Norad Continues Support for the Rafto Foundation’s Work for Human Rights Defenders

Norad recently announced which organisations have been selected to receive support through the scheme, which aims to help protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work in countries where rights, democracy and civic space are under pressure. In total, Norad received 586 applications from Norwegian, regional and international civil society organisations. Of these, 20 organisations have been selected for further cooperation.

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.

- This allocation provides us with an important foundation for continuing our work to support human rights defenders in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. We are pleased that we have once again received the trust to continue this work together with our partners and the people we exist to support, says the Executive Director of the Rafto Foundation Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt.

The preliminary allocation provides the Rafto Foundation with funding of up to NOK 32 million for the period 2026–2029, equivalent to NOK 8 million annually.

- Human rights defenders play a crucial role in protecting fundamental rights. They carry out work that often involves significant personal risk. That is why support for protection, increased space for action and strengthened capacity among these actors is so important, says Norad Director Gunn Jorid Roset in a press release published on Norad’s website.

The call for applications aimed to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders through emergency support, strengthening institutions and systems, as well as increased mobilisation and advocacy efforts. Norad has placed particular emphasis on organisations’ ability to reach vulnerable human rights defenders in challenging contexts.

- The high number of applications to Norad underscores the significant need for support for human rights defenders. With increasing pressure on their work and civic space, it is crucial that policymakers in the years ahead prioritise and strengthen efforts to protect and support human rights defenders, says Kobbeltvedt.