In Europe, RWI’s cooperation with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) focuses on strengthening institutional capacities to promote and protect human rights in line with regional and international standards. Our work in the region supports NHRIs in addressing evolving human rights challenges through capacity development, peer exchange, and engagement in regional dialogue. By fostering collaboration among institutions and supporting their strategic development, RWI contributes to building more resilient and effective national systems for human rights governance.
Click on the countries below to learn more about RWI’s cooperation with NHRIs in Europe.
Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Azerbaijan (HRCA)
RWI collaborated with HRCA to promote human rights education and strengthen its institutional capacity. In 2003–2004, RWI organised seasonal schools to enhance young people’s knowledge of international human rights law and HRCA’s mandate. From 2005–2007, the cooperation focused on training staff, improving procedural administration, and enhancing the complaints and investigation system. Key initiatives included creating an online human rights library, translating essential materials, and producing a tailored human rights booklet. These efforts contributed to HRCA achieving A-status accreditation by GANHRI in 2006.
Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia (HRDO)
RWI has worked closely with HRDO to strengthen its institutional capacity and enhance its mandate. From 2006 to 2009, the cooperation focused on training staff, improving operational procedures, and expanding knowledge on the penitentiary system, torture prevention, and complaints handling. Key initiatives included workshops, thematic seminars, and the translation of human rights materials. Since 2020, RWI has continued supporting HRDO, particularly in its NPM role, by developing prison-monitoring checklists, translating key international documents, and creating a human rights handbook and online course. This long-term cooperation remains ongoing.
You can find more information about our cooperation with HRDO by clicking here
Office of the Public Defender of Georgia (OPD)
RWI has collaborated with OPD since its early years, focusing on strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing its human rights mandate. From 1999 to 2003, support included training law enforcement officials, assisting with computerisation, and providing literature and translations of key human rights instruments. From 2004 to 2006, efforts expanded to reviewing OPD’s enabling law, developing staff recruitment guidelines, restructuring the office, and delivering thematic human rights training. Regional capacity-building initiatives also brought together NHRIs from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Between 2007 and 2008, RWI supported developing a National Human Rights Plan, enhancing monitoring and complaints investigation, and organising thematic training, including a two-week Summer School. Literature support and expert advisory missions remained key aspects throughout the cooperation, contributing to OPD’s A-status accreditation in 2007.
The Ombudsman of North Macedonia (ONM)
In 2006, RWI supported ONM by organising training courses for its staff, focusing on international human rights standards, the rights of vulnerable groups in Macedonia, and the composition and obligations of NHRIs. Additionally, RWI provided key human rights documents and materials for further study and research.
Swedish Institute for Human Rights (IMR)
RWI collaborated with IMR to support its development and strengthen its mandate. A working group of experts from both institutions was established to facilitate engagement. RWI contributed to the drafting process of IMR’s legal framework and provided analysis on key documents. Jointly organised webinars helped inform the public about IMR’s role and functions. Additional advisory support was provided ahead of its A-status accreditation in 2024. IMR remains a close partner, with ongoing cooperation and future projects planned to further enhance its capacity and impact.
As part of its efforts to promote human rights in Turkey, RWI discussed the possibility of assisting in the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution. When Turkish authorities initiated the process, RWI’s experts supported the creation of a draft law aligned with the Paris Principles. RWI also helped translate the draft law from English to Turkish for submission to the Parliamentary Commission for approval.
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (UPCHR)
RWI recently began collaborating with UPCHR to strengthen its role in promoting human rights at the local level, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession process. The partnership focuses on assessing the needs of UPCHR’s regional offices, which face challenges such as understaffing and limited capacity. RWI is working with the Commissioner to identify key stakeholders and funding opportunities, leading to a comprehensive report for Ukrainian authorities and potential donors. Based on these findings, further capacity-building initiatives will be developed to enhance UPCHR’s effectiveness across the country.
Click to read more about our work with UPCHR and Ukraine.