Overview

European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) is an independent, non-profit human rights organisation established in 2007 and based in Berlin. It works to strengthen democratic accountability and uphold international human rights law through strategic legal action.The organisation’s approach centres on using courts and legal mechanisms to address systemic human rights violations that often remain beyond the reach of traditional enforcement.

Mission and focus areas

ECCHR’s mission is to advance justice by holding states, corporations, and other powerful actors accountable for human rights abuses. It focuses on structural change rather than individual remedies, aiming to influence legal standards and institutional behaviour over time.Core focus areas include business and human rights, international crimes and accountability, migration, and democracy and the rule of law. Its work is relevant to sustainable finance and ESG practice where corporate conduct, supply chains, state responsibility, and access to remedy intersect with human rights risks and due diligence expectations.

Structure and governance

ECCHR operates as a registered non-profit association with a defined governance structure. It is led by a General Secretary and supported by senior legal staff overseeing thematic programmes.The organisation employs lawyers, legal researchers, and policy specialists, and collaborates closely with partner organisations, affected communities, and legal practitioners worldwide. Governance oversight is provided through formal supervisory and advisory bodies, ensuring independence and accountability.

Programs and offerings

ECCHR’s primary outputs include strategic litigation, legal submissions, case documentation, and analytical publications. It brings cases before national courts, regional human rights bodies, and international mechanisms, often in collaboration with local partners.In addition, ECCHR produces reports, briefings, and public statements that analyse legal developments and corporate accountability trends. These resources are used by policymakers, civil society organisations, and sustainability practitioners seeking to understand evolving human rights standards and enforcement risks in global business and governance contexts.