Human rights strengthening has been an important objective of Swedish aid since the 1990s, and the promotion of freedom and the fight against oppression remain central to the government’s current reform agenda. Amidst the global rise in autocratization and repression, coupled with strained multilateralism and plummeting aid budgets, ensuring that Swedish support is relevant and effective is vital.
This evaluation aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of Sweden’s support for the human rights system and key institutions and to contribute to learning for future human rights support. The central objective is to assess the relevance and effectiveness (goal-achievement) of Swedish aid aiming to contribute to strengthening compliance with human rights norms and treaties in partner countries. The evaluation covers the period 2015-2025 and focuses on support to official human rights institutions and mechanisms operating at global, regional and national levels as well as relevant UN funds or programs and multi-donor partnerships.
The evaluation will include a literature review summarizing current knowledge about the role and effectiveness of different human rights institutions and mechanisms, a mapping of the Swedish human rights aid portfolio covering the period 2015-2015, and country case studies exploring the relevance and effectiveness of Swedish support in strengthening national capacity to protect and promote human rights.
Authors:
Karen Da Costa, Swati Parashar, Hanna Frejd and Malin Nystrand
Chair of the reference group:
Malin Oud
Project manager at EBA:
Helena Hede Skagerlind