Astrid Thors as candidate for the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

Press release 182/2017
20 October 2017

Finland nominates Astrid Thors as candidate for the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. Thors has extensive experience of international affairs and a thorough knowledge of the human rights situation in Europe. She has served as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and Finnish Minister of Migration and European Affairs. She has also been a Member of the Finnish and European Parliaments.

The Commissioner for Human Rights works at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The Commissioner assists member states in the implementation of human rights obligations and promotes awareness of human rights. The work of the Commissioner for Human Rights also includes country visits and reporting, thematic reporting, and awareness-raising activities.

The Commissioner for Human Rights serves a term of six years. The new Commissioner starts on 1 April 2018.

The Council of Europe has traditionally been an important forum for Finland. Finland supports its work to promote and maintain human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Finland initiated the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe.

Inquiries: Merja Lahtinen, Desk Officer, Unit for Human Rights Policy, Political Department, tel. +358 295 350 971.

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected].