Finland stressed practical measures in work to combat racism
Press release 114/2009
22 April, 2009
In Finland’s opinion, the UN’s Durban Review Conference in Geneva should focus on the main targets: the prevention, combating and eradication of all forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. This was the view presented by Ambassador Hannu Himanen in the statement by Finland to the conference, delivered in Geneva on Wednesday, 22 April.
The statement also condemned racist and anti-Semitic views presented at the conference.
The statement by Finland highlighted the importance of practical measures, done at the national level, in work to combat racism. Equality should be promoted in all segments of social policy. Finland monitors the occurrence of discrimination, among others, by improving data collection, and effort is made to implement the principle of equality in all government activities and decision-making. Finland also strives to intensify positive action through which the disadvantages brought about by racism and discrimination can be alleviated.
Finland welcomes the adoption of the Outcome Document of this Review Conference on Tuesday, 21 April. Finland considers the adoption of the Outcome Document to have a positive impact on both global and national efforts to combat racism.
Additional information: Sofie From-Emmesberger, Head of the Unit for Human Rights Policy, tel. +358 9 1605 6551, mobile tel. +358 40 568 8641.