Press releases, 11.9.2023

Finland to emphasise civic space, gender equality and rights of those in vulnerable situations at UN Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will hold its 54th session from 11 September to 13 October in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Human Rights Council is the UN’s most important intergovernmental body protecting and promoting human rights. Finland is a member of the Human Rights Council during the term 2022–2024. The promotion and protection of universal human rights has always been Finland’s priority at the Council. 

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia will give her first report to the Human Rights Council. Finland strongly supports the mandate of this independent expert and advocates for its renewal together with other States.

Finland in cooperation with Australia, Chile and South Africa will present a joint statement on the rights of intersex persons. It takes a stand in favour of the full realisation of the human rights of intersex persons and tackles discrimination and violence against them. 

Other items on the Council agenda besides Russia include Belarus, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Syria, Sudan and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will update the Council on the situation in Ukraine.

Finland will emphasise the rights of women and girls, gender equality, non-discrimination, the operating conditions of civil society and the importance of ensuring accountability in the negotiations during the Council session. At the session, Finland will also advocate for the participation of representative institutions of Indigenous Peoples, such as the Sámi Parliament, in the work of the UN Human Rights Council. Finland will also participate in panel discussions, including a discussion on young people and human rights.

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Inquiries

  • Ann-Mari Fröberg, Team Leader, Unit for Human Rights Policy, tel. +358 295 350 896
  • The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format [email protected].