General Debate on Technical assistance and capacity-building

58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: General Debate on Item 10- technical assistance and capacity-building. Statement by Finland, delivered by Ms. Karoliina Heikinheimo-Perez, First Secretary, on 2 April 2025.

Mr. President,

Finland strongly supports the OHCHR’s independent, global human rights mandate in providing technical assistance and capacity building. We are a regular contributor to the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation and encourage other States to support their important work. 

Three decades after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted it is evident that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Today, nearly a quarter of governments worldwide have reported backlash against women’s rights. Around the globe, women and girls continue to encounter significant levels of discrimination and lack of legal protection.

It is therefore important to highlight significant progress made by States over the past year for gender equality and the enhancement of legislation aimed at the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights.

For instance, we congratulate Thailand for the landmark development on legalizing same-sex marriage. We commend Sierra Leone and Colombia for prohibiting child marriage without exceptions. And in Finland, my own country, legislation now prohibits mediation in criminal cases concerning domestic violence.

Gender equality is fundamental for the fulfilment of human rights. Thirty years after Beijing Declaration, we are determined to continue striving for equality for all, with you all.

Thank you.