The Edelstam Foundation stands for a humanistic view, based on the values and principles that mainly are expressed in the United Nations’ Declaration on Human Rights from 1948, along with the conventions that followed and internationally accepted public law. The Foundation is a politically and religiously independent organization. The Harald Edelstam Foundation is a charity registered in Sweden with its office in Stockholm, and is represented by Ambassadors in London, Hamburg, New York, Concepcion (Chile), and Montevideo (Uruguay).
There is growing global consensus that organizations have the responsibility to respect human rights. Organizations can affect a wide range of Human Rights.
The Edelstam Foundation exists to encourage civic courage in Ambassador Harald Edelstam’s spirit by working with formation of opinion and advocacy, education and information, research, and observation within the Defence of Human Rights. In addition the Edelstam Foundation administrates the Edelstam Prize awarded for outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for one’s beliefs in the Defence of Human Rights.
Through our existence and associated acts we believe this is how we can contribute to society at large and to a sustainable development. We do so by building awareness of Human Rights at grass root level among educational institutions as well as influencing larger organizations and business corporations by collaborative activities.
The Edelstam Foundation and the Edelstam Prize is named after, and awarded in the memory of the Swedish diplomat and Ambassador, Harald Edelstam (1913-1989). Harald Edelstam distinguished himself as a diplomat by his professional competence, his bravery and his civic courage in the fight for Human Rights. He was an early proponent and symbol of what is today known as the “Responsibility to Protect” and his memorable acts contributed to save more than a thousand lives.
