As provided for by the 2023 HRREC  Constitution, the mandate reads as follow :

1. Mission Statement

Values

1.1 The human rights of individuals and peoples represent a universal system of values upon which the activities and initiatives of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre are based. These values include:

• Human dignity;
• Equality;
• Respect for fundamental freedoms;
• Social justice and the right of each person to economic, psychological, physical and democratic security;
• The right of peoples to self-determination.

Human rights imply a relationship of indivisibility and interdependence as between themselves.

The mandate

1.2 The Centre is a university-based research and teaching institution. As such, it promotes research training and support, and the creation and dissemination of knowledge and analysis with respect to human rights.

1.3 The Centre has obligations vis-à-vis the community.  As such, it contributes to the mobilisation of knowledge while ensuring respect for, and promotion of, human rights values.

1.4 As a research institution in a  university context, the Centre places great importance on the following operating principles:

• Academic freedom;
• Freedom of expression;
• Research and communication ethics;
• Respect for others.