Finland supports human rights in developing countries together with international non-governmental organisations
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted EUR 10 million for the human rights work of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) for 2025–2026. The funding promotes Finland’s foreign and security policy and development policy objectives.
“A well-functioning democracy, the rule of law, human rights and a vibrant civil society are prerequisites for sustainable social development,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
Support was granted to nine international non-governmental organisations operating in developing countries. The project activities funded by Finland focus on gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities, among other themes.
The funding was granted through an open call for discretionary government grant applications made in autumn 2024. Altogether 56 applications were submitted.
Discretionary government grants were awarded to the following organisations:
- Christian Blind Mission UK(Link to another website.), EUR 1,225,000
- International Service for Human Rights (ISHR),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,200,000
- World Organization Against Torture (OMCT),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,180,000
- Access Now(Link to another website.), EUR 1,180,000
- Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,154,150
- International Commission of Jurists (ICJ),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,140,000 euroa.
- International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,086,750
- International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH),(Link to another website.) EUR 1,034,100
- International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World),(Link to another website.) EUR 800,000
Inquiries
- Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
- Eevamari Laaksonen, Director, Unit for Civil Society, Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 295 351 383
- Annamari Tornikoski, Senior Adviser for Development Policy (human rights), Unit for Human Rights Policy, Political Department, tel. +358 295 350 105
- By email to um.ingo@gov.fi
- The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.