The Raoul Wallenberg Institute initiated activities in China in the mid-1990s, upon the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (PRC). For more than two decades, we have worked to strengthen academic and justice institutions and networks for the promotion and protection of human rights in China.

Our previous programme in China was mainly focused on strengthening human rights knowledge, understanding and skills within Chinese academia.

Beijing, 2019

Our cooperation partners included Peking University, China University of Political Science and Law, and East-Lake Institute for Social Advancement in Wuhan. Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive capacity development programme particularly in the areas of human rights and gender equality, anti-discrimination and the rights of persons with disabilities.

West Gate, Peking University N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In step with China’s growing economic power and influence around the world, there is growing interest among different stakeholders to engage with Chinese counterparts on the social, human rights and environmental impacts of ‘Global China’ and Chinese overseas investments.

Together with our partners China Dialogue, Mahidol University, Made in China Journal and City University of Hong Kong RWI developed a range of initiatives focusing on China’s global impacts and role in multilateral issues related to human rights, the environment and sustainable development.

Our China programme was financially supported by Swedish Development Cooperation.

Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven meets with RWI’s Chinese cooperation partners in RWI’s office in Beijing, 2015

Sida Director General Carin Jämtin meeting with RWI partners at Peking University in 2019