In partnership with communities, NESRI works to build a broad movement for economic & social rights, including health, housing, education and work with dignity.

Based on the principle that fundamental human needs create human rights obligations on the part of government and the private sector, NESRI advocates for public policies that guarantee the universal and equitable fulfillment of these rights in the United States.

NESRI believes that social movements led by those directly impacted are the best route towards sustainable and progressive social change.  Developing strong social movements depends on a compelling and unifying vision that is shared by the whole movement.  The human rights framework can provide this vision because it offers a broad platform for common action, language, and focus, and speaks to a set of universal values.