Minister Richmond announces increased support for the UN Human Rights Office

Minister Richmond announces increased support for the UN Human Rights Office

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 24 February 2026
• Last updated on: 24 February 2026

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has today announced over €5 million in funding to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for 2026. This includes an increase of €750,000 in core support to OHCHR. OHCHR is the leading United Nations body for human rights, with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people.

Minister Richmond said: "At this particularly challenging time globally, Ireland is proud to continue to support the important work of OHCHR in protecting human rights for everyone. I am pleased to announce that we are increasing our core funding to OHCHR. Core support is essential to maintain OHCHR's operational independence, strategic flexibility, and the ability to respond to unforeseen crises.

"Ireland remains steadfast in our commitment to improving the lives of those furthest behind and to upholding the centrality of human rights in our foreign policy, including in our approach to development cooperation. Support for civil society is a key focus of our development programme and, across the world, our NGO partners work in close partnership with vulnerable communities to advocate for their rights."

This funding will support the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, the Human Rights Advisers Program, the Trust Fund to support participation of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Human Rights Council, and the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

ENDS

Press Office

24 February 2026