Finland said its bid to join the council demonstrated the country’s commitment to human rights-based foreign and security policy.
Seeking a seat on the council is one of the key foreign policy objectives of the programme of the government headed by Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP), according to a Foreign Ministry press release on the candidacy.
"As we look forward to brighter times, we must work towards a world where human rights are a reality for all and no one is left behind," Marin said in a campaign video.
Finland wants to emphasise efforts to defend multilateralism from increasing attempts to undermine it, according to the Foreign Ministry.
"Climate change and pandemics are further increasing inequality and global interdependency. The importance of defending human rights will grow in global contexts," Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green)said.
The council is made up of 47 member states elected for three years at a time, based on a geographical distribution of seats.
The election will take place at the UN General Assembly in October.
