Annual Report 2011
Of the 28 organisations that received support in 2011, 27 were from the five NHRF priority countries which comprise Colombia, India, Liberia, Pakistan and Peru. However, one grant was for a project focusing on secure working conditions for human rights defenders, which can be supported regardless of country of origin. 22 organisations received renewed support, while six organisations were supported for the first time.
«Increased respect for the human rights of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups resulting from NHRF support»
During 2011, the NHRF assessed a total of 91 applications, of which 28 were granted support. This represents a decrease in the number of assessed applications, reflecting a recent change in policy to lower the secretariat’s administrative burden. The secretariat no longer assesses applications from non-prioritised countries, with the exception of projects working for secure working conditions for human rights defenders or specific projects recommended by owner organisations or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This administrative relief has allowed the secretariat to spend more time on following up supported projects, maintaining a steady flow of communication with grantees, highlighting results achieved in NHRF's information work, dedicating more time to networking and working in a more coherent and strategic manner. Due to budget constraints, the NHRF has rejected several applicants despite the important nature of their work. When possible, the NHRF has tried to link these organisations to other donors. Alternative sources of funding for human rights organizations are scarce, however, with most funding schemes dedicated to development and humanitarian purposes.
2011, the NHRF launched a new multi-annual strategic plan which establishes a set of objectives for the period 2011–2015. The strategy covers areas such as project selection and follow-up, capacity building of grantees as well as internal administrative and financial issues for the NHRF. The overall objective for the strategy, which was adopted by the Board in March 2011, is «Increased respect for the human rights of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups resulting from NHRF support».
The majority of the supported projects applied advocacy work for policy influence or improved implementation of existing policies. This reflects the strategy’s objective to prioritise projects working for access to justice through political advocacy efforts and legal aid. In some contexts awareness raising remains a necessity and an important tool in human rights work. The NHRF supports several projects combining awareness raising and empowerment with advocacy work.
Looking ahead
In June, the Board adopted a new fundraisings strategy exploring ways for the NHRF to strengthen its financial base. The secretariat launched several fundraising efforts during the year. The ability to secure a stable financial foundation for the NHRF is decisive for the sustained ability of the NHRF to respond to and support vital human rights initiatives in the years to come.
During the year the Board also adopted a new set of criteria for the selection of prioritised countries. Based on these criteria, the secretariat initiated a broad consultation process to determine new countries eligible for support. Although relatively broad and thus allowing the NHRF to consider various countries, the new criteria put increased emphasis on the competence at the secretariat and possible synergies with the NHRFowner organisations. During the consultation process, the NHRF received valuable input from owner organisations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norwegian Embassies as well as academic institutions and scientists. Based on the contributions, the Board in December decided to include Mexico, Lebanon and Syria as eligible countries from 2012. The secretariat will visit Mexico and Lebanon in early 2012 with the intention of mapping the human rights situation and identifying how the NHRF can best contribute through support to local human rights organisaitons.