Govt approves HR policy report to strengthen equality

The Government on Thursday approved its human rights policy report, which stressed action to strengthen equality and gender equality, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

The report sets out the international human rights work of Finland, and guides activities at national and EU level together with the National Action Plan on Fundamental and Human Rights.

The guiding effect of the report covers several years, with human rights policy reports issued no more frequently than once during the term of office of each government.

The report considered activities at the national, EU and international levels in parallel. Its specific themes are promoting fundamental and human rights in sustainable development, mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity, digitalisation, access to information, and communications.

“Finland and the European Union will stand by our own values and defend universal human rights, democracy and the rule of law. These are an integral part of the international rules-based system. We need regulations that apply to all countries, enabling a response to cross-border issues such as climate change and digitalisation,” said Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Finland’s international human rights work will emphasise gender equality and the rights of indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and sexual and gender minorities, together with the rights of the Roma when working in the European context.

“Non-discrimination and the realisation of gender equality are fundamental and human rights issues of particular importance to us. They are an integral part of international human rights law, and basic pillars of our society. Their realisation requires not only a policy to reduce inequality, but also reinforced participation rights for disadvantaged groups and individuals,” Haavisto added.