Abstract. Introduction: In the context of the growing role of international organizations, the expansion of national human-rights movements, and the emergence of new risks (armed conflicts, migration crises, digital surveillance, and populism), it becomes increasingly important to clarify the scope and boundaries of the concept of “human rights advocacy.” A historical and theoretical analysis of the genesis of ideas of human rights protection makes it possible to trace their evolution from early moral and legal premises to institutionalized practices and the contemporary human-rights discourse. Aim: To examine the history of the concept of “human rights advocacy,” identify the key stages of its development, determine the distinctive features of this type of activity in comparison with related forms of social activity, and outline current challenges and prospects of the human-rights movement. Methodology: The study employs a historical-theoretical approach combining (1) comparative-historical analysis of the evolution of human-rights protection ideas (from ancient legal codes to universal international standards) and (2) content analysis of primary sources, regulatory documents, and scholarly literature. A comparative method is used to differentiate human rights advocacy from law-enforcement activity, charity, and humanitarian assistance, while a systems approach considers the activity of individuals, NGOs, and state institutions (including ombudsmen). Results: The findings show that human rights advocacy has undergone a long process of formation—from doctrinal and ethical-legal premises to the establishment of international mechanisms and institutions for the protection of human rights. The paper defines human rights advocacy as a set of actions including monitoring, research, public awareness-raising, legal assistance, and advocacy/dialogue with public authorities. Its distinctive characteristics are identified, as well as problem areas associated with blurred terminological boundaries and the impact of new constraints (resource shortages of NGOs, resistance by authoritarian regimes, and digital threats). Conclusions: The concept of “human rights advocacy” has developed alongside the evolution of the human-rights concept and the institutionalization of protection mechanisms. Under contemporary conditions, further theoretical consolidation of the concept and adaptation of advocacy practices to twenty-first-century challenges are required to enhance the effectiveness of national and international human-rights initiatives.
Keywords: human rights advocacy, human rights, human-rights protection, international organizations, NGOs, ombudsman, monitoring, advocacy.
