Human Rights First was founded in 1978 by a group of American lawyers under the name "Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights" who saw a need for an organization that would support human rights in both the national and international arenas. Today, it operates as a non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C. As a human rights organization, Human Rights First focuses on a range of issues including discrimination, immigration, human trafficking, and national security, among others. They're particularly known for their work in refugee protection, challenging oppressive regimes, and combating bigotry. They cover human rights issues globally, with a particular focus on challenging America's leadership to live up to its ideals. **One interesting fact**: A unique feature of Human Rights First is its strategy of building bipartisan coalitions and leveraging American influence to work in partnership with activists on the ground in countries globally. This innovative, collaborative approach to human rights work distinguishes Human Rights First from other groups in the sector and enables it to have a deep, lasting impact on the issues it confronts.