The Institute of Human Rights was established in March 2005 as a dedicated research centre within the Universitat de València, specialising in multidisciplinary studies of human rights. The Institute brings together researchers from different legal and social branches with the objective of pursuing a set of fundamental goals. Thus, the Institute’s objective is to advance the knowledge of human rights through multidisciplinary research, training and awareness-raising activities. Its teaching work is designed to promote reflection, dialogue and commitment to human rights, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable or most threatened individuals and groups.

The Institute of Human Rights is structured around several interdisciplinary research areas. In addition to these research and study areas, the IDH actively promotes human rights education through postgraduate teaching and specialisation in human rights issues. These activities are made possible to a significant extent thanks to collaboration agreements with other research and teaching centres in this field, both in Spain and abroad. Furthermore, the IDH collaborates with NGOs and social movements that are dedicated to the defence and protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups. In order to foster social awareness, the IDH organises activities and conferences with distinguished guests of national and international prestige.