The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) convened its 39th annual international Congress in Johannesburg, South Africa from 22 to 27 August 2016. The Congress was attended by four hundred representatives from 178 FIDH member organizations, representing 120 countries from around the world, in addition to other participants including activists and human rights defenders.

Several topics were discussed during the Congress relating to international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. There was a specific focus on issues of business and human rights, terrorism, and accountability for violations of human rights, in addition to various other topics.

On Monday, 22 August, the Congress held leadership elections during which Shawan Jabarin, General Director of Al-Haq, was elected as Secretary General of FIDH. Mr. Jabarin had previously been elected as Vice President of FIDH, having served in that position for over three years.

Al-Haq would like to thank FIDH member organizations around the world for the confidence and trust it has in Al-Haq and Mr. Jabarin, and would also like to thank all those who have shown their support for Al-Haq and Mr. Jabarin.

FIDH is an independent international NGO based in France that seeks to defend civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. It strives to see societies develop in a manner that embodies equality, dignity and freedom for all human beings. Each of these are goals that strongly mirror Al-Haq's own vision; to see international human rights and humanitarian law adhered to, so that Palestinians can enjoy equal treatment with respect to their human dignity.