International Federation for Human Rights 2021-2024

In 2023 FIDH reached substantive results in relation to the objectives of the Swedish core support. To strengthen FIDH's organisational capacity and support the global human rights framework, key actions in 2023 included mobilising the International Board and Executive Board through targeted training and structural reforms that increased diversity and geographical representation. An updated communication strategy also improved engagement on social media and increased website traffic, resulting in more public discussions about human rights issues. In supporting human rights defenders, FIDH provided assistance and secured legal victories, demonstrating an active role in safeguarding activists. FIDH's strategic initiatives facilitated new collaborations, particularly around issues of corruption and environmental sustainability, highlighting the links between human rights and broader socio-political issues. Throughout 2023, Sida funded two initiatives aimed at enhancing FIDH's organisational capacity. An environmental helpdesk assessed how well FIDH integrated environmental concerns into its strategic plan, confirming the inclusion of environmental rights in its advocacy. Additionally, a consultancy conducted with NIRAS improved FIDH's understanding of Results-Based Management (RBM) and broadened staff knowledge of various monitoring methods, while involving them in developing a new results framework.

The new FIDH Strategic Plan 2030 "Leading together the fight for human rights" was developed over the course of a year and sent to Sida in February 2024. The strategy was reviewed and approved along with the remaining documents for the plans for 2024. The overall vision of FIDH as according to the Strategic Plan is "to live in a sustainable world where all individuals are free and equal in rights". To move towards this vision, FIDH has identified two overarching goals that have three, respectively six strategic priorities each. Goal 1 - Strengthening FIDH to bolster the global human rights movement The three strategic priorities are: 1) Foster a vibrant network 2) Increase support for human rights 3) Expand alliances FIDH believes that sustainable change in upholding and protecting human rights requires a strong, unified, and interconnected civil society working together in complementarity and solidarity. Human rights organisations and defenders are essential actors in making the voices for change heard and defending the rule of law and democracy. Goal 2 - Advancing Human Rights for All, Everywhere The six strategic priorities are: 1) Protect and empower human rights defenders 2) Reclaim democratic space 3) Make international justice and accountability work 4) Hold companies to account 5) Promote women's rights and gender equality (cross-cutting) 6) Strengthen international protection mechanisms and levers of influence (cross-cutting) FIDH underscores the necessity of progress across all strategic priorities to realise human rights for all. These priorities are interconnected, suggesting that advancements in one area can positively impact the other. The last two priorities are cross-cutting themes that enhance the effectiveness of the first four. To align with its new strategy for 2023-2030, FIDH has throughout 2023 worked to update its results framework, which includes baselines and targets. To achieve its goals, FIDH, in support of and together with its member organisations, focuses its action on decision-makers, those who have the capacity to improve the human rights situation. FIDH interacts with national, executive, legislative, and judicial authorities, international intergovernmental and regional bodies, and also businesses, with the aim of influencing their behaviour and achieving concrete results at the local level. FIDH also focus its action on actors who can influence decision-makers, such as the media, social networks, civil society organisations, and also third countries, intergovernmental bodies, and international and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights. To influence decision-makers and promote human rights effectively, FIDH employs a diverse range of strategies. These include conducting fact-finding missions to investigate human rights violations, which provides evidence for advocacy. FIDH engages in public policy discussions to shift norms and standards related to human rights while promoting accountability mechanisms to ensure justice for victims. FIDH also conducts judicial monitoring missions to observe legal processes and ensure that fair treatment is upheld. In addition, FIDH disseminates reports, press releases, and urgent appeals to raise awareness about human rights defenders and violations. FIDH leverages social networks for awareness campaigns, fostering public support and action. Legal action is another avenue pursued to protect and promote human rights, and FIDH focuses on strengthening the capabilities of civil society organisations to enhance their effectiveness in advocating for human rights. Through this comprehensive approach, FIDH aims not only to influence policy at various levels but also to cultivate a broader culture of respect for human rights globally.