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What we do

We support minorities and indigenous peoples to secure their rights in the following ways:

  • Programmes

    We co-design programmes with 300 partners worldwide using human rights-based approaches that emphasize participation, inclusion, remedies, restitution and sustainability.

  • Publications

    We publish authoritative publications that are widely valued by decision makers, academics and the media.

  • Documentary films

    We produce documentary films on a wide range of minority and indigenous communities – from the overfishing that threatens coastal communities in Gambia to the harsh conditions many refugees face as they try to reach the European Union.

  • Advocacy

    We support the advocacy initiatives of minority and indigenous community representatives. We also conduct advocacy at the national, regional and international levels to ensure that governments and international agencies respect and promote minority and indigenous peoples’ rights.

  • Legal cases

    Our pioneering legal work advances the protection of minorities and indigenous peoples under international law.

  • Training

    We have trained thousands of minority and indigenous activists in advocacy, campaigning, communications, law and more. We also deliver training to journalists in effective and ethical reporting on minority and indigenous issues.

  • Technical guidance

    We provide advice to a wide range of institutions such as UN agencies, government departments and companies, sharing our expertise on minority and indigenous peoples’ rights.

  • Evaluations

    Our work and continuous evaluation of our efforts offer overwhelming evidence that the inclusion of minority and indigenous communities leads to stronger, more cohesive societies.

  • Combatting persecution

    Many minority and indigenous rights defenders operate in increasingly hostile environments, often in countries where democratic space is shrinking drastically and where persecution and intimidation are taking new forms.

  • Challenging marginalization

    We frequently see minority and indigenous communities forced to live on the outskirts of society, robbed of opportunities and livelihoods, and deprived of access to basic public services such as health and education.

  • Realizing climate justice

    Minorities and indigenous peoples have often contributed the least to the damage being inflicted to the planet, but are among those who now are asked to pay the highest price.

Case studies

Our work is about people, communities and structures, and how, in combining these equitably, we can overcome the toughest odds that stand in the way of human progress.

  • Sanabil

    Sanabil is a Christian from Pakistan. Faced with persecution, a discussion group organized by our partner empowered her to speak up.

  • Said

    Said was born into slavery in Mauritania. With our help, he and his brother Yarg managed to bring their enslaver to justice.

  • Archana

    Archana is a passionate and skilful young environmental activist, belonging to India’s Khadia tribe.

Our approach

01
Human rights-based approach

We identify rights holders and duty bearers, assess power dynamics and capacities, and embed the principles of community ownership, transparency and accountability into all our projects.

02
‘Do no harm’ perspective

We continuously identify and highlight risks, with support from our partners, and ensure that we mitigate against those risks wherever possible.

03
Participatory planning

We only respond to needs identified directly by communities through their representatives and always involve those affected when planning our activities.

04
Inclusive approach

We recognize that there are people who may face additional discrimination within minority and indigenous communities and make sure that no one gets left behind.

Technical guidance

We regularly advise a wide range of institutions such as UN agencies, government departments and private companies, on issues regarding inclusion, diversity and minority and indigenous rights. We never undertake such work where it has the potential to endanger our independence or our relationships with minority or indigenous communities.

A Sunuwar participant at a public awareness rising gathering on Nepal’s census organised by CEMSOJ in September 2021, Hawa, Dolakha, Nepal. Credit: Bishal Rajbhandari/CEMSOJ

Saadia Mosbah, Founder of Mnemty, MRG’s partner in Tunisia, holds a sign that reads ‘I am for a beautiful and plural Tunisia. I fight for diversity, difference and equal opportunities.’ Credit: Mnemty

Do you have a question about our work?
Contact us
  • Our strategy

    We work with ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, and indigenous peoples to secure their rights and promote understanding between communities.

  • Stories

    Discover the latest insights from our global network of staff, partners and allies.

  • Events

    Join us for insightful discussions at webinars, screenings, exhibitions and more.