A world of democratic societies in which we all enjoy our civil and political rights.

Civil Rights Defenders was founded as the Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in 1982 with the purpose of monitoring compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Final Act.

In 2009, the organisation was renamed Civil Rights Defenders.

Civil Rights Defenders has more than 100 staff members and operates in over 50 countries around the world. The work is led by the Executive Director, the Executive Office, the Management Team, and staff members, who implement the strategic decisions of the Board of Directors.

Our work is financed by governmental organisations, the Swedish Postcode Lottery, foundations, and through corporate partnerships, as well as contributions from individual private donors. Civil Rights Defenders is a registered Swedish nonprofit organisation that is religiously and politically unaffiliated. Our work is controlled by Swedish Fundraising Control.

By working through Erasmus+ with a pedagogical approach and strategic leadership that develops our skills and at the same time strengthens us to be a more resilient organisation that can swiftly adjusts to current and future challenges.