ABOUT US

The Finnish Refugee Council (FRC) is a Finland-based international non-governmental organization with no political or religious affiliations. For over 60 years FRC has been securing the rights of refugees and supports the new beginnings and resilience of the forcibly displaced and conflict-affected communities in different countries.

Currently, FRC has programmes in Myanmar, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan and Finland.

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 2026–2028:

The Chairperson of the Executive Board: Nils Torvalds
The members of the Executive Board: Maria Bernas-Hilli, Reija Tuomisalo, Anne Rasskasov, Johanna Grönroos, Shilan Moulani, Hannu Kyröläinen, Merja Vihersalo and Ulla-Maija Finskas
The alternate members of the Executive Board: Ramieza Mahdi

Personnel

Our work is carried out by a diverse and highly skilled team of professionals in all our countries of operation. In all our countries of operation, staff are recruited locally, with the exception of the Country Directors in Ethiopia and Uganda. In 2026, we employ 34 people in Finland, 86 in Uganda, 31 in Myanmar, 22 in Ethiopia and 8 in South Sudan.

Finance

In 2025, the Finnish Refugee Council’s total funding amounted to just over EUR 10 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.