2. The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine
In 2024, the NHC was selected as one of the first Norwegian organisations to be included in the civil society component of the Nansen Programme for Ukraine.
In the spring of 2024, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) called for applications for civil society capacity-building projects in Ukraine under the so-called Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. The NHC was selected as one of the first Norwegian organisations to receive support under the civil society component of the programme.
Ukraine’s civil society plays a critical role in safeguarding democratic principles and driving change in human rights, even during times of war. With its well-developed and highly experienced network of decentralised organisations, Ukraine’s civil society has effectively promoted human rights and good governance. The NHC stressed the importance of supporting local grassroots organisations rather than multinational entities or central authorities.
The Nansen programme's thematic focus on anti-corruption aligns with recommendations from a policy paper published following an NHC-hosted study visit of Ukrainian experts, journalists, and activists to Oslo in October 2024. They met with decision-makers, lawyers, police authorities, researchers and business representatives and presented a more accurate and updated picture of the situation in Ukraine. The policy paper emphasised the need for Norwegian support for Ukrainian investigative journalism and independent media as key drivers of transparency and accountability, while also challenging the perception of Ukraine as a ‘corrupt state’.
Our Nansen- project, running from November 2024 to December 2027, is led by a consortium comprising NHC and the Centre for Civil Liberties (CCL), working alongside several key partners: Kyiv Human Rights Hub; Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association “JurFem”; Insight; Bihus Info; PEN Ukraine; AutoMaidan; Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association (NFFO); Norwegian Authors’ Union (DnF); The Association of NGOs in Norway (FN); Case Matrix Network (CMN); and Human Rights Academy (HRA).
The project will provide opportunities to support Ukrainian civil society organisations, enhance investigative journalism, strengthen anti-corruption efforts, support women and LGBTIQ+ organisations, and promote human rights advocacy. Training programmes for human rights defenders and documenters of international crimes and civil society development will also be offered.
The participating organisations will have access to forums, conferences, networking events, and advocacy campaigns to foster collaboration and amplify their impact. By reinforcing Ukraine’s civil society, the programme seeks to contribute to democratic resilience and long-term stability in the country.