HRC63 General debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Item 4: General debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention. National statement delivered by Councellor Anna-Mari Wong Hämäläinen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland on Tuesday 22 September 2026.

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement.

Finland strongly condemns Russia’s systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to suffer torture, the forced deportation of children, and unlawful civilian detention. Russia has also held parliamentary elections in illegally occupied Ukrainian territories.

In Russia, repression is intensifying through increased torture and the misuse of security-related charges to silence dissent and target minorities.

We are also deeply concerned about the ongoing repression in Belarus and call for the release of all political prisoners.

In the Middle East, lasting peace requires diplomacy and readiness to negotiate. Finland condemns Iran’s indiscriminate strikes. International law needs to be respected at all times, and civilians protected everywhere. We urge Israel to halt the continued settlement expansion and call for swift implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and unhindered humanitarian access.

Afghanistan under the Taliban remains among the world's most repressive countries, with the rights of women and girls particularly repressed.

In Sudan, resolving the conflict requires restraint by external actors.

Finland remains concerned about the erosion of civil and political rights in Xinjiang and Tibet as well as restrictions in Hong Kong.

Thank you.