The NRHF
The Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF) is a civil society foundation working to protect and promote human rights internationally through direct support to organisations working in the first line of defence for human rights (frontline organisations).
History
The NHRF was established in 1988 by Norwegian non-governmental organisations with the aim to protect and promote human rights internationally. One of the key objectives was to establish a channel for support to sensitive human rights initiatives effectuated in an informal and effcient manner.
The founding organisations and owners in the first year were the Norwegian Institute (now Centre) for Human Rights, the Norwegian Federation of Trade Unions, The Church of Norway Ecumenical Council and the Norwegian Red Cross.
The NHRF is today owned by six organisations that at the same time constitute the Board of Directors:
- Amnesty International Norway
- Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations
- Norwegian Bar Association
- Norwegian Centre for Human Rights
- Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions
- The Atlas Alliance
Direct support to local human rights activism!
Financial Support
The NHRF is financed by contributions from the owner organisations as well as grants from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, the NHRF receives general donations from the public and from other institutions.
Sister foundations
There are a few small size funds that have a similar mandate as the NHRF. These include the Swedish NGO Foundation for Human Rights and the Finnish NGO Foundation for Human Rights (KIOS) financed by SIDA and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs respectively. In addition, the NHRF has frequent contact with other International donors and Funds such as the Global Fund for Women, Global Fund for Human Rights and National Endowment for Democracy.