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Mission

Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR) represents people of faith who live in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.  IAHR's mission is to end policies and practices that promote torture in our society and to counter bigotry directed against vulnerable populations. 

In response to our faiths’ call to defend human dignity, our work focuses on ending abusive treatment in detention facilities and countering anti-Muslim bigotry.

Our Work

IAHR brings action, education and advocacy to eliminate the practice of solitary confinement of prisoners in state facilities in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

• Solitary confinement is a form of psychological torture.
• Solitary confinement is costly and ineffective.
• Even short-term confinement of juveniles, the mentally ill and other vulnerable prisoners poses grave risks to the health and rehabilitation of these prisoners.

Through pastoral outreach, educational efforts and legislative advocacy, IAHR engages and mobilizes faith communities, families, the media, elected and appointed officials, and the general public.

Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the wisdom of our respective faiths, IAHR advocates for more just and compassionate laws and policies.