Realizing Rights was founded in October 2002 by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland (1990 - 1997) and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997 - 2002). Supporters include Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu and Musimbi Kanyoro. Its mission is to put human rights standards at the heart of global governance and policy-making and to ensure that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are addressed on the global stage.

In collaboration with, The Aspen Institute, Columbia University and the International Council on Human Rights Policy, Realizing Rights is committed to convening key stakeholders in new alliances to integrate concepts of human rights, gender equality and enhanced accountability into efforts to address global challenges and governance shortcomings.

Realizing Rights has a special role to play as Catalyst, Convener and Communicator.

It harnesses civil society, government, business, and economic forums to build awareness for select issues of concern. It facilitates dialogues and relationships between decision makers and key stakeholders, particularly those most marginalized, to arrive at more transparent, ethical and responsible policies and joint actions to achieve change. It develops specific policy recommendations and seeks to communicate its findings to key decision makers and the wider public.