Diva International

Oslo / Geneva – Norway has announced an increase of 22.5 million Norwegian kroner in its support to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reinforcing efforts to protect civil society and human rights defenders operating in some of the world’s most challenging country situations.
The additional funding comes at a time when international financing for human rights work is under growing strain. While support for organisations dedicated to protecting fundamental rights has declined, funding for actors opposing human rights principles has increased, placing both UN mechanisms and independent civil society organisations under significant pressure.

“Human rights defenders take great personal risks to document abuses and defend human rights,” said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide. “They are threatened, harassed and silenced. Norway must be clear that they do not stand alone.”

Norway is among OHCHR’s largest contributors. Over the 2024–2025 period, the country will provide a total of 450 million Norwegian kroner to the UN human rights office. Despite this commitment, the overall global funding environment for human rights protection has deteriorated, affecting the ability of OHCHR and civil society partners to operate effectively, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
According to the Norwegian government, the additional allocation is intended to strengthen protection for human rights defenders and to enable them to continue documenting violations and abuses. Such documentation is often critical for international accountability processes, including UN investigations and future judicial proceedings.

“The extra funding comes at a crucial moment,” Eide said. “It will help protect human rights defenders so they can uncover and document violations of human rights. A strong civil society working for the rule of law and accountability is essential for democracy and peace.”

Human rights defenders frequently operate in environments where domestic legal systems are weak, politicised or non-functional. They monitor arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances and attacks on civilians, often becoming targets themselves because of their work. Protection mechanisms, legal assistance and emergency support are therefore key components of effective human rights action.
OHCHR plays a particularly important role in this landscape. In many countries, it is the only independent international actor with the mandate and capacity to monitor human rights conditions on the ground, gather evidence and report to UN bodies and the international community.

“OHCHR is often the only independent actor able to document abuses and push for accountability,” Eide noted.

However, OHCHR relies heavily on voluntary contributions from Member States to maintain its field presence and respond to emerging crises. Underfunding limits its ability to deploy human rights officers, support local partners and sustain long-term monitoring efforts.

“Voluntary contributions, such as Norway’s additional support, are crucial for the UN to protect human rights where they are most at risk,” the foreign minister said.
Norway’s decision is also widely viewed as a political signal at a time when international human rights norms and institutions face increasing challenges. By reinforcing support for OHCHR, Norway aims to help ensure that human rights remain a central pillar of the multilateral system, even as geopolitical tensions and competing priorities intensify.

The Norwegian government has consistently framed its support as an investment in long-term stability. By strengthening accountability, protecting civil society and upholding fundamental rights, it argues, international efforts can contribute to more peaceful, democratic and resilient societies.