“Han har ju inget val - så då har inte vi något val heller” En fallstudie om Amnesty International Sverige och svenska Reportrar utan gränsers arbete för Dawit Isaaks frigivning

Abstract

This thesis aims to contribute to the literature on non-governmental organizations (NGO) and thri work to realize human rights globally. The study aims to develop a deeper understanding of how NGOs work to free prisoners of conscience, individuals arbitrarily imprisoned because of their opinions. To contribute to this purpose, a qualitative case study focusing on the Swedish sections of the organizations Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders. The study focuses on the case of Dawit Isaak, who is a Swedish-Eritrean prisoner of conscience, who has been imprisoned without trial in Eritrea since 2001. The qualitative study was based on interviews with staff from the organizations and document collection from their websites. The results were analyzed through transnational advocacy networks and the human rights repertoire. The study shows that both organizations conduct sustained, diverse and repetitive advocacy work. Legal methods, opinion formation, media campaigns and cooperation in networks are central strategies. However, the study also highlights the limitations NGOs face when trying to influence repressive states.

Förkortningar RSF - Reportrar utan gränser i Sverige AIS - Amnesty International i Sverige FN - Förenta Nationerna NGO:er - Icke-statliga organisationer TANs - Transnational advocacy networks