Holding the Line: Human Rights in Time of Democratic Backsliding
In 2025, attacks on human rights, democracy and international law intensified and assumed new and alarming forms. This reality underscored a fundamental truth: human rights are never guaranteed.
Their realisation has always depended - and continues to depend - on the courage, power and mobilisation of people. In this context, supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) and equipping young people with human rights education has never been more urgent or more necessary.
Against the backdrop of a brutal war in Sudan, the Rafto Prize 2025 was awarded to the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs). Made up of thousands of volunteers, the ERRs grassroot network represent extraordinary acts of collective courage and solidarity.
Through community-driven and collaborative efforts, they respond to urgent humanitarian needs and document human rights violations, often at immense personal risk. By awarding the Rafto Prize, Rafto contributed to amplifying their voices and drawing critical international attention to the grave human rights violations and war crimes being committed in Sudan.
Throughout the year, Rafto stood alongside human rights defenders working under intensifying pressure - and, in many cases, amid war and violent conflict. We strengthened recognition and visibility of their work, supported their efforts to hold duty bearers to account, fostered solidarity through international support networks, and contributed to risk mitigation and protection.
In 2025, 10,557 pupils and teachers engaged in Rafto’s human rights and democracy education programmes. We continued to develop innovative educational resources addressing extremism, radicalisation and group-based prejudice, while supporting teachers and teacher educators navigating increasing polarisation in the classroom. Our education team also contributed to several international initiatives, including an Erasmus+ project focused on inclusive education for democracy.
Rafto contributed to improving the private sector’s capacity to conduct human rights due diligence and manage human rights risks. With business actors, academia and international experts, Rafto offered peer-to-peer learning, training, tools and multi stakeholder dialogues. The rights of workers and marginalized communities were addressed at local and international level in partnership with civil society organizations, embassies and other key stakeholders.
For the organisation, 2025 marked a year of transformation. The refurbishment and expansion of the Rafto House began, laying the foundation for a stronger, more accessible and future-oriented home for human rights work.
The impact of the Rafto Foundation is made possible by a powerful ecosystem of committed staff and volunteers, partners and supporters, networks and alliances - and, above all, by those who defend human rights – often in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Together, we continue to push back against attacks on human rights and democratic backsliding, and to insist on a future grounded in dignity, solidarity and human rights for all.
Read the full Annual Report here
Contact
Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt
Executive Director| Means of contact | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Phone: | +47 92066025 |
| E-mail: | jostein.hole.kobbeltvedt@rafto.no |