General Debate on Item 4

60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Item 4, General debate on the human rights situations that require the council's attention. Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative Anna-Mari Wong Hämäläinen on 23rd of September 2025.

Mr. President,

Finland aligns with the EU statement. We want to address some of the many situations worldwide where this Council’s attention is needed.
Finland condemns Russia’s systematic repression of freedoms, including expression and peaceful assembly. Pressure on legal professionals has increased while digital surveillance of citizens is also intensifying. Psychiatric institutions are being used for the forced treatment of political prisoners, and torture has become more widespread. In July, the Duma passed a law allowing the national security service to operate its own detention centers, which remain outside human rights oversight. We urge Russia to cooperate with the UN Special Rapporteur and release political prisoners.

Finland is deeply concerned about the state of human rights, democracy and rule of law in Belarus. We welcome the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski and other political prisoners. However, there are still over 1000 political prisoners in Belarus, and the activities of civil society, media, and opposition are being systematically suppressed. We urge for the release and rehabilitation of political prisoners. We condemn Belarus’ support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, including its role in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. 

Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has resulted in widespread, grave human rights violations, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, torture, sexual violence, forced deportations, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. These actions violate international humanitarian law and threaten the safety, dignity, and rights of millions of Ukrainians. Forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia occur with impunity. Russia must stop its unlawful invasion and fully adhere to international law.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable and the disregard for human life must stop. The war and the unbearable civilian suffering in Gaza must end. A permanent ceasefire is needed immediately, along with the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas and other groups. Israel must guarantee an adequate and sustained flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and work towards a two-state solution with the international community. 

We remain deeply concerned about the grave human rights violations in Afghanistan, especially the institutionalized oppression of women and girls. Systematic gender-based discrimination has further intensified, for example with women removed from the justice sector: no female judges, prosecutors, or registered lawyers remain. This severely limits access to justice and protection and limits the functionality of the whole society. Legal safeguards for children have also been dismantled, leaving them vulnerable and treated as adults. We urge Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to uphold international obligations, including CEDAW and the Rome Statute, and support the ICC’s role in ensuring accountability for gender-based persecution and serious crimes.

The conflict in Sudan is tearing apart the very fabric of society. As violence continues, fragmentation deepens, making peace harder to achieve. Finland urges all parties to ensure safe, unhindered access for aid workers. The Independent Fact-Finding Mission reports widespread atrocities, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. We commend their work – accountability is essential for lasting peace. We call on regional powers and the international community to extend the arms embargo to the whole country and push for a ceasefire. 

We call on China to engage in cooperation to implement the OHCHR’s and treaty bodies’ recommendations. The restrictions on civic space in Hong Kong, and the situation of ethnic and religious communities, including in Xinjiang and Tibet, continues to be a concern.

Finland reiterates its call on all States and stakeholders to fully cooperate with the OHCHR and other UN human rights mechanisms. We confirm our commitment in this regard and recall our standing invitation to Special Procedures mandate holders.

Thank you.