Franciscans International (FI)

Since its establishment in 1989, Fraciscans International (FI) has used advocacy as a tool to combat and curb human rights abuses. FI understands advocacy as a means to amplify the voices of the marginalized and works with grassroots movements and both national and international civil-society organizations to advocate for structural changes addressing the root causes of injustice. FI has general consultative status at the UN, and harnesses the UN system to achieve change at international, national and local levels. FI has especially been active in the recent years in the promotion and protection of ESCR with a focus on business and human rights, extreme poverty and human rights, and sustainable development.

FI relies on a large network of Franciscans, working with the most vulnerable sectors in approximately 160 countries. Franciscans working at the grassroots level bring human and environmental issues to the attention of FI. In turn, FI addresses those concerns at the UN and other international and regional forums. FI also supports Franciscans and other local partners through capacity-building, awareness-raising, and campaigning at the national and international levels.