Support human rights defenders!
Human rights are the foundation of sustainable peace and development. At KIOS we support the human rights work of civil society in East Africa and South Asia.
News
What Way Forward for Human Rights Work?
The landscape of human rights advocacy has quite shifted in the last few years. Arguably, while for many marginalised groups,…
Three Days at the UN Business and Human Rights Forum: Key Insights and Reflections
The UN Business and Human Rights Forum 2025, themed “Accelerating Action on Business and Human Rights Amidst Crises and Transformations,”…
Stories of Change – Safety and Community Through Freedom Centres
Nepal has made remarkable progress in recognising the rights of sexual and gender minorities, yet everyday realities often lag behind…
Sri Lanka Needs Our Help – The Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah Is Devastating
A week ago, on November 28, Sri Lanka was struck by one of the worst natural disasters in its history.…
Let’s say together NO to digital violence and YES to equality!
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also is a start to the 16…
LAHURNIP Receives Prestigious Human Rights and Business Award 2025
We are proud to share that KIOS grantee LAHURNIP (Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples) has been…
Where we work
Themes of our human rights work
Human rights are indivisible, which means that all rights are equally important. That is why KIOS supports the strengthening of all rights, be they social and cultural rights or civil and political rights. Themes of particular importance to us include non-discrimination and gender equality, democracy and the rule of law, and business and human rights.
Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality
All people have equal human dignity and human rights. Men and women have the same rights, as do sexual and gender minorities and other discriminated groups. We support work that promotes gender equality and non-discrimination.
Democratic Rights and the Rule of Law
The rule of law and democratic rights have deteriorated pronouncedly in recent years around the world. Civil society defending democratic rights needs our support right now.
Responsible Business, Environment and Human Rights
Businesses must respond to people, not the other way round. We support local groups which promote the accountability of businesses and defend the human rights of people affected by business operations.