The NHRF History

Nearly 40 years of supporting frontline human rights work.

The NHRF was founded in 1988 and sprung out of Norwegian civil society, academia and workers’ unions.

Established as a flexible donor, the NHRF has been able to take risks and support nascent initiatives which are targeted and smart, without intermediary links or time-consuming procedures.

The NHRF has given support to projects focusing on a wide range of topics. These topics include recognising and securing Indigenous peoples rights as citizens; monitoring and documenting abuse in conflict areas; protecting those working in the frontline for human rights; and demanding access to basic human needs for the poor, such as water, food, and housing. As a part of this, the NHRF has built rich and vast networks of relevant actors, within which the NHRF actively participates, both locally and internationally.

A conversation across decades

From the founding vision to today: a conversation with Jan Egeland and Ingeborg Moa.

In this conversation, Jan Egeland, one of the founders of the Norwegian Human Rights Fund, and Ingeborg Moa, Executive Director of the NHRF, reflect on the origins, evolution and purpose of the NHRF. The organization was established nearly 40 years ago with a clear conviction: that the defence of human rights begins within the communities directly affected.

Drawing on personal experiences, collective learning and decades of work alongside grassroots organisations in high-risk contexts, the dialogue traces the history of the NHRF from its establishment in 1988 to its current role as a global actor supporting local human rights organisations. The conversation highlights the values that have guided the NHRF since its inception—solidarity, flexibility and courage—and that remain essential in a world marked by democratic backsliding, cuts in funding and the growing stigmatisation of human rights defenders.

This exchange also looks to the future. Egeland and Moa agree that, today more than ever, it is crucial to sustain agile, direct and non-bureaucratic support for those working on the frontlines. The NHRF will continue to accompany their struggles without replacing them, and acting in solidarity with those who resist, protect and advance human rights within their own communities.

Photographer: CF Wesenberg, Kolonihaven

Editor: CHASQUIS