Our strategy is based on an innovative approach to the law. It is by combining several means of action that we achieve concrete and holistic victories: our legal actions supported by our legal research and accompanied by capacity sharing activities allow us to develop advocacy activities in a virtuous circle and considerably increase our impact on the legal framework. Sherpa promotes the vision of a fairer world centred on respect for the environment, communities and workers.
We work closely with human rights defenders, journalists and whistleblowers, as well as with local, national and international partners (associations, trade unions and other civil society players, etc.). The association also receives alerts directly.
Legal action has a variety of origins, and generally follows exchanges or partnerships with civil society organisations, local NGOs, groups or communities affected by violations, international trade unions, whistleblowers and journalists. They may also be the result of information sent directly to our organisation.
A certain number of questions guide us in our reflection, enabling us to determine whether or not it is relevant for Sherpa to initiate legal action, and if so, in what form: Can the case create a useful precedent and contribute to systemic change? Can the legal action benefit people and communities affected by similar violations? Is an innovative approach to the law possible? Does this case open up a new legal angle? Will this litigation enable us to fuel our advocacy work? Are there other NGOs or organisations better placed to work on this issue? Do we have the capacity and expertise within our organisation to deal with the case?
Sherpa is not affiliated to any political party and does not support any of them. Our mission is to challenge political decision-makers so that they can take into account the issues we raise and consider the solutions we propose.
Sherpa has chosen to be independent of all political and economic power. As a result, we do not accept any resources likely to undermine this independence or influence our work, whatever their source.
Sherpa is funded mainly thanks to grants from private French and foreign foundations. Sherpa also receives donations from individuals, which are eligible for tax relief in France. We scrupulously monitor the origin of funds that finance our actions and have adopted a very strict policy on donations.
At Sherpa, we are determined to be transparent about our actions and funding. You can therefore consult our activity reports and auditor’s reports for a detailed view of our income and expenditure. Our reports can be downloaded below on our funding page.
Your support is essential in our fight for a fairer world. Thanks to your donation, we can fight with complete independence and impartiality. We owe our freedom of speech and action to you. We need your support to investigate, alert and take action.
Donate