Created in July 1995 in Bangui, the Observatoire Centrafricain des Droits de l’Homme (Central African Human Rights Observatory, OCDH) promotes human rights in Central Africa. OCDH is a member of the CAR network of human rights organisations in CAR, a focal point for the Early Warning Mechanism for Central Africa (MARAC-CEEAC) and the Great Lakes civil society organisation.

Its aims are:

• To promote human and fundamental international rights from the bottom up.
• To promote peacebuilding through conflict transformation.
• To promote the development of a culture of peace through education.
• To promote peace and security nationally, regionally, continentally and internationally.

Since its creation, OCDH has :

• Developed a Central African system for human rights protection.
• Worked on penal code and reform processes.
• Worked on reforming CAR laws and legislation based on the 169 ILO convention.
• Researched and surveyed studies on marginalisation of indigenous populations.

OCDH's local partners are the network of human rights organisations in CAR and local civil society. Its international partners are COOPI, Mercy Corps, IRC, Cord Aid, CIC and Acord International.