Empowerment of vulnerable groups as right holders through support of Human rights strategic partners (DoCip, CETIM, Incomindios, ICJ)

There is an international consensus that human rights and development are interdependent. Nevertheless there remains a lack of human rights protection especially when it comes to the implementation of rights, notably those of vulnerable groups. Economic, cultural and social rights are frequently neglected and the application and enforcement of human rights remain a constant challenge. Supporting small HR organisations – specialized in promoting and defending rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups - is a contribution to this implementation challenge.

The promotion and protection of vulnerable groups’ rights is a key element of SDC’s development policy, and of the Swiss Human rights policy. One of the means used to achieve this goal is to support specific HR organisations engaged in supporting the empowerment of vulnerable groups as rights holders, so that they can meet their basic economic and social needs by better defending and claiming their rights.

1. Representatives of vulnerable groups and social movements, as well as human rights activists, judges and lawyers. They represent vulnerable, marginalised or discriminated groups, such as indigenous peoples, discriminated women, children and LGBT.
2. The four HR partner organizations: DoCip, Incomindios, CETIM , ICJ (see contract partners below and a short description of each organization in the annex)

1. Rights of vulnerable groups are better protected and promoted through lobbying and participation in Geneva HR multilateral mechanisms.
2. HR partner organizations are prepared to continue their activities in an effective way after SDC’s core funding termination

Results from previous phases:  

• Due to the growing complexity of multilateral human rights mechanisms, concerned groups need access to information and trainings. Supporting the participation of representatives of indigenous people, HR organisations and social movements in UN mechanisms is key.
• Lobbying, public relations, networking and advocacy work enable them to influence legislative processes and judicial proceedings.
• HR organizations are very engaged and provide a wide selection of services, but have a very limited knowledge of what effective HR change their activities contribute to.

Phase 3 01.01.2014 - 31.12.2017   (Completed)