HRC61 General Debate on Item 4

61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Item 4 General Debate. Delivered by Ms. Anna-Mari Wong Hämäläinen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland on 16th of March 2026.

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement and highlights global situations needing the Council’s attention.

Russia has continued its war of aggression against Ukraine already for over four years. Last year was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine so far. In addition to loss of life, the civilians have suffered injuries, torture, sexual violence, and deportation of children to Russia. Targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have made the humanitarian situation in Ukraine even more difficult, leaving civilians without heating, electricity or running water. Finland strongly condemns Russia’s systemic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in Ukraine.

In addition to the suffering of millions of Ukrainian civilians, Russia’s external aggression has led to the ever-increasing internal repression. In Russia, human rights defenders risk both their freedom and their life. 

Finland is deeply concerned about the state of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Belarus. We welcome the recent releases of political prisoners. However, the number of political prisoners remains high, and the activities of civil society, media, and opposition are systematically suppressed. We call for the release of all political prisoners without forced deportation and for an end to further arbitrary arrests. We condemn Belarus’ support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, including its role in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

Finland is extremely concerned about the escalating situation in the Middle East. A lasting and sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy and negotiations. Finland condemns Iran’s indiscriminate strikes. International law, including international humanitarian law, needs to be respected at all times, and we stress the need to protect civilians everywhere.

The situations in Gaza and the West Bank deserve our continued attention also amid the current escalation. We must maintain momentum in efforts toward peace and recovery in Gaza, while intensifying efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the West Bank.

We urge swift implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan in line with UNSCR 2803, with strong Palestinian ownership, UN Permanent Assembly involvement, and support for the NCAG. Hamas’s disarmament is key. Safe and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a priority, with more open crossings, and treatment of Gazan patients in Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. We also call on Israel to reverse INGO de-registrations in the OPT and to ensure that the UN, including UNRWA, can continue its essential work.

Finland remains 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 by large-scale restrictions on women’s ability to participate in professional life and education. The new criminal code is highly repressive, unequal, and does not correspond to the international norms, basic human rights, or sense of justice. It places social groups in unequal positions before law, encourages impunity of those in charge, and further weakens the rights of women and girls, leaving them at the mercy of their male guardians. Legal safeguards for children have also been dismantled, leaving them vulnerable. As the High Commissioner remarked, Afghanistan has turned into a “graveyard of human rights” under the de facto authorities. 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.

We approach the sad anniversary of the third year of the present conflict in Sudan. A coordinated international approach remains essential to help Sudan to return to a path toward peace, stability, and civilian governance. Meanwhile, we call upon all parties to ensure safe, unhindered access for aid workers. Finland’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, has been appointed Personal Envoy for Sudan by the UN Secretary-General. We are confident that Mr. Haavisto’s more than forty years of experience in politics and international affairs, will contribute meaningfully to international efforts aimed at advancing a political solution to the conflict.

At the same time, we are deeply concerned on the escalating violence in South Sudan throughout the country. We call on all parties to de-escalate and immediately cease renewed hostilities and to resolve issues through peaceful dialogue.

The National Security Law that restricts basic rights including the freedom of expression, assembly, media and civil society activities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a concern. Furthermore, Finland continues to be concerned about the erosion of cultural, linguistic and religious rights of ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Tibet. We encourage China to allow its ethnic minorities to enjoy their own culture, and to use their own language, in private and public, including in the field of education.

Finland welcomes the recent releases of number of political prisoners and the adoption of a general amnesty law in Venezuela, and calls for the release of all remaining political prisoners. We regret that the humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains difficult. We support a Venezuelan-led dialogue towards a peaceful and inclusive process that restores democracy, the rule of law and human rights. This process should advance within the framework of the constitution, and be open to all positions and actors, including the opposition. We call on Venezuela to do its utmost to protect and promote human rights.

Thank you.