Beginning with a focus on defending political prisoners, and with no resources other than those freely available within Iranian society, the group grew and attracted more members and financial support.
During this time, HRAI achieved their most ambitious goals: cultural events, publications, outreach to political prisoners and human rights victims, and news and information networks.
HRAI has also been invited to join the World Movement for Democracy and to participate in the human rights events sponsored by the governments of Canada, the United States, and the European Union.
Additionally, HRAI strives to improve the current state of affairs in a peaceful manner and supports strict adherence to human rights principles.
[citation needed] HRAI also operates a committee known as the Fourth Pillar whose mission is to facilitate the free dissemination of information and to fight censorship and internet filtering within Iran.