Our Work

CFHR drives justice, equality, and systemic change through research, legal innovation, advocacy, and education.

Our work is rooted in five key focus areas:

  1. Governance, Peace and Security
  2. Human Rights and Social Justice
  3. Youth Engagement and Empowerment
  4. Climate Justice
  5. Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

We work to combat trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and the illegal proliferation of firearms. At the same time, we promote fair trial rights and due process in Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Courts. Our efforts to advance human rights and social inclusion focus on issues such as gender-based violence, women’s marriage rights, transgender rights, refugee protection, and digital freedoms. Through legal aid, national campaigns, marriage rights clinics, a documentary, and a digital knowledge platform, we strive to protect and promote rights for all.

Our climate justice work examines how environmental challenges such as displacement and the impact of the 2022 floods affect vulnerable communities and the justice system. We advocate for rights-based, resilient solutions. Meanwhile, through our Institute for Responsible AI & Human Rights, we explore the intersection of technology and human rights, promoting ethical innovation that puts people first.

At CFHR, we believe knowledge fuels change. We have published eight volumes of the Human Rights Review, developed policy papers and research reports, launched award-winning campaigns, and supported legal fellows. Our clinical legal education programme, moot courts, and specialised trainings prepare the next generation of human rights defenders with the tools and experience they need to lead.

Across all areas, we collaborate with national and international partners to influence policy, strengthen legal protections, and empower communities. Our work is grounded in evidence, shaped by inclusion, and driven by a commitment to lasting impact.

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Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence

Accountability for Rape - A Case Study of Lodhran

Investigating justice for Pakistani rape victims, this project analyzed 63 trial court files from District Lodhran, revealing procedural challenges contributing to high acquittal rates.

Accountability for Rape - A Case Study of Lodhran
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2019

In 2019, CFHR's first 16 Days of Activism campaign included a HeForShe drive with 291 commitments and a social media campaign debunking rape myths. These initiatives advanced gender justice in Pakistan by mobilizing young leaders and fostering crucial conversations.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2019
Campaign
Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence

Maternal Mortality in Low Income Households in Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan has a high maternal mortality rate, partly due to inadequate healthcare for impoverished women.  A study of 23 low-income women in Pakistan identified obstacles to adequate pregnancy care and offered recommendations to improve maternal health outcomes.

Maternal Mortality in Low Income Households in Lahore, Pakistan
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence
Transgender Rights

Rights of Transgender Persons in Pakistan

CFHR undertook a project to assess the effectiveness of the 2018 Act in addressing the challenges faced by transgender individuals. Law students at CFHR’s Human Rights Clinic conducted a literature review, examining legal and societal issues under the supervision of the project lead.

Rights of Transgender Persons in Pakistan
Publication
Governance, Peace & Security
Fair Trial Rights & Anti-Terrorism Courts in Pakistan

Education for Justice (E4J)

In 2019, Ms. Sevim contributed to the UNODC's Education for Justice Project, reviewing Module 15 on counter-terrorism and developing teaching materials on human rights concerns.

Education for Justice (E4J)
Capacity Building
Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence

The Use of the Two-Finger Test in Pakistan

The Two Finger Test, a discredited medico-legal practice assessing virginity through vaginal muscle laxity, violates human rights and lacks scientific basis, yet persists in countries like Pakistan.  Research by law students aims to eliminate this test through legal and societal reform, addressing its continued use and arbitrary court interpretations.

The Use of the Two-Finger Test in Pakistan
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review Vol V

This volume explores fair trials for mentally ill inmates, child marriage in informal courts, blasphemy law abuse & Sharia's place in global human rights law.

Human Rights Review Vol V
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review Vol IV

CFHR’s Volume IV explores Pakistan’s human rights challenges—torture, health, climate justice, and minority rights—through legal and field research.

Human Rights Review Vol IV
Publication
Governance, Peace & Security
Fair Trial Rights & Anti-Terrorism Courts in Pakistan

Promoting Due Process and Fair Trial Methods in Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Courts

CFHR, with partners and U.S. State Department support, strengthened legal protections in Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) through fellowships, panel discussions, moot courts, and a thematic journal focused on fair trial rights.  This initiative aimed to enhance awareness, promote informed discourse, and equip legal professionals and youth with advocacy tools.

Promoting Due Process and Fair Trial Methods in Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Courts
Project
Human Rights & Social Justice
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review Vol III

CFHR’s legal journal fosters critical dialogue on Pakistan’s human rights laws, spotlighting justice gaps, legal reform, and international obligations.

Human Rights Review Vol III
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review Vol II

CFHR’s legal journal offers critical insights on human rights in Pakistan, blending expert analysis on law, gender justice, and constitutional reform.

Human Rights Review Vol II
Publication
Human Rights & Social Justice
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review Vol I

CFHR’s first legal journal amplifies human rights discourse in South Asia through expert and student-led analysis on justice, law reform, and accountability.

Human Rights Review Vol I
Publication
Youth Engagement
Moot Court

Building a Strong Mooting Culture in Pakistan

UCAM, founded in 2013, revitalized Pakistan's mooting circuit by hosting national and international moot court competitions,  with participants from across Pakistan and other countries.  UCAM members have also represented Pakistan in prestigious international competitions.

Building a Strong Mooting Culture in Pakistan
Capacity Building
Climate Justice
Climate Justice

Air Quality Report

This report researches Punjab's legal and policy history on poor air quality, identifying gaps and hurdles in current frameworks. It recommends strategic interventions and evidence-based solutions from similar countries.

Air Quality Report
Publication
Youth Engagement
Clinical Legal Education

Arizona State University - Legal Education Support Program (LESP)

Sevim Saadat directed the first two phases of LESP, improving Pakistani law students' writing and practical skills.  Her contributions included curriculum development, training, and managerial oversight across seven universities.

Arizona State University - Legal Education Support Program (LESP)
Event
Climate Justice
Climate Justice

Climate Justice

CFHR addresses climate justice in Pakistan by focusing on the intersection of climate change and human rights, advocating for equitable access to resources, and addressing the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities, particularly women, children, and indigenous groups, through disaster preparedness, response, and policy advocacy.

Climate Justice
Focus Area
Youth Engagement
Clinical Legal Education

Clinical Legal Education

CFHR's Human Rights Clinic bridges legal education and practice. Students tackle gender-based violence, refugee rights, and more, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and skills to combat inequality in Pakistan.

Clinical Legal Education
Focus Area
Technology & AI
Digital Rights

Digital Rights

CFHR champions digital inclusion as a right, focusing on education. Addressing the pandemic's impact, CFHR researches solutions & advocates for internet equity.

Digital Rights
Focus Area
Governance, Peace & Security
Fair Trial Rights & Anti-Terrorism Courts in Pakistan

Fair Trial Rights & Anti-Terrorism Courts in Pakistan

Fair trials are vital for justice. Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) face hurdles in upholding due process, raising worries about safeguards and transparency.

Fair Trial Rights & Anti-Terrorism Courts in Pakistan
Focus Area
Governance, Peace & Security
Firearms Trafficking

Firearms Trafficking

CFHR combats Pakistan's illicit firearms trade—fueling violence and crime—through legal reforms, enforcement capacity building, and global collaboration. Legislative analysis and UNODC-led workshops align laws with international standards, strengthening public safety and regulatory frameworks.

Firearms Trafficking
Focus Area
Human Rights & Social Justice
Gender-based Violence

Gender-based Violence

CFHR champions gender justice by combating gender-based violence through impactful research & policy advocacy driving systemic reform, community awareness & education initiatives empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights, and targeted capacity building & legal support to strengthen justice systems for survivors.

Gender-based Violence
Focus Area
Governance, Peace & Security
Firearms Trafficking

Harmonization of Pakistan’s Legislative Framework on Firearms

This report analyzes gaps in Pakistan’s gun laws vs. global standards and offers reforms to curb illicit arms trade and meet international obligations.

Harmonization of Pakistan’s Legislative Framework on Firearms
Publication
Youth Engagement
Human Rights Blog

Human Rights Blog

CFHR’s Human Rights Blogs provide a platform for critical thinking on legal and social issues shaping human rights in Pakistan and beyond.

Human Rights Blog
Focus Area
Youth Engagement
Human Rights Review

Human Rights Review

CFHR's Human Rights Review provides critical analysis & research on human rights, especially criminal justice reform in Pakistan.

Human Rights Review
Focus Area
Human Rights & Social Justice
Refugee Rights

Humanizing Refugees in Pakistan

The Refugee Rights Clinic engaged 21 students from UCL and KCW, offering practical research and advocacy experience under CFHR experts, focusing on refugee children's right to education and legal identity in Pakistan.

Humanizing Refugees in Pakistan
Publication

Local Action, Global Impact

We work across Pakistan, driving legal reform, advocacy, and policy change to protect human rights and empower communities.

Our Work
Our Partners