassadors to communicate challenges and seek clarification as needed.

In closing, Ms. Bonjeh addressed communication protocols and social media engagement, informing Ambassadors that they would be featured on ISHR’s social media platforms and encouraging them to express any concerns regarding privacy and data protection.

The ISHR team expressed enthusiasm for the new cohort of Ambassadors and their potential to contribute to the advancement of human rights globally. The onboarding session marked the beginning of an exciting journey for these dedicated individuals, who will undoubtedly play a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights around the world.