The CDHR operates at three levels. They are: the National, the State Branch and the Unit levels. At each level, there is an Executive Committee which is responsible for the implementation of decisions reached by the members. At the three levels, there is an Annual General Meeting where far reaching decisions are taken and periodic elections conducted by members/delegates. In addition, Branches and Units meet at least once in a month.

The National Executive Committee is assisted in the discharge of its functions by a NATIONAL SECRETARIAT manned by staff of the organisation. The National Secretariat building houses the CDHR National Resource Center which is open to the public for readings and research in national and international newspapers, magazines, newsletters, Journals, books and publications on human rights and allied themes. It also serves as operational base for the CDHR Human Rights and Legal Aid Clinic where victims of human rights violations lodge their reports which are received, processed and acted upon by project staffs. The National Secretariat is a hub for meetings by students, pro-democracy and human right activists, journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public.