The world's first television channel dedicated to human rights was launched in London on Tuesday with a promise to deliver hidden stories ignored by mainstream media into people's living rooms.

The International Observatory of Human Rights said its web-based channel would bring human rights issues to audiences in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

"There are so many people in the world who cannot speak up, and it seems to be getting worse and worse," IOHR director Valerie Peay said at the official launch at London's Frontline Club, a gathering place for media.