I. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

1. Membership is open to individuals or organisations concerned with the care for persons affected by gross, systematic violations of human rights who believe in and will work for the achievement of the objectives of the ISHHR. Individuals and organisations indirectly involved in the care of persons affected by human rights violations, like research institutes and advocacy groups, may also become members of the organisation.

2. Individuals or organisations who want to become members of the ISHHR shall apply in writing to the Council of ISHHR. Information about the individual or the organisation should be given to the Council using the application form which should include:
   • objectives of the applicant
   • actual work with victims of human rights violations
   • length of time spent for the care of victims of human rights violations
   • how the applicant hopes to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the ISHHR
   • names of ISHHR members who recommended the applicant to ISHHR

3. Membership should be recommended by at least two members of ISHHR. For those indirectly involved with the care of persons affected by gross violations of human rights, at least four members of ISHHR must recommend their admission into the Society.
   Applicants for membership of the Society shall have access to the membership through the Council.

4. Where the criteria are not clearly met, then a membership committee shall review the application and make recommendations to the Council. This process should not take more than two months after the receipt of the application for membership.

5. The accepted applicant-member should be notified in writing by the Secretary-General of the decision of the Council. Members of the ISHHR shall be informed of the decision also.
   If the application is not accepted, a reason should be stated.
   When the application is accepted, the new member will be sent documents of the ISHHR (Articles of Association, Policy and Activities Plan, etc.) in order to function as a member of the organisation.
   The new member should pay the membership fee and contribute to the pursuance of the organisation's objectives. Registration as a member of ISHHR shall be definitive after the fees have been received by the secretariat of the Society.
   The Council will issue a membership card to accepted members of the Society.

6. Any decision of the Council regarding membership may be subject to review and discussion by the General Assembly if at least 4 members give reasons and request an inquiry.
   The Council's decision may be overturned by the General Assembly in its regular meeting in a manner provided for by Article 15. The Council and the four members who have inquiries shall present their arguments at the regular General Assembly.