Ireland will now contribute a total of more than €5 million to the leading UN body for human rights, which has a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people.

The 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.

Neale Richmond, minister of state for international development and diaspora, 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.”

The move comes as Ireland campaigns for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term.