Annual Report 2022

2022 will forever stand out in history as the year Russia launched their full-scale attack on their peaceful neighbour Ukraine. In these tragic times, the value of the NHC – by some people called a crossing between a think tank and a human rights group – has really been proven for more people than ever. The staff’s wide knowledge and sound judgement are sought after. We have been more visible and played a more important role than ever before in informing decision makers, politicians, media, businesses, and the general public.

With lots of activity supporting our partners in extremely challenging environments, two great books published by staff at the NHC, several ground-breaking reports being published, and better funding than ever – there is every reason to be proud!

It has been a challenging year for the organization. We thought we were through the leadership challenges for a while when we employed Geir Hønneland as our new Secretary General after a comprehensive recruitment process in 2021. But after suffering from a brutal covid virus for a very long time in the winter and spring last year, he decided to go back to his research position at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in June. In his short and indeed strange time with us during the pandemic and a series of lockdowns, Geir however started some important processes of organizational overhaul and oversaw the reform process for the management of our project portfolio. We thank Geir for the time he was with us and wish him all the best at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute.

At the time of Geir’s absence we were lucky once again to have Deputy Secretary General Gunnar Ekeløve-Slydal to take the helm, until we employed Berit Lindeman, formerly head of policy, as our new secretary general in June after another thorough recruitment process. Now we hope that we have her steady leadership for a long time to come!

Berit has brought her energy and enthusiasm into the new role. She had not been in the job long before she continued the organizational reforms, strengthening the organizational structure, among other things to improve the balance between the administrative and the policy work in the organization. We have also seen a consolidation of our financial situation with the intensified media awareness of the solid work we do.

Berit has increased the focus on documenting war crimes and the need for an international tribunal dealing with the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Business and human rights is another topic that she has targeted. More businesses have seen that our knowledge of the human rights situation in areas they operate in, can provide valuable for them as they encounter challenges in their work.

The announcement of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize was a moment none of us will ever forget. The fact that it was awarded to Ales Bialiatski of Viasna, to Memorial and to the Centre for Civil Liberties, all organizations and people we have worked with for such a long time – it was incredible! The highlight of the year thus was the Nobel Peace Prize days in Oslo in December with lots of dear friends of the committee, real heroes of human rights, arriving for their deserved prizes. An evening at the NHC, the awards ceremony in Oslo City Hall and the banquet honouring the recipients and their entourage – A much needed light in dark times.

Ragnhild Astrup Tschudi

Chair of Board