Finland supports human rights in the UN

In the annual human rights consultations between the UN and the Government of Finland on 13 June 2003, agreement was reached on Finland’s support to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Strengthening of human rights in the UN is one of Finland’s foreign policy priorities. Based on a recent decision made by the ministry, this support can now be targeted better and the total amount of the support will be increased this year,” said Director General Hannu Kyröläinen, head of the Finnish delegation.

Finland’s annual contribution to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is over one million euros (EUR 1 million). In addition to the financial support, Finland has supported the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights by sponsoring junior professional officers. "This form of support will also be continued," said Director General Kyröläinen in the consultations.

The main Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is located in Geneva, but staff members of the office are working in other parts of the world, too, currently including field offices in Afghanistan, Iraq, Columbia and Sierra Leone.