The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1994 with offices in nine countries. COHRE is one of the largest and most influential human rights organizations dedicated to securing the right to adequate housing. COHRE’s work focuses on protecting housing rights and preventing forced evictions.

In July 2005 COHRE opened its office in Sri Lanka to assist and seek redress for victims of economic, social, and cultural rights violations in Sri Lanka, particularly those displaced by conflict and the tsunami. Its aims are also: to influence and develop jurisprudence, legislation, and policies in the field of housing rights; to empower local communities with regard to their housing, land, and property rights; to conduct relevant research projects; and to train the judiciary, NGOs, practicing lawyers, policymakers, legislators and local communities in Sri Lanka — particularly in the field of housing rights and generally on economic, social and cultural rights.