Statement by Finland Delivered by Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative of Finland on Item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development 16th March 2022.

General Debate, 49th Session of UN Human Rights Council

Chairperson,

Finland fully aligns itself with the EU statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the enjoyment of human rights, including on the equal right of every person to education. Women and girls have been disproportionately affected. Prolonged school closures have increased risks for sexual and gender based violence, early marriages and teenage pregnancies.

The pandemic has also hampered educational paths, resulting in difficulties with completing studies, and in entering the labour market. The lack of prospects may lead towards marginalisation. Our response must have human rights at its heart and target existing forms of discrimination and marginalization. Opportunities for vocational education and training, particularly for all women and girls as well as persons with disabilities need to be enhanced.

At the same time, opportunity has risen to rethink how to ensure quality education for everyone, while strengthening the resilience of education systems for the future. We have seen examples of leveraging the potential of digitalization, innovation and new technologies, which have helped promoting better access to digital health services and distance learning. 

While digitalization provides new opportunities for learning and accessing information, critical thinking and media literacy are becoming increasingly essential. Education systems need to equip young people to counter disinformation, discrimination and bias and to promote human rights, global citizenship and sustainable development.

Chairperson,

Finland firmly supports the Safe Schools Declaration. States must always protect children, teachers, schools and educational facilities from military attacks. This is not realized in many places of the world. Including in Ukraine, where the unprovoked and unlawful Russian aggression gravely risks children’s safety and possibilities to school attendance.

Thank you.