By NHRI mandate
By topic
Enabling environment for HRDs & CSOs
Environmental HRDs
Freedom of assembly and association
Freedom of expression
Freedom of the media
Funding of CSOs
Non-government controlled territories
Prohibition of discrimination
Protection of HRDs
Right to a fair trial
Right to an effective remedy
Right to privacy
Right to respect for private and family life
Sustainable Development Goals
Whistleblowers
Women HRDs
By country
In 2024, the Swedish Institute for Human Rights undertook several preparatory actions as regards a forthcoming survey and investigation into human rights defenders (HRDs) in Sweden planned for 2025. These included a desk study and other means of orientation in terms of international policies and activities for HRDs.
The preparatory study’s preliminary findings were presented at the 2025 NHRI Academy 2025. They indicate an overall context that is conducive to the enjoyment of human rights, including functioning networks for human rights specialists or contact points within state authorities, municipalities, NGOs and businesses. However, this is being increasingly challenged by securitisation, the high pace of new legislation, anti-woke sentiments, smears against HRDs, and harsh treatment of civil disobedience, among other things.
The Swedish Institute for Human Rights submitted an Amicus curiae to the Supreme Court in favour of the environmental NGO Aurora’s right to hold the state accountable for shortcomings in the implementation of Sweden’s international environmental and human rights commitments.
In the submission the institute argued that the actions brought in the Aurora case were suitable for judicial review. Specifically, it provided an overview of the right of access to justice for individuals and associations in climate cases under the European Convention on Human Rights and the recent case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. This was complemented by a review of other international law on standing to bring proceedings. Finally, it provided a comparative overview of court cases where climate litigation has been allowed in several other countries.
The Institute has also supported individual environmental defenders who have contacted the helpline of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. It has provided them with information on the communications procedure attached to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate.