Our work

Civil Rights Defenders work together with local organisations in longterm partnerships, striving to be present in countries and regions where human rights are least respected. To achieve change we target several levels in society:

• We monitor the state authorities and demand accountability, justice and reparations when people’s human rights have been violated.
• We inform the public so they claim their fundamental rights and freedoms.
• We empower individual human rights defenders and – organisations by providing expertise, training and support.

Read about our special initiatives directed at supporting human rights defenders

Or explore this map (or use the links beneath it) to read more about what we do, and where we do it.

Go directly to a country or region:
Sweden | Albania | Azerbaijan | Belarus | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Kosovo | Macedonia | Moldova
Montenegro | Russia | Serbia | Central Asia | East Africa | Southeast Asia

Focus on discrimination

Protection against discrimination is the core of our work. One of the top issues on our agenda is to bring about all-inclusive laws against discrimination, and to make sure that governments oblige by them. In several countries laws are now in place as a result of our efforts. Use these links to read about the work we do and the changes we contribute to:

• Achievements
• Country reports
• Thematic reports

Our civil and political rights

In the photo exhibition Our Rights, made in collaboration with Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, you can learn more about the ten human rights we focus on. The exhibition has been on display in several places in Sweden and in the Western Balkans. If you are interested in displaying it in your home town or to show a digital version for tutoring purposes – please contact us by email or call 46 8 – 545 277 34. Visit the photo exhibition

For more detailed information about our work – read our Strategy