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hūmānus: A New Era in Human-Centred Justice

Victim Advocates International (VAI) has officially rebranded as hūmānus, reflecting its commitment to a human-centered approach in pursuit of justice for victims of atrocities. The announcement was made on July 1, 2025, and the name hūmānus, derived from Latin, means 'humane,' 'kind,' and 'belonging to people.' This transition signifies a robust reaffirmation of the organization’s core values centered on dignity, humanity, and agency for survivors of horrific acts including genocide and war crimes.

Eva Buzo, the founder and Executive Director of hūmānus, expressed her pride in this transition. She stated, "This rebrand is far more than just a new name; it's a powerful articulation of our unwavering mission and the deep human connection at the heart of our work." This emphasizes the organization's holistic approach to justice — not only legal accountability but also restorative and survivor-led initiatives.

Since its establishment, VAI has led significant efforts in various regions, championing the rights of individuals impacted by conflict and violence. Notable actions have included:

1. Pursuing Accountability from Meta (formerly Facebook): The organization has taken robust legal action against Meta for its complicity in inciting violence against the Rohingya people back in 2017. The pursuit of justice includes a comprehensive OECD complaint, an SEC whistleblower complaint, and other civil actions in Ireland.
2. Universal Jurisdiction Proceedings: hūmānus has pioneered the representation of Rohingya victims in international proceedings, seeking redress for the crimes inflicted upon them, thereby setting a precedent for global accountability.
3. Advocating for Somali Victims: The organization plays a critical role in advocating for Somali victims affected by U.S. drone strikes, striving to ensure they receive the necessary reparations and acknowledgment of their suffering.

One of hūmānus's partners, Pat de Brún from Amnesty Tech, highlighted the organization’s unique strength, stating, “VAI has been an invaluable partner over the last four years. Their close collaboration with the Rohingya community has allowed us to build a powerful, community-centered coalition.” This reflection underscores hūmānus’s commitment to placing survivors’ voices at the forefront of its advocacy and research efforts.

As hūmānus embarks on this new chapter, the organization is poised to continue its essential work in partnership with local communities and organizations. Their initiatives will focus on amplifying survivors’ voices, challenging systemic impunity, and fostering transformative change guided by lived experiences.

About hūmānus

hūmānus is a global human rights entity dedicated to advancing inclusive and transformative justice for victims of severe human rights violations. Founded by seasoned advocates and international legal experts, hūmānus operates in multiple continents to combat injustice, build evidence, and provide strategic litigation support. The organization is committed to ensuring accountability and restoring dignity for those impacted by heinous acts of violence. To learn more, visit hūmānus's website.