ABOUT US.

THE Swedish Observatory
for Human Rights Information.

The Swedish Observatory for Human Rights Information (SOHRI), was founded for the purpose of defending and promoting human rights. SOHRI works within the framework of the principles established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments, regardless of the identity or affiliation of the victim or violator.

We research and document human rights violations, relying on primary sources and our extensive network within various civil societies to investigate and report on cases and issues of pressing concern. In Sweden, we participate in various political and social debates, and influence human rights issues that are important to us. We spread knowledge about local, and international human rights issues and collect funds to finance our international work and activities.

 

check THE Swedish Observatory
press kit.

what we do?

We conduct on-the-ground research, engage in international legal and public advocacy, and campaign for justice and human rights. Our work involves documenting, researching and publishing statistics, testimonies, video footage, position papers and reports on various human rights issues.

We advocate with governments and major international organizations, and partner with activists around the world to inform both the Swedish and the international community of the state of human rights in various countries and regions, advance basic rights and freedoms, and hold governments accountable for their international obligations.

HOW WE WORK?

  • Documenting the violations and publishing reports and studies that reveal these violations and making recommendations on how to avoid them.

  • Urging governments, political groups, and businesses to respect the values of human rights.

  • Making initiatives for the reform of institutions entrusted with the implementation of laws.

  • Raising the awareness of citizens with regards to their rights and how to defend them.

 

How do WE ACHIEVE OUR GOALS AND VISION? OUR VISION IS a world where human rights are respected by all.

  • Creating a human rights portal which shares our publications in addition to the publications of various human rights organizations, whether International or regional, categorized by right and by country.

  • Issuing annual reports in addition to continuous comprehensive reports, briefing papers, breaking news articles, news updates, press releases, blogs, videos, and interactive online projects on human rights conditions and developments in various countries we cover.

  • Issuing a monthly newsletter on the most important human rights issues in different countries and regions.

  • Issuing reports on “The freedom of the Internet” and “Climate Change” and how various governments deal with those two important issues.

  • Launching “Basic Freedoms Journal” to create an open space for the youth who want to write blog posts without any intervention or censorship.

  • Continuing the development of the website and our human rights portal and introducing a calendar for human rights events.

THE Swedish Observatory
TEAM AND STAFF.

The Swedish Observatory for Human Rights Information’s work is guided by our senior management, staff and board of directors. If you are a member of the press and would like to speak with an expert, contact our communications department at: press@sohri.org.

Our staff includes country specialists, researchers, lawyers, journalists, and advocates of diverse nationalities and backgrounds, enabling SOHRI to disseminate its findings through comprehensive reports, briefing papers, breaking news articles and continuous news updates, press releases, blogs, videos, and interactive online projects. Members of our team regularly brief journalists and policy makers, and work to expand public awareness of human rights issues through print and broadcast media interviews.

governance

SOHRI policy is informed by an Advisory Council, consisting of a group of experts, academics and activists. Moreover, The Swedish Observatory for Human Rights Information is overseen by a Board of Directors.

None of our Advisory Council or board members are paid. This ensures that our policies are well informed and can help us to clarify what we oppose as well as what we support. SOHRI has very clear principles that guide our work. The board of directors and Advisory Council members also help us to fundraise, talk to the media about their specialist areas and make introductions to other experts and organisations.

SWEDEN, LUND OFFICE.

SOHRI is a Swedish non-profit organisation. Our establishment in the city of Lund, Sweden marks our first formal presence. Our head office in Sweden allows us to globalise operations and to harness Sweden’s strong human rights culture to effect lasting improvements for victims of abuses anywhere.