Its activities are founded on the principle that the documentation of human rights violations and the presence of a strong civil society is of vital importance in order for states to protect human rights within their borders, as well as abroad.
The goal is to contribute to the documentation of human rights violations in the OSCE area, give assistance to individuals and influence governments and international organizations to give priority to human rights.
[1] The work of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee is particularly concerned with states in Europe, Central Asia and North America.
In the later years the international work has focused particularly on former Soviet states and the Western Balkans, i.e. the countries of the former Yugoslavia and Albania.
[3] In addition, the Committee aims at influencing the opinion and authorities concerning current issues, through media statements and participation in the public debate, and putting human rights issues on the public agenda through its own webpage, annual reports and newsletters.