Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) – 2024 Impact Summary
In 2024, the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) advanced its mission to protect and promote human rights across the Caribbean. Major strides were made in legal support, advocacy, strategic litigation, and organizational development. Partnerships with key entities such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Open Society Foundations (OSF) were pivotal in achieving these goals.
Key Achievements
Legal Services
- Provided free legal aid to over 700 asylum seekers and refugees in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Established a fully operational legal unit through its partnership with UNHCR.
- Addressed cases involving documentation issues, deportation risks, and legal literacy.
Advocacy & Training
- Participated in high-level discussions on human trafficking and refugee rights.
- Conducted outreach and sensitization sessions reaching 643 people, surpassing their target.
- Trained law enforcement personnel in refugee protection protocols.
Strategic Litigation
- OSF projects focused on:
- Training junior lawyers.
- Litigating to repeal outdated “savings law clauses” that hinder human rights reforms.
- Preparing accessible legal reform guidance for Caribbean governments.
Thematic Focus Areas
- Economic Inequality
- Gender-based Violence
- LGBTQ+ Discrimination
- Climate Change Displacement
- Weak Justice Systems
- Migrant and Refugee Rights
- Youth Unemployment
- Healthcare Inequities
Organizational Highlights
- Expanded its staff and operations to meet increased demand.
- Operated under strong governance from its Board of Directors, featuring leaders like Dr. Carolyn Gomes and Rajiv Persad.
- Implemented robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.
- Made data-driven improvements to services based on client feedback.
Financial Performance (2024)
- Total Income: TTD 1,562,299
- Total Expenditure: TTD 1,528,602
- Surplus: TTD 34,627
- Primary Funders: UNHCR (≈86% of funding), OSF, and minor contributions from other partners.
- Top Expense: Personnel (64% of total expenses)
Plans for 2025 and Beyond
CCHR aims to:
- Expand legal support to more vulnerable populations, including women and children facing abuse and those impacted by poverty-related criminalization.
- Push for constitutional reform and repeal of discriminatory laws.
- Broaden its strategic litigation and advocacy footprint.
- Strengthen digital legal access tools through initiatives like TeLegal (technology for legal empowerment).
Closing Remarks
Both Executive Director Mary Joanna Marsden and Chair Dr. Carolyn Gomes praised the team’s commitment and resilience. They highlighted CCHR’s transformation from a small office to a regional leader in human rights, with ambitions to further grow its impact in 2025.