The Government of Finland submitted its comments concerning the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

The Government of Finland has submitted its comments on the preliminary conclusions and recommendations adopted by the Advisory Committee of the Council of Europe, concerning the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

The Framework Convention (1995) is the first legally binding international instrument concerning the protection of national minorities. The Framework Convention defines the principles to be applied by the States Parties who are under an obligation to protect the national minorities existing in their territories.

The Framework Convention entered into force on 1 February 1998 for States having ratified, accepted or approved it, including Finland. The Government of Finland submitted its first periodic report on the implementation of the Framework Convention in February 1999.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, assisted by the Advisory Committee, monitors compliance with the provisions of the Framework Convention. The Advisory Committee adopted its opinion and preliminary conclusions and recommendations concerning Finland on 22 September 2000, and they were communicated to the Government on 24 November 2000.

The Government of Finland has submitted its comments on the preliminary conclusions and recommendations to the Committee of Ministers. The conclusions and recommendations as well as the Government’s comments were published on 5 July 2001.

The Committee of Ministers will decide on the final recommendations concerning Finland.