Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building

52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Statement by Finland, 3 April 2023

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU.

 Finland is a long-term donor to the UN Voluntary Fund on Technical Cooperation. We also support an increase of the regular budget of the UN Human Rights Office so that it can fully deliver its mandate.  We encourage countries to seek technical cooperation and capacity building, which are essential tools in the protection and fulfilment of human rights.

Human rights belong to all. There are several positive examples of States around the globe that in recent years have de-criminalized same-sex relations. Repealing laws that criminalize same sex relations and ensuring equality and non-discrimination for all is an aim that technical assistance can be used for. We are, however, deeply concerned over the recent development in Uganda to criminalize, including with death penalty, persons identifying as LGTBIQ+.  

We note the willingness of Mali to continue technical cooperation and capacity building by aiming to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert. However, the declaration of the top UN Human Rights representative in the country as persona non grata is a worrying development. We call on Mali to cooperate fully with the UN.  It is also vital that Mali addresses sexual and gender-based violence committed by armed groups, the Malian security forces and the Wagner Group. The implementation of the Malian law on Human Rights Defenders would be an important step forward.

Finland welcomes Georgia’s cooperation with the OHCHR. We encourage Georgia to continue adopting and implementing reforms on human rights, gender equality and ensuring civil society participation in decision-making. Finland fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. In Abkhazia and South-Ossetia, humanitarian needs continue to be pressing; discrimination and restrictions on civil society prevail. Finland calls for unhindered access for international and regional human rights mechanisms to these regions.

The Philippines sets a positive example by its commitment to the UN Joint Programme on Human Rights. For this programme to be successful, it is crucial that civil society can participate in its work in a full, equal and meaningful way and that accountability for killings and enforced disappearances in the fight against illegal drugs is ensured.

Thank you.