Norway strengthens support for human rights defenders

At a time when rights, democracy and civic space are challenged, it is these defenders who stand on the front line against abuse and human rights violations.

– Human rights defenders play a vital role in protecting fundamental rights. Their efforts often involve significant personal risk. That is why support for protection, increased operating space and strengthened capacity of these actors is so important, says Norad Director General Gunn Jorid Roset.

Following the call for proposals for support for human rights work (published last autumn), Norad received nearly 600 applications. The grant scheme has a total budget of NOK 600 million over four years. In accordance with the terms, Norad may enter into a maximum of 20 agreements. Competition has been intense, and many organisations have not been successful.

Support where needs are greatest

The call for proposals focused on civil society efforts to protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work. Norad placed particular emphasis on organisations’ ability to reach at-risk human rights defenders operating in challenging contexts.

– We have prioritised the protection of human rights defenders and the strengthening of organisations' work where the need is greatest. This is both about providing protection here and now, and about strengthening the work over time, says the Norad Director General.

Support is provided to Norwegian, regional and international human rights organisations working on protection and emergency preparedness for individual actors, as well as efforts to strengthen relevant systems and institutions and to increase mobilisation, visibility and advocacy for human rights defenders.

The selected organisations combine country-level support with regional and international advocacy. Their initiatives range from emergency assistance to documentation, capacity development and risk mitigation. Strong local roots and partnerships have been an important consideration.

– These organisations and initiatives will, based on Norad’s overall assessment, contribute in relevant and effective ways to protecting human rights defenders. This will also strengthen their freedom of expression and their ability to influence their local communities, says Gunn Jorid Roset.

Support for human rights defenders forms one part of Norway’s broader efforts to strengthen human rights. This includes work on women’s rights and gender equality, freedom of religion or belief, democratic development and the rule of law, as well as other priority areas within Norway’s human rights engagement.

Targeted support for LGBTIQ+ rights

In line with the Norwegian Government’s priorities, Norad has also placed particular emphasis on targeted support for defenders of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. We are entering into agreements with organisations that combine strong global and regional advocacy with solid local roots and a presence particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These are regions where LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders are among the most vulnerable, and where there is a significant risk of setbacks to LGBTIQ+ rights.

– As pressure on these rights increases, the need for targeted support becomes even clearer, Roset says.

A total of NOK 125 million will be allocated through the call for proposals to organisations working to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Six Norwegian organisations selected for support

The 20 organisations selected through this highly competitive process are those that Norad considers best placed to protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work in line with the criteria set out in the call for proposals.

The allocations provide both continuity and renewal. Twelve existing partner organisations have been recommended for continued support, while eight of the selected organisations have not previously received direct funding from Norway.

Of the 586 applicants, 22 were Norwegian organisations. Six of these have been recommended for support: FRI – The Norwegian Organisation for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Human Rights House Foundation, ICORN – International Cities of Refuge Network, Menneskerettighetsfondet (the Human Rights Fund), the Rafto Foundation, and Stefanus Alliance International.

– The large number of applications confirms the need for support for human rights work at a time of significant reductions in development assistance. The assessment process has emphasised equal treatment and professional evaluation of a large number of strong and relevant applications. It is essential that applications are reviewed thoroughly and in accordance with the regulations. We understand that the waiting period has been challenging for the applicants.

Partnership between Norwegian, Southern-based and international organisations is essential to strengthening the protection of human rights defenders at a time when human rights are under increasing pressure. The organisations selected for support will contribute to these efforts.

 

List of recommended applicants:

1. Access Now
2. Front Line Defenders
3. Menneskerettighetsfondet (the Human Rights Fund)
4. International Service for Human Rights
5. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development
6. Civil Rights Defenders
7. Human Rights House Foundation
8. Minority Rights Group
9. Rafto Foundation
10. Womankind Worldwide
11. Stefanus Alliance International
12. International Commission of Jurists
13. Justice Education Society of British Columbia
14. ICORN – International Cities of Refuge Network
15. Raseef22
16. Thomson Media
17. FRI – The Norwegian Organisation for Sexual and Gender Diversity
18. Outright International
19. Synergia – Initiatives for Human Rights
20. ILGA-Europe