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HEDF At A Glance

Established in 2010 and officially registered in 2012, the Huqooq-ul-Ebad Development Foundation (HEDF) stands as a beacon of hope and advocacy, headquartered in Gujrat District, Punjab, Pakistan. As an independent, non-profit, and non-political entity, HEDF diligently operates under the auspices of the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance of 1961, dedicated to fostering substantial social change. The foundation has been granted “Special Consultative Status” with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2014 and has held the prestigious role of an accredited observer at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEP) since 2018. With a sharp focus on combating the pressing global challenges of climate change, climate governance, and gender disparities, HEDF champions the cause of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through robust evidence-based advocacy, community empowerment, and strategic policy interventions. The organization is staunchly committed to elevating the status of women and girls in Pakistan, actively combating gender-based violence, and promoting environmental protection and sustainability. Through its extensive network of local and international volunteers and strategic partnerships, HEDF spearheads initiatives that drive sustainable community development, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are amplified and that they have the tools necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

HEDF works for the social, economic and political development of the marginalized and underdeveloped sections of society, with a basic philosophy, orientation and tools that enable them to stand on their own feet. HEDF has established an extensive network of local community-based organizations for marginalized people in different parts of the country and maintains close contacts with a number of non-governmental organizations in the target areas to share information, experiences, etc.

Since its inception, HEDF has successfully completed various projects that have made significant impacts on the communities they serve. These projects include providing shelter support, distributing books and stationery to needy students, conducting awareness campaigns on gender-based violence, offering financial support for women, delivering health care for women and children, providing legal aid to women victims, protecting the environment, and facilitating free vocational and skills training for women, girls, and youth. Each project has been a step forward in HEDF’s mission to empower the marginalized and create a more equitable society.

Vision

A sustainable and equitable world where every individual, especially women and girls, thrive in a climate-resilient society governed by inclusive, effective, and accountable institutions.

MISSION

To empower marginalized communities by promoting gender equality, advancing climate governance, and supporting sustainable development initiatives. HEDF is dedicated to catalyzing significant and lasting changes through grassroots engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building in alignment with global environmental and developmental goals.

Core Values

HEDF respects the rights, culture, and dignity of all people and stakeholders with whom it works;
HEDF considers all people equal, regardless of gender, caste, creed, affiliation or political involvement;
HEDF gives the highest priority to the interests of disadvantaged groups such as women and youth;
HEDF believes in participatory approaches in all its work and interventions;
HEDF rejects discrimination of any kind;

Goals And Objectives

To work for the rectification and implementation of human rights and other related charters, covenants and protocols.
Take necessary measures to prevent human rights violations by providing – assistance and support, including legal aid to those affected to protect human rights.
Receiving and investigating reported and unreported cases and allegations of human rights violations and recommending appropriate remedial action to the relevant authorities.
Providing basic necessities such as pure drinking water, medicines, environmentally friendly atmosphere and other rural development measures in remote areas.
Promoting the rights of children and youth through various projects.
Education and awareness of youth, women/girls, drugs, hepatitis B/C, HIV / AIDS and other diseases.
Raising awareness among women, girls, children and minorities about their basic rights, including political rights, family planning, health, education and jobs, and providing free legal aid and comprehensive protection, etc.
Contributing to poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life of marginalized women and girls.
Changing the behavior of drug addicts through harm reduction and detoxification and reintegration into normal life and improving their quality of life by providing basic health services.
Ensuring gender equality in Pakistan.
Raising people’s awareness of environmental concerns and issues in Pakistan.
Rehabilitation of victims of natural disasters like floods, earthquakes etc.

Accountability

The Executive Council shall be accountable to the General Council for its activities. According to the Bylaws, the Management of HEDF is accountable to the Executive Council for the effective management of the organization and program, and for the proper use of funds provided from various sources.
The members of the Executive Council shall always monitor the activities of the Accounting Department to ensure good record keeping. Before any project or plan is implemented, it must be approved by the Executive Council.
The HEDF management is responsible to the District and Provincial Social Welfare Administration for the Management of its activities. The HEDF shall participate in the coordination meetings organized by the local administration and submit regular reports.
The HEDF is also accountable to its beneficiaries for the activities and services and the money they have saved and given to the organization.

Transparency Of Audit & Accounting

The Executive Council shall be accountable to the General Council for its activities. According to the Bylaws, the Management of HEDF is accountable to the Executive Council for the effective management of the organization and program, and for the proper use of funds provided from various sources.
The members of the Executive Council shall always monitor the activities of the Accounting Department to ensure good record keeping. Before any project or plan is implemented, it must be approved by the Executive Council.
The HEDF management is responsible to the District and Provincial Social Welfare Administration for the Management of its activities. The HEDF shall participate in the coordination meetings organized by the local administration and submit regular reports.
The HEDF is also accountable to its beneficiaries for the activities and services and the money they have saved and given to the organization.

Management Of Councils

The Executive Council of the Organization is constituted by the General Council to Administer and manage the affairs of the Organization. The President is the Chief Executive of the organization and is the Administrative Head for the Management and Administration of its affairs. There are expert Members from different Specialization in Social Works have been constituted to run the Organization and fulfill its Objectives smoothly.