National Statement of Finland at the Third Committee, 1st plenary meeting, General Debate
Read the National Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the Third Committee, 1st plenary meeting, General Debate on October 1, 2026.
Chair,
Finland aligns itself with the EU statement.
Today, the world faces conflicts, instability and human suffering at a level unseen since the founding of the United Nations.
Therefore, it is time to urgently revitalize our collective commitment to human rights and international law. Human rights are not just a pillar or a sector, among other important issues. Respect for human rights is the only path towards human well-being and development, and towards peaceful and truly stable societies — also in the long term. Breaches of human rights are not only wrong. They are short-sighted and will always, eventually, turn against those responsible. Peace, stability and sustainable development can only be reached with respect for human rights.
At the UN, human rights are both foundational and instrumental, in promoting the other two pillars. We need to apply Human Rights Based Approach in development, and human rights must be at the heart of promoting peace and security, globally.
I want to underline that an inclusive, strong and future-oriented UN requires a renewed, uncompromising investment in human rights, both politically and in resources.
Chair,
There can be no lasting peace without rule of law, justice and accountability. Ending the culture of impunity requires effective legal frameworks, reliable data collection, survivor-centered investigations and judicial processes. In this regard, we also strongly support the work of the International Criminal Court.
Shrinking civic space threatens the security, stability and well-being of entire societies. Human rights defenders are on the front lines. They continue to face harassment, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, criminalization, executions as well as restrictions to their freedoms of movement, expression, association and assembly. Finland condemns these actions against human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists, environmental defenders and others who expose violations and abuses or advocate for accountability.
Media freedom is an absolute key to resilient, secure and democratic societies, and stability long-term. Protecting independent journalism and diverse media in the digital age is crucial. Finland is proud to co-chair the Media Freedom Coalition, advancing safety of journalists, and promoting media literacy. Today, independent journalism faces existential threats. Mis- and disinformation are being deliberately weaponized, to distort facts, create confusion, erode public trust and safety, and to silence critical voices. Responding to this challenge requires tools to think critically and uphold truth.
The future of artificial intelligence must be guided by a human rights-based approach that preserves human agency and democratic accountability, while supporting innovation and sustainable development. While AI offers significant opportunities, the technological progress must remain firmly anchored in human rights, rule of law and meaningful human oversight.
Chair,
We need to ensure that gender equality and the rights of all women and girls remain at the core of our efforts. We must support intergovernmental bodies in upholding and strengthening these commitments. We must continue to empower women and girls in all their diversity, and recognize that societies grow more resilient when everybody can participate fully. Universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights is central. Every individual must have the autonomy to make free, informed decisions over their own body and their own future.
Eliminating sexual and gender-based violence is an imperative. Today, women and girls continue to face violence in homes, schools, increasingly online, and in wars around the globe, from Middle East to Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere. We stand steadfast in solidarity with women and girls of Afghanistan.
Individuals belonging to sexual and gender minorities, together with organizations defending their rights, remain among the most vulnerable groups in societies around the world. The protection and full realization of the rights and freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is essential to fostering just and thriving societies.
Chair,
Finland is firmly committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities globally. Implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is key. Approximately 16 percent of the world's population live with a disability. They are not a small minority. They are people whose talent and contributions are vital to building resilient and prosperous societies. Yet, too many still face barriers to education, employment, participation, and access to services. As ongoing conflicts tragically increase the number of people living with disabilities, inclusive action becomes even more urgent. When we advance disability inclusion, we strengthen our societies as a whole, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Chair,
Finland voices her continued commitment to the fulfillment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, both nationally and globally. We must take concrete steps forward in the enhanced participation process, and we welcome the adoption of the recent GA resolution in this regard. We must provide Indigenous Peoples’—through representatives chosen by themselves—full and effective participation in the UN, in matters that concern their rights.
Chair,
We must defend the human rights of all people, in all spheres of life, with a steadfast focus on equality and non-discrimination of those in the most vulnerable situations. Lasting peace and sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires meaningful participation and dialogue, and the active and inclusive participation of all parts of society.
Thank you, and I will now pass the floor to our Youth Delegate.