We combine evidence-based human rights research with direct engagement in close collaboration with our partners to bring about human rights change for all.
We are a research and academic institution with offices, programmes, and convening power covering 40 countries.
The institute is named after Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews and other people at risk in Hungary at the end of World War II.
...RWI through these combined aspects has a status comparable to relatively few other institutions globally. This does not imply that other institutions in Sweden or globally do not share some of the same traits -- but the specific combination that characterises RWI is not, in the view of the Evaluation Team, like that of any other institutions in the human rights field: from a 2017 external evaluation.
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
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.
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.