Norwegian Church Aid observes a world where human dignity and the integrity of creation are challenged by gross inequality and injustices, gender discrimination, greed, and exploitation. The world is becoming more authoritarian, and the space for civil society and democratic voices is shrinking. A global backlash against women’s rights and inclusion jeopardises hard-fought gains in jeopardy. Misinformation undermines civil society’s work to promote human rights and democracy. Economic inequality continues to increase worldwide, hurting growth and undermining democracy and the social contract. The world’s poorest and lowest carbon-emitting countries suffer the most from climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.

Together with our partners, NCA will work to create inclusive, peaceful, and just societies to secure and fulfil the human rights of people living with inequality, insecurity, and oppression. To achieve this goal, communities and civil society must develop the skills to collectively engage leaders for responsible and accountable governance and address the root causes of poverty and injustice. NCA will mobilise rights-holders and civil society to monitor and hold governments and private companies accountable to social and environmental standards and observe their obligation to protect and fulfil human rights. NCA will strengthen its advocacy work at the national, regional, and global levels and together with our partners and the ecumenical movement mobilise for a just world.

Programme approaches

Leave no one behind:

Facilitating inclusion of marginalised groups, such as women and girls, youth, ethnic and sexual minorities, and people living with disabilities, to exercise active citizenship and participate in decision-making.

Civic space:

Supporting civic education and participation and advocacy to counter repressive laws. Advocating at regional and global levels to safeguard an enabling environment for civil society. Supporting and strengthening local civil society organisations and building alliances and strategic networks with faith- based partners and civil society organisations for common causes.

Faith-based advocacy and mobilisation:

Mobilising stakeholders through our ecumenical and interfaith networks to advocate for social and economic justice, gender justice, and climate justice. Facilitating theological reflection on the basis for action. Engaging in advocacy on conflict drivers and structural violence linked to the facilitation of dialogue for peace and reconciliation.

Harmful gender norms and practices:

Working with communities, their representatives and religious leaders and institutions to transform social norms and prevent harmful practices. Advocating lawmakers for the adoption of gender-equal and transformative policies.

Accountable governance:

Mobilising communities and civil society to monitor social accountability and public expenditure to hold authorities accountable for providing services, fulfil human rights obligations and prevent corruption.

Extractive industries:

Monitoring of the human rights and environmental impacts of mining. Dialoguing with government and business leaders to advocate for local beneficiation of extractive industries. Alliance building and engagement through the Alternative Mining Indaba initiative.

Equitable public finance:

Together with our partners and allies, advocating with decision-makers nationally, regionally, and internationally for legal frameworks to curb illicit financial flows, fair and progressive taxation, and finance for development and climate change adaptation.