Finland aims at the abolition of discrimination at the Human Rights Commission

Press release 91/2005
15 March, 2005


Finland began its fourth term as a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in January after a decade as an observer state. Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja presented the objectives and priorities of Finland for the term 2005-2007 in a statement in the 61st session of the Commission in Geneva on 15 March.

The Commission on Human Rights is an institution which sets global human rights standards. Its annual six-week session has in its part promoted the implementation of human rights. In his statement Foreign Minister Tuomioja emphasised the universal nature of human rights and the need to deal with individual country situations. Efficiency could be improved by streamlining the human rights machinery. At the same time the UN general budget should correlate with the importance of human rights.

Tuomioja emphasised the respect for human rights in the combat against terrorism. The implementation of all individual rights is a key element in preventing terrorism, in which Finland urges the Commission to display clarity and underlines the importance of the rule of law and democratic processes. Tuomioja referred to basic human security when supporting an arms embargo against countries where citizens are subjected to persecution and human rights violations.

Prevention of discrimination has traditionally been a priority to Finland. It is hoped that the prevention of human trafficking and particularly violence against women would be highlighted during the Finnish membership. Tuomioja added that sexual orientation also sparks grave discrimination and that the Commission must take a stand against it.

The future challenges do not only lie so much in drafting new instruments but in implementing the ones that exist. It is important for Finland to continue to work actively towards the elaboration of an optional protocol to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The protocol would establish an individual complaint mechanism against the violation of those rights, said Tuomioja.

According to Tuomioja, participatory rights are essential for those belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples. The establishment of the European Roma Forum has been a positive example of the kind of integration needed. The implementation of human rights is advanced by participation and by increasing the influence of non-governmental organisations.

In conclusion Tuomioja referred to the current threats to democracy and human rights. The international community must make certain that the existing mechanisms are capable of preventing the emergence of dangerous situations, such as wide-spread human rights violations and genocides.

The Foreign Minister's statement

Further information: Director Johanna Suurpää, Unit for Human Rights Policy, tel. 040 724 0287