Item 10: Technical assistance and capacity building, Statement by Finland Delivered by Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative of Finland.

49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, 31st March 2022.

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.

Finland supports the OHCHR’s cooperation with states and national stakeholders to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights. We encourage States to contribute to the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, which is vital in the support to build up national institutions, infrastructures and knowledge.

Finland welcomes the Philippines’ commitment to cooperate with the UN. As the national-level UN joint programme on human rights has started its work, we stress the importance of the full and effective implementation of its mandate. We underline the importance of securing a safe civic space for human rights defenders, media and other key contributors to a vibrant society. We encourage the Philippines to continue cooperating with the international community, including international organizations and their representatives.

We reiterate our concern of the delays in the investigation on enforced disappearances and deaths in the campaign against illegal drugs. Bringing the perpetrators to justice is vital for accountability.

School closures cause large and persistent damage to children’s learning and wellbeing. We urge the Philippines to finally reopen all schools for in-person learning and bring all children and youth back to school.

Finland reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. We continue the non-recognition policy of Abkhazia and South-Ossetia where humanitarian needs are pressing and multiple discrimination continues to prevail. Also prolonged restrictions on freedom of movement, access to health and the rights to education and property remain our serious concerns.

We deeply regret the negative impact of “borderization” and the closure of the so-called crossing points along the occupation line, as an obstacle to the enjoyment of basic rights. Finland calls on the authorities in control of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to ensure unhindered access for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international and regional human rights mechanisms to those regions.

Finland also refers to the national statement in the dialogue on Ukraine. Finland's support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm. Finland condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms.

I thank you.