The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution established at Lund University in Sweden in 1984.
We combine multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, support, and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law.
We work with four thematic areas within human rights: ‘access to justice’, ‘non-discrimination and inclusion’, ‘human rights and the environment’ and ‘business and human rights’.
Since the early 1990s, we have cooperated with a wide range of institutions and organisations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, to advance the practical application of human rights around the world. Our cooperation is characterised by mutual trust, long-term commitment and achievement of common objectives.
Currently, we have offices in Lund, Harare, Jakarta, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, Stockholm, and Yerevan.
The Institute is named after Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews and other people at risk in Hungary at the end of World War II.
Mission
To contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law.
Vision
Just and inclusive societies with the effective realisation of human rights for all.
Our Theory of Change
Our focus areas
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People on the Move
Since the founding of the Institute, refugee law has been an area in focus in research and education.
We work to enhance the rights and protection of the millions of refugees and migrants at risk.
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Inclusive Societies
We work to ensure that societies are open and inclusive to all.
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Fair and Efficient Justice
This is an important ongoing process, in which partner countries, partner institutions and methods will be assessed regularly.
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Economic Globalisation and Human Rights
There is a need for integrated solutions and collective action that create synergies between human rights and environmental sustainability.
What we do
Human Rights Research & Analysis
We provide cutting edge and policy-oriented research and analysis to see and understand core human rights issues.
Direct Engagement
We engage directly in the implementation of human rights together with our partners around the world to improve the practical application of human rights.
Human Rights Education
We educate and equip decision-makers with the tools they need to address the major human rights challenges of today and tomorrow.
Human Rights Forums
We bring together policy-makers, experts and civil society to engage in solution-oriented dialogue to advance human rights. Together we bring about change.
What we do
Human Rights Research & Analysis
We provide cutting edge and policy-oriented research and analysis to see and understand core human rights issues.
Direct Engagement
We engage directly in the implementation of human rights together with our partners around the world to improve the practical application of human rights.
Human Rights Education
We educate and equip decision-makers with the tools they need to address the major human rights challenges of today and tomorrow.
Human Rights Forums
We bring together policy-makers, experts and civil society to engage in solution-oriented dialogue to advance human rights. Together we bring about change.
Key Partners
Our partners include academic institutions, international organisations, government agencies and civil society organisations in different parts of the world.
Examples of such networks are:
- The United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes
- The Lund Human Rights Research Hub (LHRRH)
- The Association of Human Rights Institutes (AHRI)
The Institute has sometimes also taken the initiative to establish networks between cooperation partners, such as the Southeast Asian Human Rights Studies Network (SEAHRN).
We also cooperate with others, such as the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and the Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (APF).
Core Values
Respect
We believe that respect for the inherent dignity of the human being is fundamental and this permeates all our behaviour.
Integrity
We are committed to our mission and values and we are not going to compromise in respect of independence, trust and quality. Our work is transparent and performed with accountability.
Inclusiveness
We are a learning institution and encourage everybody to participate by expressing their views and sharing their knowledge. We value all input and viewpoints and are open to constructive dialogue and co-operation with all in order to fulfil our mission.
Inspiration
We continuously strive at maintaining a creative, dynamic and supportive work and learning environment, so as to inspire others as well as each other to work in line with our mission.