About us

Sweden’s international human rights organisation

Civil Rights Defenders is an independent expert organisation founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1982, with the aim of defending people’s civil and political rights. Our work stretches from our own backyard to countries and regions all over the world. One of our main tasks is to empower our partners – brave human rights defenders, who often put themselves at great risk through their engagement in other people’s rights.

Vision: a peaceful and secure world with freedom and justice for all

We believe that a world where people’s rights and liberties are respected is a safer world to live in. Our vision is based on the Helsinki Accords, from 1975, which acknowledged that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a significant factor for peace, justice and the development of friendly relations between states. To achieve our vision, we strive to ensure that people are able to enjoy their civil and political rights.

• We monitor the state authorities, demanding accountability, justice and reparations when people’s human rights have been violated.
• We inform the public about their rights and lobby those in power in order to raise these issues.
• We empower local human rights defenders by providing expertise, training and support.

Human rights cannot be taken for granted – even in a democracy

Upholding respect for human rights is the responsibility of governments. But many fail to do so. A strong civil society is needed to examine and draw attention to human rights violations. A strong and vibrant civil society is also important to counter-weight the power of the state. By empowering local human rights defenders we strengthen civil society in the countries and regions where we are active. Read more about how we make a difference

30 years of human rights work

Civil Rights Defenders (previously Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights) was originally a part of the Helsinki movement. During Cold War an agreement had been signed by the Eastern and the Western Bloc in the Finnish capital in 1975. This inspired citizens all around Europe and in the USA to form non-governmental organisations that would monitor their own governments in regard to respect of human rights. The Helsinki family grew to include more than 40 organisations. Learn more about our past by reading this text (PDF)

The pen is mightier than the sword

Human rights defenders do not use violence. Our symbol is a fountain pen nib. The heart in the middle represents the individual at the centre of our attention.

Thank you for supporting us!

Civil Rights Defenders is a non-profit organisation. Our work is depending on grants and gifts. Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, is our main donor in regard to international activities. Many companies, foundations and individuals contribute with donations, pro bono work or by granting us a discount on their services, all of which means a lot to us. See a list of institutions and companies that support us We have Swedish 90-accounts and we are a member of Swedish Fundraising Council, FRII. Our accounting is supervised by Svensk Insamlingskontroll. These measures guarantee that your donation is handled correctly and used for its intended purpose. If you want to know more about our financials read our annual reports