ABOUT US

The Finnish Refugee Council is Finland’s largest expert organisation specialising in the issues of displacement and migration. Each year, we support thousands of people in recovering from conflicts and integrating into new societies. For over 50 years our work has positively impacted lives in Finland, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Finnish Refugee Council is the official communication and liaison partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Finland.

In order to successfully implement our work, we continuously develop our expertise-based and focused way of working and follow good governance. Our work is enabled by a comprehensive and well-functioning cooperation network.

Vision

The Finnish Refugee Council is a trusted and internationally active party, and an effective expert in forced displacement in its many forms. With our support, both those who have been forced to flee, as well as hosting countries, are able to build a sustainable and humane foundation
for life.

Mission

We secure the rights and protection of people who have been displaced and we enhance their ability to survive and build peace.

Values

Human rights and inclusion
Sustainability and equality
Responsibility and expertise

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board decides on the major policies of the Finnish Refugee Council. In addition to the Chairperson, the Executive Board may have between 8 and 12 members. The Executive Board and the Chairperson are elected for two years at a time and the Executive Board meets approximately ten times a year.

The Executive Board of the Finnish Refugee Council for 2022–2023:

The Chairperson of the Executive Board: Liisa Jaakonsaari
The members of the Executive Board: Maria Bernas-Hilli, Irma Ertman, Suvi Purhonen, Lea Rankinen, Anne Rasskasov, Ozan Yanar, Mojtaba Qanezadeh and Merja Vihersalo
The alternate members of the Executive Board: Ramieza Mahdi and Päivikki Kumpulainen

Personnel

The most important resource of the Finnish Refugee Council is its professional staff. The Finnish Refugee Council is an equal employer with a very diverse staff working in Finland and in the international operations. The staff of the country offices is hired locally, with the exception of the Country Directors.

In the end of 2022, the total number of personnel was 248, of whom 41 were employed in Finland and 207 abroad.

Chart of Finnish Refugee Council's staff in 2022.

Chart of Finnish Refugee Council's funding in 2022.

Finance

In 2022, the total funding of the Finnish Refugee Council was a little under EUR 7 million. The Finnish Refugee Council aims to broaden its financial base and continuously improves the efficiency, transparency and risk management of its administration.

Read more about our activities from our Annual Report.

The European Commission has awarded the Finnish Refugee Council with the certificate for EU humanitarian partnership covering 2021–2027. Read the certificate here.

Main donors and partners

ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION FUND, AMIF, Supported by The European Union