Sida's work with democracy, human rights and freedom of expression
Democracy in the world is in decline. This limits people's influence over political decisions and power over their lives. This is why democracy, human rights and gender equality are the areas in which Sida invests the most. The work contributes to increased freedom and openness for people living in countries where democracy and human rights are restricted.
Why do Sida work with democracy?
women around the world are affected by discriminatory laws and have less access to legal protection than men and boys.1 Girls and women may find it more difficult to obtain passports, inherit, own land and decide whether and with whom to marry.
Threats to freedom of expression are increasing
The threat to freedom of expression and free and independent media both online and offline has increased, as has the repression of civil society. Disinformation is increasing and spreading rapidly.2
Continued decline of democracy
Democracy is essential in the fight against poverty, but for more than 15 years in a row, human rights have gone backwards in more countries than forward.3 And the majority of the world’s population now lives in authoritarian states. Ongoing conflicts reinforce these negative trends.
Examples of what Sida contributes to
Protecting people’s rights
To reverse negative developments and protect the progress made, Sida strengthens civil society, supports independent media and freedom of expression, and increases people’s access to justice.
People fighting for democracy
An increasingly authoritarian political landscape, rising political tensions, corruption within the state and greater economic uncertainty have raised people’s frustration around the world and people are mobilising for greater democracy. Examples include Bolivia, Moldova and North Macedonia where people have protested against corruption and for greater democracy and restoration of the justice system. Sida supports civil society’s ability to come together and lobby for democracy.
Little democratic progress
Zambia conducted a peaceful and democratic general election in 2021, which increases the conditions for democratic development in the country. Malawi held a democratic presidential election in 2020 after the previous election was cancelled. In Somalia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, more women are participating in decision-making bodies. Sida supports the implementation of free and fair elections and the empowerment of women.
Sida's work with democracy, human rights and freedom of expression
The areas in which Sida invests the most – about a quarter of the total budget – are human rights, democracy and the rule of law (the rule of law and the equal treatment of all people before the law).
Poverty is not only about lack of food, water and shelter. It is also about lacking influence over political decisions and power over one’s own life. Democracy is therefore key in the fight against poverty. At the same time, food, water and shelter are fundamental human rights that apply to all people in the world and are based on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Democratic change must always be based on the people who live and work in the country or region. They are the ones with the best knowledge and most important experiences. This is why we almost always collaborate on democracy with organisations in our partner countries.
In many countries, citizens have little or no opportunity to influence political decisions. Women, young people and minority groups are often underrepresented in politics. Sida therefore works to increase people’s influence in politics, especially those who live in exclusion. We support the implementation of free and fair elections and work for a legal system where all people are treated equally before the law.
Here are some examples of programmes and projects that Sida supports:
To improve countries’ electoral systems to become more transparent and include people living in exclusion, Sida supports the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). They provide young people with disabilities with training in political leadership. In countries such as Sri Lanka and Guyana, participants have worked as polling agents and stood as candidates in elections.
Sida also contributes to the development of new innovative digital solutions that increase the transparency of electoral processes. For example, during the 2022 elections in Kenya, threats and hate on social media were monitored by a computer programme built with AI. Through the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), Sida provides technical support to facilitate electoral processes and observe elections in Africa.
Sida facilitates the implementation of free and fair elections in several countries through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with national organisations. In Liberia, which holds elections in 2023, we support the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) to help increase transparency and ensure that the elections are peaceful, credible and inclusive. Sida also supports the LEON election observation network in Liberia.
In Zimbabwe, democracy has continued to decline and people testify that the state is increasing its control over citizens. To curb this development, Sida supports the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), which works for democratic development and free and fair elections.
The network consists of some 30 civil society organisations (women’s rights organisations, trade unions, human rights organisations, media, religious organisations) and is present throughout the country. Established in 2000, the network is important for increasing election observation and ensuring the quality of election monitoring in the country. Its work leads to greater openness and transparency in the conduct of electoral processes.
Free and independent media is essential to inform the population about their political rights to participate in elections and make decisions based on accurate information. ZESN trains freelance journalists in election reporting and provides them with increased knowledge of how the electoral process works to contribute to objective and accurate media reporting, both before and after elections. In 2022, 41 freelance journalists were trained.
The network builds opinion and pushes the government to implement electoral reforms for greater democracy for the 2023 elections. They also provide voter education for local organisations and strengthen their power to influence.
Only a quarter of the world’s parliamentarians are women.4 Sida supports, among others, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Rights of Women and Girls (UN Women), Kvinna till Kvinna and other women’s rights organisations that work to strengthen women’s political influence and leadership. For example, they train female politicians and put pressure on national governments to promote gender equality.
In Liberia, 60 per cent of all women aged 15-49 have been subjected to violence.5 Sida cooperates with Kvinna till Kvinna, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Rights of Women and Girls (UN Women), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Action Aid, all of which prevent and deal with gender-based violence and improve the situation for LGBTI people. This includes a special court for gender-based violence and support centres where victims meet with police investigators and receive medical and psychosocial care.
Political parties are important for the development of any country. They turn ideas into policy, criticise and present political alternatives. As democracy declines, opposition politicians have less and less room to influence and hold those in power accountable. Discrimination, harassment and violence are common. For example, the aid strengthens the political influence of young people and women and promotes the exchange of experiences between parties.
Here are some examples of programmes and projects that Sida supports:
Democratic development in Armenia is lagging behind.6 Sida is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen a more independent parliament and increase cooperation between members of parliament and civil society. The project also contributes to increased knowledge of how gender equality can be included in politics and budget work.
Young people and women are significantly under-represented among politicians in many of Sida’s partner countries. Sida supports the Programme for Young Politicians in Africa (PYPA), a regional leadership programme for young politicians representing different parties in 16 African countries.
Participants develop in leadership, planning and advocacy skills, leading to increased influence in the youth organisation and the parent party, particularly in the areas of gender equality, human rights and increased democracy. The programme has led to several participants gaining major party positions, being elected to their party’s executive committees, winning seats in parliament or becoming mayors. The project is a collaboration between national organisations and the International Foundation of the Centre Party (CIS), the Green Forum, the Olof Palme International Centre (OPC) and the Christian Democratic International Centre.
Women and young people in Latin America are under-represented in politics.7 Sida strengthens the democratic participation of women, LGBTQI people, youth, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities at national and local levels in 11 Latin American countries. The programme is a collaboration between the Political Party Affiliated Organizations Latin America Programme (PAOLA) and the Olof Palme International Centre (OPC), the Swedish Liberal Centre (SILC) and the Christian Democratic International Centre (KIC).
In order to build a democratic system of government, it is important to bring political power closer to the people. Sida supports projects in Myanmar and Albania to help increase citizen participation in decision-making, transparency and knowledge of local government in regions, municipalities, districts and villages. Other partnerships in this area include the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions and the International Centre for Local Democracy.
In recent years, civil society organisations have become more difficult to operate, especially those working for gender equality, LGBTI rights, and environmental and land rights. Human rights defenders are increasingly under surveillance and subject to threats and violence. Civil society refers to the arena where people can organise themselves and act together on an issue. Civil society is distinct from the state, the market and individual households. When civil society is weak, it is more difficult for people living in poverty to make their voices heard and demand democratic space.
Sida works for a strong and independent civil society where people can more easily organise themselves to shape their lives. Aid contributes to strengthening the power and voice of people, especially those living in exclusion.
Here are some examples of programmes and projects that Sida supports:
Sida cooperates globally with the International Centre for Not-for Profit Law (ICNL), which trains journalists, lawyers and representatives of the media and civil society. This helps people from civil society to more easily influence legislation, for example. In 2021, ICNL contributed to justice system reforms in 63 countries. Supporting the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association is another example of strengthening civil society. Sida supports CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists that strengthens civic engagement and civil society worldwide.
The ability of civil society to operate has deteriorated in the Western Balkans. The Balkan Civil Society Development Network promotes democracy, human rights and gender equality in cooperation with local organisations in the region. Its work focuses on the safety of journalists, natural resource issues, youth and LGBTI people, and local democracy.
In Tanzania, civil society has been able to operate and express itself more freely than before. Through support to three partner organisations, Sida helped 228 organisations to submit a shadow report to the UN Human Rights Council. The Tanzanian government accepted most of the recommendations, which is a sign of Tanzania’s renewed commitment to human rights.
In many of Sida’s partner countries, the state is too weak to apply laws in practice and provide citizens with the services they are entitled to. The risk of corruption increases when public institutions are weak, for example in the judicial system, health care and education. Counteracting corruption is a priority area for Sida.
Here are examples of programmes and projects that Sida supports:
Corruption in the public sector is a major obstacle to development. Sida supports the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO). By training corruption investigators, conducting field visits and providing counselling, public confidence in anti-corruption authorities has increased in Southeast Asia. Many more people are now reporting corruption. In countries such as Kenya, Kyrgyzstan and Somalia, Sida’s cooperation with IDLO has contributed to improved compliance with the UN Convention against Corruption.
Well-functioning statistical authorities are important for efficient public administration. In many countries, Sida therefore supports cooperation between Statistics Sweden (SCB) and the countries’ statistical authorities. The projects have strengthened capacity in countries such as Mozambique and Kenya.
With Sida’s support, access to legal aid in Mali has increased. Through a partnership with the DEME SO organisation, people living in poverty receive legal advice, guidance and mediation from lawyers. Legal aid offices and clinics have been able to stay open despite major security challenges. Women and prisoners are particularly important.
The conditions for freedom of expression and free and independent media online and offline need to be strengthened. Internet freedom is diminished when political leaders and private companies monitor people’s communications. Internet shutdowns have become more common. Authoritarian regimes are strengthening their grip on the media and the number of countries that are safe for journalists to work in is decreasing. Limited freedom of expression and lack of access to reliable information are major challenges.
Sida focuses on defending and upholding human rights, strengthening freedom of expression and promoting independent media online and offline. We also support efforts to increase digital security.
Here are some examples of programmes and projects that Sida supports.
Disinformation has increased.8 In cooperation with the organisation Meedan, journalists and activists are trained in digital media skills to counteract disinformation. The programme has helped vulnerable journalists and activists from countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sida stands up for a free, open and secure internet – regulations are needed to defend the rights and freedoms of people and communities. Every two years, Sida organises the Stockholm Internet Forum (SIF) – a conference for civil society. In 2023, the theme was internet and information and communication technology in crisis, conflict and disasters. Humanitarian organisations, partner organisations working with human rights, freedom of expression, digital security and digitalisation exchanged experiences and knowledge about digital technology in crisis, about the possibilities of technology such as reporting human rights violations, organising, communicating with loved ones and transferring money. It was also about understanding the risks of digital technologies in the context of crisis, conflict and disasters.
Journalists are regularly harassed in Somalia. Al-Shabaab is responsible for many arbitrary arrests and killings of journalists as a way of silencing independent voices. Sida provides support to the Fojo Media Institute and International Media Support (IMS) which work for an independent and free media sector in Somalia.
Threats and attacks against media organisations, journalists, activists and human rights defenders are increasing in Ukraine. Sida is supporting independent media to counter disinformation and increase safety for journalists during the war.
“Support to Regionalisation of Public Service Media” is a collaboration between Sveriges Radio (SR) and Ukraine’s public service (Suspilne) and includes support for digitalisation and for the country’s regional public service stations.
Sida also provides support to media organisations, including Detektor Media, which works to counter disinformation.
Certain groups in society are particularly vulnerable to human rights violations, such as children and minority groups. Over half of the 700 million people in the world living in extreme poverty are children.9 Many minority groups, such as ethnic or religious groups and LGBTI people, face discrimination, persecution and violence. 67 countries have laws that criminalise same-sex relations between consenting adults.10
400 human rights defenders were murdered in 2022.11 Every week, three people are murdered while trying to protect their land and environment from extractive companies. Indigenous peoples and women are particularly vulnerable.12
Sida works to ensure that the rights of all people are respected. Here are some examples of programmes and projects we support:
By supporting Front Line Defenders, human rights defenders are protected both offline and online. Over 15,000 activists are protected worldwide. There is an increased focus on anti-corruption and human rights for LGBTI people, people in prostitution, and indigenous peoples.
Every year, 12 million girls are married off before the age of 18.13 Sida supports Plan International, which works to reduce child marriage. In Bangladesh, half of all girls are married off before they turn 18.14 Here, Plan International organises youth groups and involves fathers in promoting gender equality.
LGBTQI people all over the world are subjected to physical and psychological violence, discrimination and gross violations. In Eastern Europe, RFSL (National Association for the Rights of Homosexuals, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer and Intersex People) works with local civil society organisations to increase respect for the rights of LGBTQI people, strengthen anti-discrimination legislation and provide support to victims of violence.
In 2022, Sida disbursed EUR 6 billion in the area of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This is Sida’s largest area and represents around a quarter of total aid.
- Strategy for Sweden’s global development cooperation activities in the areas of human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law 2024–2028, on the Swedish Government’s webpage.
- Strategy for democracy support through Swedish party-affiliated organisations 2024–2027, on the Swedish Government’s webpage.
- Statistics proportion of women affected by discriminatory laws on the World Bank website
- Disinformation increasing on UN website
- Human rights developments on the Freedomhouse website
- Proportion of female parliamentarians globally by 2023 on UN Women’s website
- Gender-based violence statistics in Liberia on Reliefwebb
- On democratic development in Armenia on the UNDP website
- Participation of women and youth in politics in Latin America on UN Women’s website
- Disinformation on the UN website
- Child poverty statistics on the UNICEF website
- Statistics on countries with laws that discriminate against LGBTI rights on the Human Rights Watch website
- Statistics on the number of human rights defenders killed in 2022 on the Frontline Defenders website
- Statistics on the number of land defenders killed in 2022 on the Global Witness website
- Child marriage statistics on the UNICEF website
- Child marriage statistics in Bangladesh on the UNFPA website
Updated: April 28, 2023