We are a Swedish non-governmental organisation who support human rights defenders and democracy movements in Eastern Europe. We work to help people living under oppression to defend their rights and freedom.
We believe in change. We know it is possible to stand up against dictatorships and authoritarian leaders. A long-term, systematic defense of people’s freedoms and rights makes a difference. History shows that authoritarian states do not last forever and that societies where people’s freedom and rights are respected develop into democracies.
Our vision
Promoting human rights is key to strengthening a democratic, secure and well-functioning society.
Respect for human rights creates a solid foundation for active and broad participation in society, through which democratic structures can be further strengthened and the risk of violent conflicts reduced.
Democracy and human rights have inherent value.
Human rights are universal. When we at Östgruppen talk about human rights, we base our understanding on the definitions outlined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
By accepting that all people are equal, as stated in the UN’s Universal Declaration, we also see the democratic process as the only viable way to make binding decisions in societal matters.
An active civil society is crucial for the development and maintenance of democracy.
Independent civil society organizations are indispensable in a well-functioning democracy. The independent civil society provides a platform from which rights can be invoked, accountability can be demanded, and democratic processes can be driven.
A prerequisite for civil society to operate freely is that freedom of association, assembly, and expression are respected.
Democracy and human rights have significant security policy relevance.
Security must be understood in an expanded sense. Respect for human rights and democratic governance are factors that significantly reduce the risk of conflicts and war.
A protection of human rights is, in this way, a long-term prerequisite for international security, while oppression and violations of individual rights can lead to instability and armed conflicts both within and between countries.
Our work
Östgruppen is based in Sweden and collaborates with partners both in Sweden and abroad. We work in a supportive, methodical, long-term, and trustworthy manner, with extensive expertise on developments in our eastern neighboring countries.
Our staff has long experience working for human rights and democratic processes in Eastern Europe. We cooperate with Swedish and international researchers and experts and have a wide range of competencies in our network. Our work is based on a nuanced understanding of the region’s cultures, politics, and social dynamics, and what is needed to effectively support a defense of human rights.
Our efforts aim to strengthen the ability of people living under oppression to defend their freedoms and rights. We want to empower people to resist dictatorships such as those in Belarus and Russia, and support those affected by the repression and aggression of such regimes. We want people to be able to maintain the ability to organize themselves and build resilience against human rights violations and breaches of international law, strengthen their local civil societies’ ability to work democratically, and effectively defend freedoms and rights.
By disseminating information about developments in the region and being a knowledgeable and engaged voice in Sweden, we also work to maintain strong Swedish engagement for freedom, human rights, and democracy in Eastern Europe.
Read our annual reports.
Our organization
Östgruppen was founded in 2005 as a group within the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association but later developed into an independent organization. We are a religiously and politically independent nonprofit association with an office in Stockholm and currently have 8 employees.
Policy and governance documents
Our values should permeate all our work. For more information on the rules and guidelines that govern Östgruppen’s activities, please read our policy and governance documents.
