Finland to launch pilot programme supporting human rights defenders
- Human Rights Research Center
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Author: Peter Clarkin
May 15, 2025
HRRC strongly supports the creation of a programme to bring human rights defenders to Finland. All of those who promote the protection of human rights should be provided a safe environment to work from and should not live in fear of threats or intimidation.
In a boost to supporters of human rights around the world, Finland is to launch a trial programme for those who protect such rights. The scheme will offer relocation to Helsinki for two individuals who primarily work in conditions that are dangerous, and who are often exposed to threats or harassment.
The pilot will run for three months and will receive funding from the European Union’s ProtectDefenders.eu[1] [2] Human Rights Defenders mechanism. This invaluable procedure was set up to protect people who stand up for human rights while also living in incredibly difficult situations, and their support is now benefiting this trial in Finland.
At present the proposal is small in scale as it will give just two individuals the chance to spend 90 days in Finland, but it is hoped that the programme can expand in the future. The chosen two will relocate to Helsinki while continuing their work safely and having the opportunity to build networks within the country and at an international level.
The scheme will run in conjunction with Artists and Risk, an organisation based in the capital, who for the last ten years have worked relentlessly to support human rights in the arts. Its work has supported hundreds of artists around the world who have had to live in environments which were threatening and dangerous. They also openly support those who were forced to flee due to conflict as was evidenced by their work with those who had to leave Ukraine.
While still making improvements, Finland continues to promote human rights in a way that should be applauded. The country has just come to the end of its three-year membership in the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, a period that was characterised by progress in a number of crucial areas.
If as anticipated the trial in support of human rights defenders is successful, and the experiences prove to be beneficial, then support is likely to be extended, hopefully on a permanent basis.
Glossary
Anticipated – expected or looked forward to.
Applauded – praised or clapped for.
Beneficial – good or helpful.
Characterised – described by or shown to have certain features.
Conflict – a serious disagreement or fight.
Evidenced – shown or proved with facts.
Expand – to grow larger or increase.
Flee – to run away from danger.
Harassment – unwanted and repeated bad treatment.
Mechanism – a system or process for doing something.
Networks – groups of connected people or things.
Permanent – lasting forever or for a long time.
Proposal – a suggestion or plan.
Relentlessly – without stopping or giving up.
Relocation – moving to a new place.
Scale – the size or level of something.
Scheme – a plan or program.
Threats – warnings of possible harm or danger.
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