KIOS Foundation was established in 1998 as a result of the deliberations by some Finnish NGOs and the Ministry for Foreign affairs of Finland. At the same period of time, the two sister foundations, siemenpuu Foundation supporting environmental work, and Abilis Foundation supporting grassroots disability organizations, were established.
KIOS Foundation strengthens the realization of human rights by supporting the human rights work of civil society in developing countries. Support is mainly channeled to 6 focus countries in East Africa and South Asia.
Human rights are the foundation for sustainable peace and development, for reducing inequality and for preventing conflicts and humane suffering.
They understand human rights as defined in human rights treaties and instruments of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. They work for a world, where dignity and human rights are being recognized for all human beings, and states committed to ensure them.
KIOS is a unique actor in Finland, channeling direct support to human rights projects planned and implemented by civil society organizations in developing countries.
In the supported projects, human rights are strengthened by human rights education, awareness raising, campaigning, monitoring and documentation of the human rights situation, advocacy work and legal aid, among other activities.
In addition to project funding, KIOS supports the organizations by strengthening their capacity, networks and security.
KIOS directs its support to six focus countries in East Africa and South Asia. Work is supported in East Africa in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. In South Asia support is channeled to Nepal, Sri Lanka and to Tibetan civil society organizations in exile.
Some long-term partner organizations of KIOS are also supported in Bangladesh, Burundi, Ethiopia and Pakistan.
In Finland, KIOS raises awareness on the significance of human rights and the work of human rights defenders in developing countries. In addition, KIOS advocates for the development of good practices to Finnish foreign and development policy to support human rights defenders.
