Foreign Minister Tuomioja on International Human Rights Day: Finland committed to the rights of minorities
Press Release 284/2004
10 December 2004
“Recent news of attacks against minorities and scuffles between ethnic groups in Europe have shown that upholding human rights and defending equality are still topical challenges also in the area of the European Union,” said Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja on Friday when opening the National Diversity Day conference TIME TO ACT – Equality in Practices, held at the House of the Estates.
“The rights of minorities and promotion of non-discrimination are among Finland’s fields of priority,” Tuomioja stated. Participation by minorities in decision-making and in the life of society should be supported actively by the authorities. People and groups at risk of multiple discrimination are recipients of special consideration from the Government. As examples the Foreign Minister mentioned people with disability within minority groups, and sexual minorities within immigrant groups.
In his speech, the Foreign Minister drew attention to the situation of the Roma in Europe. Although reforms have been achieved, the position of the Roma is still extremely fragile in many respects. An important milestone in promoting the rights of the Roma was the establishment of the European Roma Forum, endorsed by the Council of Europe. Tuomioja pointed out that the initiative for establishing the Forum had been made by President Tarja Halonen.
Foreign Minister Tuomioja stressed the close links between immigration and human rights. Explosive growth in human trafficking worldwide is an undesirable drawback of people’s increased mobility. After the weapons and drug trade, human trafficking is already the most profitable form of international crime. The problem also touches upon Finland, which studies have found to be a target and transit country in human trafficking. Finland strives to combat human trafficking in many ways. For instance, under preparation is an action plan against human trafficking, where the departure point is to secure the rights of victims.
Finland, too, must ensure full implementation of immigrants’ rights, Tuomioja insisted. Special attention must be paid to the position of immigrant women and girls. Racism and discrimination must be met with zero tolerance. According to the Foreign Minister, increasing human rights education in schools is pivotal as a means for improving Finland’s attitude climate.
December 10th is the International Human Rights Day. On this date in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the first international instrument for the promotion of human rights – was approved unanimously.
Additional information: Janina Hasenson, Senior Officer, Legislative Affairs, Unit for Human Rights Policy, Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 160 55320.
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