Results highlights

Driving change at multiple levels

Informed by rightsholders and grounded in in-depth case studies, Swedwatch highlights systemic challenges, drives policy reforms, and fosters tangible business change. Here is a selection of cases where our work over the years has led to documented, measurable impact.

2013

Putting down stream responsibility on the agenda

2018

Pushing food companies to consider water scarcity

Swedwatch’s work to highlight human rights and environmental risks in the food and agriculture sector has had multiple effects. Swedwatch’s 2018 report To the last drop put water scarcity and related human rights risks in agricultural supply chains on the agenda and put pressure on both Swedish and Peruvian companies to, jointly, address the issue. 

2020

Accelerating ECAs to phase out fossil fuel financing

Swedwatch has long urged state-owned export credit agencies (ECAs) to phase out fossil fuel support in line with the Paris Agreement. Following publication of the 2020 report Up in Smoke, drawing widespread media attention, Swedish ECAs accelerated policy changes, adopting stricter rules on fossil fuel financing. Swedwatch continues this work at the European level.

2020

Increased transparency in pharma production

Investigations into pollution from pharmaceutical production and its adverse impacts on health, environment and livelihoods on local communities in India, initiated discussion among authorities in importing countries to introduced schemes for stricter environmental standards in drug manufacturing.

2023

Scrutinizing corporate accountability in conflict

Swedwatch has long scrutinised Lundin Oil’s role in the Sudan war, including in the 2017 report Fuel for Conflict. The report serves as part of the evidence in the ongoing trial against two former Lundin top executives accused of complicity in war crimes. The prosecutions sends a strong message to international corporations: operating in conflict zones comes with a responsibility to uphold human rights — or face legal consequences. 

2024

Advocating for binding human rights regulations

Swedwatch has long called for binding regulations to make companies follow human rights rules – not just voluntary guidelines. The EU’s 2024 due diligence law has some significant gaps, but it’s still a big step toward holding companies accountable and protecting people affected by harmful business. Since the law is still being debated, Swedwatch is closely following the developments.

2025

Promoting responsible procurement framework

Swedwatch was appointed to the European Commission’s expert group on public procurement, reflecting increased recognition of its expertise. Moreover, research on supply chains linked to Pakistan and the launch of related recommendations generated significant attention at the EU level and among public buyers and suppliers.

2025

Strengthening financing for rights-based due diligence

Swedwatch released a report showing that limited funding for worker- and community-driven due diligence undermines efforts to hold companies accountable for human rights and environmental standards. The report contributed to increased recognition among donors and investors of the need to support locally anchored accountability processes and informed discussions on more sustainable and inclusive financing mechanisms.