This article is part of a series sponsored by the Fund for Global Human Rights, an organization working to strengthen human rights around the world by finding and funding the most effective human rights activists.

December 2023 marked 75 years since the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the foundational document of all subsequent human rights laws and policies.

It is clear that many states are falling dangerously short of the document’s historic promise. But activists on the front lines, such as those we support at the Fund for Global Human Rights, remain motivated by the same core principles found in the UDHR: dignity, equality, and freedom.

Through grassroots work, they strive to turn the declaration’s potential into real progress. But they face unprecedented danger, including persecution, imprisonment, and even death.

As we pause to reflect on 75 years of human rights policy and practice, we are calling on funders and civil society to unite around a bold vision for the future of human rights. Amidst immense global challenges—including conflict, climate change, and rapidly evolving technology—we must redouble our support for local activists and renew our commitment to the next 75 years of human rights.

Here are five key areas that will be critical for the future of human rights.

Funding movements effectively and shifting power to the grassroots

The architects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights believed that governments would lead the way on human rights. In practice, however, grassroots activists have been at the forefront of change while states have relinquished much of their responsibility to civil society, philanthropy, or the private sector.

At the Fund for Global Human Rights, we work with a network of hundreds of global activist grantee partners. Unsurprisingly, their views on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are diverse, but what these groups share is the same vision, creative thinking, and belief in a better world that brought the declaration to life. They also, sadly, share another thing: a lack of resources and support.

In a recent survey of Fund grantees, only 35% said they were financially prepared to expand or even sustain their current work. Over half anticipate making at least some cuts to their programming. And the vast majority—70% —said they receive mostly restricted funding that cannot be applied to essential operating costs, including staff salaries and office space.

To shift power to the grassroots, we must transform and scale resourcing for grassroots civil society to be sustainable and reverse the historic power dynamics that keep local movements from realising their vision. There are many aspects to this, but long-term, flexible funding is an essential part that the UK charity sector is still falling behind on.

Read the full article about the future of human rights by Fund for Global Human Rights at Bond.