The thematic programme areas of the organization are explained
below, and are drawn around the concerns and needs of the
rural communities where we work. Yet, CEHRD also develops
programmes when it determines a need to do so. Although each
programme is administered by its own Head of Programme, the
various programmes do not operate in isolation of one another
as most of the issues CEHRD works on overlap.
While many programmes arise on an as needed basis, the
permanent programmes administered by CEHRD are below. More
information, including publications and reports from each
Programme, may be accessed by clicking on each Programme:
CEHRD runs this programme to create awareness, better knowledge,
and active care for the health of the rural people in our geographic
communities. We also promote health protection through enlightenment
and education campaigns against prevalent diseases such as
tuberculosis, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, etc, and planned parenting.
CEHRD engages in conservation of forests (rainforests, flood forests,
mangrove forests), wild life protection and restoration and bio-diversity
conservation, better agricultural and fishing practices to enhance food
security. The environmental advocacy project also comes under this
programme. It promotes non-violent activities, eco-tourism, volunteerism,
and community stewardship, and management of local natural resources.
CEHRD undertakes human rights campaigns, advocacy, and litigation,
on behalf of victims of human rights violations. This programme also
pursues good government through engagement, civic and voter's
education. Also, anti-arms proliferation and unregulated arms trade
campaigns are coordinated under this category. Officials of this project
monitor small arms trade and its misuse in the hands of government
security forces, militia, and armed civilian (“cult”) groups, gangsters,
etc., and its consequences on the people, especially women and
children, and work towards its prevention, minimization and eradication
through outreach, education, and legislative campaigns.
CEHRD believes that the rural people have an investment in their future,
and for community development to be meaningful, it should respond to
the initiatives and aspiration of the local community. Such effort must
improve basic economic and social conditions for the community, and
should visibly benefit a large number of the community through
high-impact and quickly implemented activities. While we promote
sustainable development of the community, we oppose ill-planned
"Development Projects" that neglect input from local peoples and
destroy the basis of their rural livelihood and economies.
