Minister Erkki Tuomioja: Everyone can promote human rights through their own actions

“The recognition awarded to Liisa Kauppinen also encourages those working with human rights in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs,” Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said at the reception held in honour of the disabled persons’ rights activist who was granted the United Nations Human Rights Prize.

“Eighty per cent of the world’s deaf people still do not attend school. New approaches are now needed to correct this issue,” Liisa Kauppinen said at the reception organized by the Foreign Minister on 26 February 2014. Photo: Eero Kuosmanen

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja organized a reception on 26 February in recognition of Liisa Kauppinen, Honorary President of the World Federation of the Deaf who in December received the UN Human Rights Prize, the first Finn to be granted the award. The prize was awarded for merits in promoting the rights of the deaf.

“Liisa Kauppinen has worked for years to promote the linguistic and other rights of deaf people in Africa, Latin America and Central and Southeast Asia. She has given a ‘voice’ to deaf people and has ensured that this voice is heard and listened to.”

According to Minister Tuomioja, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs works daily to promote human rights in political arenas, in bilateral relations and through means of development policy.

The Ministry’s human rights strategy emphasizes the rights of people with disability.

Human rights in the forefront

Finland’s activities give priority to vulnerable groups and persons subjected to multiple discrimination, and the strengthening of these people’s rights.

“Such groups include, for example, disabled women and girls, whose human rights Liisa Kauppinen has promoted during her career,” Tuomioja stated.

President Tarja Halonen, Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja and Honorary President of the World Federation of the Deaf Liisa Kauppinen, the prizewinner, at the event held in the Engel hall of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Photo: Eero Kuosmanen

He pointed out that in order to be a credible human rights actor internationally, Finland must also get its own affairs in order.

“It is important the Finland finally ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities during the term of this Government.”

According to Tuomioja, the best results are achieved when the various actors in society sit around the same table, roll up their sleeves and get to work.

“The implementation of human rights ultimately depends on how actively each of us works on their behalf. Everyone can influence change through their own actions, choices and resources. Liisa Kauppinen is an excellent example of this,” the Minister said.

Liisa Kauppinen said that being a Finn had been very useful in human rights work.

“Through development cooperation, Finland can also help people understand each other’s differences. “Much remains to be done, as 80 per cent of the world’s deaf people still do not attend school. New approaches are now needed to correct this issue,” Kauppinen stated. 

Outi Einola-Head