Press Release: The European Commission to provide an exceptional contribution for Human Rights

European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs has announced the EU will respond to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay’s urgent appeal to invest more in human rights.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) faces a funding shortfall for the third year in a row. Its budget for 2013 has already been reduced by 12% (about €13m), a decision which affects its ability to prevent human rights violations, secure their respect, and protect human rights defenders.

In response to this appeal, the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) will provide in 2013 an exceptional EU contribution of €10m covering more than three/fourth of this financial gap.

This exceptional EU contribution will allow the Office to continue its essential work at a time when monitoring, documenting and reporting on the situation of human rights is needed more than ever in various countries.