Promote Freedom Fight Oppression

Respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law are central for fighting poverty, for inclusive economic development, for sustainable investments and for peace and security and combatting corruption. Only one third of the world’s population is today living in a democracy. In recent years a trend towards more authoritarian forms of governance and increased number of conflicts have been seen globally. Sida contributes to the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and peaceful societies through its programmes and projects in the thematic area of Promoting Freedom and Fighting Oppression, which amounted to SEK 6.6 billion in 2024. It is Sida’s largest thematic area, equivalent to approximately 25 percent of Sida’s total disbursements.