| FINLAND Republic of Finland Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland Joined United Nations: 14 December 1955 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 03/03/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Helsinki
5,250,275 (July 2009 est.)
Matti Vanhanen
Prime Minister since 24 June 2003
Prime Minister since 24 June 2003
President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a
second term); election last held 15 January 2006
Next scheduled election: January 2012
second term); election last held 15 January 2006
Next scheduled election: January 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
The President appoints the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after
parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the
appointment. Elections last held on 17 April 2007
Next scheduled election: March 2011
Minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after
parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the
appointment. Elections last held on 17 April 2007
Next scheduled election: March 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)
| RELIGIONS |
Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%, other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 6 provinces (laanit, singular - laani)); Legal system is a civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may
request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 15 January 2006 (next to be
held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition
after parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected 17 April 2007
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 18 March 2007 (next to be held March 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (judges appointed by the president)
request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 15 January 2006 (next to be
held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition
after parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected 17 April 2007
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 18 March 2007 (next to be held March 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (judges appointed by the president)
| LANGUAGES |
Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other 3.3% (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
If confirmed, the oldest archeological site in Finland would be the Wolf Cave in Kristinestad, Ostrobothnia. Excavations are
underway and if the so far presented estimates hold true, it would be the only pre-glacial (Neanderthal) site so far found in the
Nordic countries and some 130 000 years old. The earliest traces of modern humans are known from ca. 8500 BCE and are post-
glacial. The people were first probably seasonal hunter-gatherers. Their items are known as the Suomusjärvi culture and the Kunda
culture. Among the finds is the net of Antrea, one of the oldest fishing nets ever excavated (calibrated carbon dating: ca. 8300
BCE). Around 5300 BCE pottery appeared in Finland. The earliest representatives belong to the Comb Ceramic Cultures, known
for their distinctive decorating patterns. This marks the beginning of the neolithic for Finland, although the subsistence was still based
on hunting and fishing. From 3200 BCE onwards either immigrants or a strong cultural influence from south of the Gulf of Finland
settled in southwestern Finland. This culture was a part of the European Battle Axe cultures, which have often been associated with
the movement of Indo-European speakers. The Battle axe and the Comb Ceramic cultures merged giving rise to the Kiukainen
culture which existed between 2300 BCE and 1500 BCE featuring fundamentally a comb ceramic tradition with cord ceramic
characteristics. The Bronze Age began some time after 1500 BCE. The coastal regions of Finland were a part of the Nordic Bronze
Culture, whereas in the inland regions the influences came from the bronze-using cultures of Northern and Eastern Russia. Earliest
findings of imported iron blades and local iron working appear in 500 BCE. From about 50 AD, there are indicators from more
intense long-distance exchange in coastal Finland. Inhabitants exchanged their products, presumably mostly furs, for weapons and
ornaments with the Balts and the Scandinavians as well as with the peoples along the traditional eastern trade routes. In the early
Iron Age Finns appear for the first time in a written document when Tacitus mentions Fenni in his Germania. Contact between
Sweden and what is now Finland was considerable even during pre-Christian times — the Vikings were known to Finns both due
to their participation in commerce and plundering. The Åland Islands probably had Swedish settlement during the Viking Period.
However, some scholars claim that the archipelago was deserted during the 11th century and then re-settled by Swedes during the
12th century. According to the archaeological finds, Christianity gained a foothold in Finland during the 11th century CE. The name
"Finland" signified only the southwestern province that has been known as "Finland Proper" since the 18th century. The concept of a
Finnish "country" in the modern sense developed only slowly during the period of the 15th–18th centuries. During the 13th century
Finland was integrated in medieval European civilization. The Dominican order arrived in Finland around 1249 and came to exercise
huge influence there. In 1362, representatives from Finland were called to participate in the elections of king for Sweden; and this
year is often held to signify the incorporation of what would become Finland into the kingdom of Sweden. During the 1380s a civil
war in the Scandinavian part of Sweden brought unrest to Finland, too. The victor of this struggle was Queen Margaret I of
Denmark, who brought the three Scandinavian kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark and Norway under her rule (the "Kalmar Union") in
1389. The next 130 years or so were characterized by attempts of different Swedish factions to break out of the Union. In 1521 the
Kalmar Union finally collapsed and Gustav Vasa became the King of Sweden. In 1550 Helsinki was founded by Gustav Vasa
under the name of Helsingfors, but remained little more than a fishing village for more than two centuries. The Empire had a colony
in the New World in the modern-day Delaware-Pennsylvania area between 1638–1655. At least half of the immigrants were of
Finnish origin. During the Great Northern War (1700–1721), Finland was occupied by the Russians, and the south-eastern part,
including the important town of Vyborg, was annexed to Russia after the Treaty of Nystad. The border with Russia came to lie
roughly where it returned to after World War II. Both the ascending Russian Empire and pre-revolutionary France aspired to have
Sweden as a client state. The two Russian occupations had been harsh and were not easily forgotten. In 1812, after the Russian
conquest of Finland, "Old Finland" was rejoined to the rest of the country but the landownership question remained a serious
problem until the 1870s. During the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia, Finland was again conquered by the armies of Tsar
Alexander I. The four Estates of occupied Finland were assembled at the Diet of Porvoo on March 29, 1809 to pledge allegiance
to Alexander I of Russia. Following the Swedish defeat in the war and the signing of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn on September 17,
1809, Finland remained an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire until the end of 1917, with Karelia ("Old Finland")
handed back to Finland in 1812. In 1906, as a result of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the associated Finnish general strike of
1905, the old four-chamber Diet was replaced by a unicameral Parliament of Finland (the "Eduskunta"). For the first time in the
world, universal suffrage and eligibility was implemented: Finnish women were the first in the world to gain full eligibility, and
membership of an estate, land ownership or inherited titles were no longer required. The October Revolution turned Finnish politics
upside down. Now the new non-Socialist majority of the Parliament felt a great urge for total independence, and the Socialists came
gradually to view Russia as an example to follow. On November 15, 1917, the Bolsheviks declared a general right of self-
determination, including the right of complete secession, "for the Peoples of Russia". On the same day the Finnish Parliament issued
a declaration by which it assumed, pro tempore, all powers of the Sovereign in Finland. Worried by the development in Russia, and
Finland, the non-Socialist Senate proposed for the parliament to declare Finland's independence, which was agreed on in the
parliament on December 6, 1917. On December 18 (December 31 N. S.) the Soviet government issued a Decree, recognizing
Finland's independence, and on December 22 (January 4, 1918 N. S.) it was approved by the highest Soviet executive body -
VTsIK. Germany and the Scandinavian countries followed without delay. From January to May 1918, Finland experienced the
brief but bitter Finnish Civil War that colored domestic politics and the foreign relations of Finland for many years. During World
War II, Finland fought the Soviet Union twice: she defended herself against the Soviet Union in the Winter War of 1939-1940,
resulting in the loss of Finnish Karelia, and again in the Continuation War of 1941-1944 (with considerable support from Nazi
Germany resulting in a swift invasion of neighboring areas of the Soviet Union), leading also to the loss of Finland's only ice-free
winter harbour Petsamo. The Continuation War was, in accordance with the armistice conditions, immediately followed by the
Lapland War of 1944-1945, when Finland fought the Germans to force them to withdraw from northern Finland back into Norway
(then under German occupation). Finland managed to maintain its independence and democratic constitution, contrary to most other
countries proximate to the Soviet Union. Like other Nordic countries, Finland has liberalized the economy since late 80s. In 1991
Finland fell into a Great Depression-magnitude depression caused by a combination of economic overheating, fixed currency,
depressed Western, Soviet, and local markets. After devaluations the depression bottomed out in 1993. Finland joined the
European Union in 1995. Like most European countries, without further reforms or much higher immigration Finland is expected to
struggle with demographics, even though macroeconomic projections are healthier than in most other developed countries.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Finland
underway and if the so far presented estimates hold true, it would be the only pre-glacial (Neanderthal) site so far found in the
Nordic countries and some 130 000 years old. The earliest traces of modern humans are known from ca. 8500 BCE and are post-
glacial. The people were first probably seasonal hunter-gatherers. Their items are known as the Suomusjärvi culture and the Kunda
culture. Among the finds is the net of Antrea, one of the oldest fishing nets ever excavated (calibrated carbon dating: ca. 8300
BCE). Around 5300 BCE pottery appeared in Finland. The earliest representatives belong to the Comb Ceramic Cultures, known
for their distinctive decorating patterns. This marks the beginning of the neolithic for Finland, although the subsistence was still based
on hunting and fishing. From 3200 BCE onwards either immigrants or a strong cultural influence from south of the Gulf of Finland
settled in southwestern Finland. This culture was a part of the European Battle Axe cultures, which have often been associated with
the movement of Indo-European speakers. The Battle axe and the Comb Ceramic cultures merged giving rise to the Kiukainen
culture which existed between 2300 BCE and 1500 BCE featuring fundamentally a comb ceramic tradition with cord ceramic
characteristics. The Bronze Age began some time after 1500 BCE. The coastal regions of Finland were a part of the Nordic Bronze
Culture, whereas in the inland regions the influences came from the bronze-using cultures of Northern and Eastern Russia. Earliest
findings of imported iron blades and local iron working appear in 500 BCE. From about 50 AD, there are indicators from more
intense long-distance exchange in coastal Finland. Inhabitants exchanged their products, presumably mostly furs, for weapons and
ornaments with the Balts and the Scandinavians as well as with the peoples along the traditional eastern trade routes. In the early
Iron Age Finns appear for the first time in a written document when Tacitus mentions Fenni in his Germania. Contact between
Sweden and what is now Finland was considerable even during pre-Christian times — the Vikings were known to Finns both due
to their participation in commerce and plundering. The Åland Islands probably had Swedish settlement during the Viking Period.
However, some scholars claim that the archipelago was deserted during the 11th century and then re-settled by Swedes during the
12th century. According to the archaeological finds, Christianity gained a foothold in Finland during the 11th century CE. The name
"Finland" signified only the southwestern province that has been known as "Finland Proper" since the 18th century. The concept of a
Finnish "country" in the modern sense developed only slowly during the period of the 15th–18th centuries. During the 13th century
Finland was integrated in medieval European civilization. The Dominican order arrived in Finland around 1249 and came to exercise
huge influence there. In 1362, representatives from Finland were called to participate in the elections of king for Sweden; and this
year is often held to signify the incorporation of what would become Finland into the kingdom of Sweden. During the 1380s a civil
war in the Scandinavian part of Sweden brought unrest to Finland, too. The victor of this struggle was Queen Margaret I of
Denmark, who brought the three Scandinavian kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark and Norway under her rule (the "Kalmar Union") in
1389. The next 130 years or so were characterized by attempts of different Swedish factions to break out of the Union. In 1521 the
Kalmar Union finally collapsed and Gustav Vasa became the King of Sweden. In 1550 Helsinki was founded by Gustav Vasa
under the name of Helsingfors, but remained little more than a fishing village for more than two centuries. The Empire had a colony
in the New World in the modern-day Delaware-Pennsylvania area between 1638–1655. At least half of the immigrants were of
Finnish origin. During the Great Northern War (1700–1721), Finland was occupied by the Russians, and the south-eastern part,
including the important town of Vyborg, was annexed to Russia after the Treaty of Nystad. The border with Russia came to lie
roughly where it returned to after World War II. Both the ascending Russian Empire and pre-revolutionary France aspired to have
Sweden as a client state. The two Russian occupations had been harsh and were not easily forgotten. In 1812, after the Russian
conquest of Finland, "Old Finland" was rejoined to the rest of the country but the landownership question remained a serious
problem until the 1870s. During the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia, Finland was again conquered by the armies of Tsar
Alexander I. The four Estates of occupied Finland were assembled at the Diet of Porvoo on March 29, 1809 to pledge allegiance
to Alexander I of Russia. Following the Swedish defeat in the war and the signing of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn on September 17,
1809, Finland remained an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire until the end of 1917, with Karelia ("Old Finland")
handed back to Finland in 1812. In 1906, as a result of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the associated Finnish general strike of
1905, the old four-chamber Diet was replaced by a unicameral Parliament of Finland (the "Eduskunta"). For the first time in the
world, universal suffrage and eligibility was implemented: Finnish women were the first in the world to gain full eligibility, and
membership of an estate, land ownership or inherited titles were no longer required. The October Revolution turned Finnish politics
upside down. Now the new non-Socialist majority of the Parliament felt a great urge for total independence, and the Socialists came
gradually to view Russia as an example to follow. On November 15, 1917, the Bolsheviks declared a general right of self-
determination, including the right of complete secession, "for the Peoples of Russia". On the same day the Finnish Parliament issued
a declaration by which it assumed, pro tempore, all powers of the Sovereign in Finland. Worried by the development in Russia, and
Finland, the non-Socialist Senate proposed for the parliament to declare Finland's independence, which was agreed on in the
parliament on December 6, 1917. On December 18 (December 31 N. S.) the Soviet government issued a Decree, recognizing
Finland's independence, and on December 22 (January 4, 1918 N. S.) it was approved by the highest Soviet executive body -
VTsIK. Germany and the Scandinavian countries followed without delay. From January to May 1918, Finland experienced the
brief but bitter Finnish Civil War that colored domestic politics and the foreign relations of Finland for many years. During World
War II, Finland fought the Soviet Union twice: she defended herself against the Soviet Union in the Winter War of 1939-1940,
resulting in the loss of Finnish Karelia, and again in the Continuation War of 1941-1944 (with considerable support from Nazi
Germany resulting in a swift invasion of neighboring areas of the Soviet Union), leading also to the loss of Finland's only ice-free
winter harbour Petsamo. The Continuation War was, in accordance with the armistice conditions, immediately followed by the
Lapland War of 1944-1945, when Finland fought the Germans to force them to withdraw from northern Finland back into Norway
(then under German occupation). Finland managed to maintain its independence and democratic constitution, contrary to most other
countries proximate to the Soviet Union. Like other Nordic countries, Finland has liberalized the economy since late 80s. In 1991
Finland fell into a Great Depression-magnitude depression caused by a combination of economic overheating, fixed currency,
depressed Western, Soviet, and local markets. After devaluations the depression bottomed out in 1993. Finland joined the
European Union in 1995. Like most European countries, without further reforms or much higher immigration Finland is expected to
struggle with demographics, even though macroeconomic projections are healthier than in most other developed countries.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Finland
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the
Netherlands, and Sweden. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering,
telecommunications, and electronics industries. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent
years. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on
imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development
is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for
the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and
financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard
in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone, and will serve as a brake on economic growth
in 2010. The slowdown of construction, other investment, and exports will cause unemployment to rise further from the level it
reached in 2009. Long-term challenges include the need to address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that
threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Finland)
Netherlands, and Sweden. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering,
telecommunications, and electronics industries. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent
years. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on
imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development
is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for
the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and
financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard
in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone, and will serve as a brake on economic growth
in 2010. The slowdown of construction, other investment, and exports will cause unemployment to rise further from the level it
reached in 2009. Long-term challenges include the need to address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that
threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Finland)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Though Finland has a primarily parliamentary system, the president has some notable powers. The foreign policy is led by the
president, "in co-operation" with the cabinet, and the same applies to matters concerning national security. The main executive
power lies in the cabinet headed by the prime minister. Before the constitutional rewrite, which was completed in 2000, the
president enjoyed more power.
Finns enjoy individual and political freedoms, and suffrage is universal at 18; Finland was the first country to give full eligibility to
women. The country's population is ethnically homogeneous with no sizable immigrant population. Few tensions exist between the
Finnish-speaking majority and the Swedish-speaking minority, although in certain circles there is an unending debate about the status
of the Swedish language. According to Transparency International, Finland has had the lowest level of corruption in all the countries
studied in their survey for the last several years.
The Constitution was rewritten on March 1, 2000 after first being adopted in July 17, 1919. The former constitution consisted of
four constitutional laws and several amendments, which the new constitution replaces. The civil law system is based on Swedish
law. The Supreme Court or korkein oikeus may request legislation that interprets or modifies existing laws. Judges are appointed by
the president.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Finland
president, "in co-operation" with the cabinet, and the same applies to matters concerning national security. The main executive
power lies in the cabinet headed by the prime minister. Before the constitutional rewrite, which was completed in 2000, the
president enjoyed more power.
Finns enjoy individual and political freedoms, and suffrage is universal at 18; Finland was the first country to give full eligibility to
women. The country's population is ethnically homogeneous with no sizable immigrant population. Few tensions exist between the
Finnish-speaking majority and the Swedish-speaking minority, although in certain circles there is an unending debate about the status
of the Swedish language. According to Transparency International, Finland has had the lowest level of corruption in all the countries
studied in their survey for the last several years.
The Constitution was rewritten on March 1, 2000 after first being adopted in July 17, 1919. The former constitution consisted of
four constitutional laws and several amendments, which the new constitution replaces. The civil law system is based on Swedish
law. The Supreme Court or korkein oikeus may request legislation that interprets or modifies existing laws. Judges are appointed by
the president.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Finland
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government
asserts no territorial demands.
asserts no territorial demands.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2008 Human Rights Report: Finland
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Finland is a constitutional republic of 5.3 million persons with a directly elected president and a unicameral parliament (Eduskunta). The
prime minister is head of government. Parliamentary elections held in March 2007 were free and fair. Civilian authorities maintained
effective control of military and security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and an independent judiciary provided effective means
of addressing individual instances of abuse. Human rights problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Finland is a constitutional republic of 5.3 million persons with a directly elected president and a unicameral parliament (Eduskunta). The
prime minister is head of government. Parliamentary elections held in March 2007 were free and fair. Civilian authorities maintained
effective control of military and security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and an independent judiciary provided effective means
of addressing individual instances of abuse. Human rights problems included:
- violence against women,
- trafficking in persons,
- societal discrimination against foreign-born residents and Roma.
5 March 2009
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fourth session 16 February – 6 March 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
FINLAND
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the State party’s report, which has been prepared in conformity with the reporting
guidelines, and its comprehensive written replies to the list of issues as well as for the oral presentation and further clarifications given in
responses to the questions posed orally by the Committee, which show further progress in the implementation of the Convention. It
commends the efforts by the State party to address the issues raised by the Committee in its previous concluding observations
(CERD/C/63/CO/5).
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
5. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Non Discrimination Act of 2004 whose purpose is to foster and safeguard equality and
to enhance the protection provided by law to victims of discrimination in cases that fall under the scope of the Act.
6. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the National Discrimination Tribunal, a permanent and independent body promoting
legal protection, as well as the strengthening of the institution of the Ombudsman for Minorities, both institutions supervising compliance
with the provisions of the Non Discrimination Act of 2004 from the viewpoint of ethnic origin. It also welcomes the fact that as of 1
January 2008, the Ombudsman for Minorities and the National Discrimination Tribunal have been transferred to the Ministry of the
Interior as independent authorities.
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
12. While taking note of the information regarding certain ethnic groups and of explanations given by the delegation with regard to
legislative provisions preventing the State party from identifying ethnic groups in a census or otherwise drawing a distinction between
citizens on the grounds of ethnic, linguistic or religious origin, the Committee expresses concern regarding the lack of statistical data in
the report of the State party on the ethnic composition of its population.
In accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of its revised reporting guidelines (CERD/C/2007/1), the Committee recommends that the State
party provide information on the composition of its population, the use of mother tongues, languages commonly spoken or other
indicators of ethnic diversity, together with any information from targeted social surveys conducted on a voluntary basis, with full
respect for the privacy and anonymity of the individuals concerned, so as to be able to evaluate the situation of its population in the
economic, social and cultural fields. The State party should also provide the Committee with information on the ethnic composition of
the prison population.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fourth session 16 February – 6 March 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
FINLAND
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the State party’s report, which has been prepared in conformity with the reporting
guidelines, and its comprehensive written replies to the list of issues as well as for the oral presentation and further clarifications given in
responses to the questions posed orally by the Committee, which show further progress in the implementation of the Convention. It
commends the efforts by the State party to address the issues raised by the Committee in its previous concluding observations
(CERD/C/63/CO/5).
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
5. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Non Discrimination Act of 2004 whose purpose is to foster and safeguard equality and
to enhance the protection provided by law to victims of discrimination in cases that fall under the scope of the Act.
6. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the National Discrimination Tribunal, a permanent and independent body promoting
legal protection, as well as the strengthening of the institution of the Ombudsman for Minorities, both institutions supervising compliance
with the provisions of the Non Discrimination Act of 2004 from the viewpoint of ethnic origin. It also welcomes the fact that as of 1
January 2008, the Ombudsman for Minorities and the National Discrimination Tribunal have been transferred to the Ministry of the
Interior as independent authorities.
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
12. While taking note of the information regarding certain ethnic groups and of explanations given by the delegation with regard to
legislative provisions preventing the State party from identifying ethnic groups in a census or otherwise drawing a distinction between
citizens on the grounds of ethnic, linguistic or religious origin, the Committee expresses concern regarding the lack of statistical data in
the report of the State party on the ethnic composition of its population.
In accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of its revised reporting guidelines (CERD/C/2007/1), the Committee recommends that the State
party provide information on the composition of its population, the use of mother tongues, languages commonly spoken or other
indicators of ethnic diversity, together with any information from targeted social surveys conducted on a voluntary basis, with full
respect for the privacy and anonymity of the individuals concerned, so as to be able to evaluate the situation of its population in the
economic, social and cultural fields. The State party should also provide the Committee with information on the ethnic composition of
the prison population.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2009 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
A campaign-funding scandal and revelations about the foreign minister’s improper contacts with an exotic dancer stirred Finnish politics
in 2008. Also during the year, the authorities strictly enforced hate-speech laws in a number of cases, raising concerns about freedom of
expression.
In the new cabinet, 12 out of 20 ministers were women, the highest proportion in the world. In addition, 84 women were voted in as
members of Parliament, capturing 42 percent of the seats. Only Rwanda and Sweden had greater female representation in their
legislatures.
In June 2008, Center Party parliamentary caucus leader Timo Kalli admitted on a talk show that he had knowingly broken the law by
failing to reveal the sources of 2007 campaign donations. A series of other politicians, including state ministers, subsequently admitted
doing the same. The law required politicians to reveal the sources of campaign donations but offered no penalty for violations, drawing
criticism from anticorruption groups. In a separate scandal, Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva was replaced in April after Finnish
newspapers in March revealed text messages he had sent to an exotic dancer. He was denounced in part for misusing his position and
his official telephone in this case and in other suspected incidents of a similar nature. Finland ratified the EU’s Lisbon Treaty in July 2008.
Finland is an electoral democracy. The prime minister has responsibility for running the government. The president, whose role is mainly
ceremonial, is directly elected for a six-year term. The president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority
party or coalition after elections. The selection must be approved by Parliament.
Finland’s sterling reputation on corruption issues was tainted somewhat in 2008 after a series of lawmakers admitted that they had
violated the law by failing to disclose the source of campaign funds. The law in question was faulted for lacking any penalty for
violations, and the government was drafting new campaign finance legislation at year’s end. Also in 2008, Foreign Minister Ilkka
Kanerva was forced to resign after being accused of misusing official resources by sending multiple text messages to an exotic dancer,
among other suspected abuses. Finland was ranked 5 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption
Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
A campaign-funding scandal and revelations about the foreign minister’s improper contacts with an exotic dancer stirred Finnish politics
in 2008. Also during the year, the authorities strictly enforced hate-speech laws in a number of cases, raising concerns about freedom of
expression.
In the new cabinet, 12 out of 20 ministers were women, the highest proportion in the world. In addition, 84 women were voted in as
members of Parliament, capturing 42 percent of the seats. Only Rwanda and Sweden had greater female representation in their
legislatures.
In June 2008, Center Party parliamentary caucus leader Timo Kalli admitted on a talk show that he had knowingly broken the law by
failing to reveal the sources of 2007 campaign donations. A series of other politicians, including state ministers, subsequently admitted
doing the same. The law required politicians to reveal the sources of campaign donations but offered no penalty for violations, drawing
criticism from anticorruption groups. In a separate scandal, Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva was replaced in April after Finnish
newspapers in March revealed text messages he had sent to an exotic dancer. He was denounced in part for misusing his position and
his official telephone in this case and in other suspected incidents of a similar nature. Finland ratified the EU’s Lisbon Treaty in July 2008.
Finland is an electoral democracy. The prime minister has responsibility for running the government. The president, whose role is mainly
ceremonial, is directly elected for a six-year term. The president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority
party or coalition after elections. The selection must be approved by Parliament.
Finland’s sterling reputation on corruption issues was tainted somewhat in 2008 after a series of lawmakers admitted that they had
violated the law by failing to disclose the source of campaign funds. The law in question was faulted for lacking any penalty for
violations, and the government was drafting new campaign finance legislation at year’s end. Also in 2008, Foreign Minister Ilkka
Kanerva was forced to resign after being accused of misusing official resources by sending multiple text messages to an exotic dancer,
among other suspected abuses. Finland was ranked 5 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption
Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
28 August 2009
Finland: Universal jurisdiction put into practice against suspect in Rwandan genocide
Amnesty International welcomes the exercise of universal jurisdiction, for the first time in Finland, in the trial against François
Bazaramba, a Rwandese national residing in Finland, accused of participating in the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The trial will start on 1
September before the Porvoo District Court in Finland.
This is an important step against impunity for victims in Africa and the example of Finland, that there is no safe haven for alleged
perpetrators of crimes under international law, should be followed by other states.
Amnesty International takes no position on the merits of the charges currently brought by the Prosecutor against François Bazaramba.
However, these serious allegations must be considered fairly by a competent, independent and impartial court. Bazaramba is charged
with the planning, preparation and execution of the Rwandan genocide and accused of being responsible for the killings of over 30.000
Tutsis.
The District Court in Porvoo should ensure that an effective protection mechanism is in place for witnesses, victims who could appear
before the Court - and others who are at risk on account of testimony given by such witnesses - before, during and after the trial. A fair
trial will only be possible if such a protection mechanism is in place.
International law provides for the investigation and prosecution of crimes under international law by anystate, regardless of the
nationality of the alleged perpetrator, or the place that the alleged crime was committed. These crimes include genocide, crimes against
humanity, war crimes and serious violations of human rights including torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions.
Background information
As many as 800,000 ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutus were killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. These killings, between April and July
1994, were accompanied by numerous acts of torture, including rape. These abuses occurred within the context of the October 1990 to
July 1994 armed conflict between the Rwandan government forces and the then armed opposition group known as the Rwandan
Patriotic Front (RPF). In addition to the genocide, both parties to the armed conflict committed gross human rights abuses.
Genocide prosecutions have taken place in Rwanda through the conventional court system and gacaca courts. Amnesty International has
consistently raised concerns about the fairness of some of these trials before Rwandan courts, including the gacaca system.
Click here to read more »
Finland: Universal jurisdiction put into practice against suspect in Rwandan genocide
Amnesty International welcomes the exercise of universal jurisdiction, for the first time in Finland, in the trial against François
Bazaramba, a Rwandese national residing in Finland, accused of participating in the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The trial will start on 1
September before the Porvoo District Court in Finland.
This is an important step against impunity for victims in Africa and the example of Finland, that there is no safe haven for alleged
perpetrators of crimes under international law, should be followed by other states.
Amnesty International takes no position on the merits of the charges currently brought by the Prosecutor against François Bazaramba.
However, these serious allegations must be considered fairly by a competent, independent and impartial court. Bazaramba is charged
with the planning, preparation and execution of the Rwandan genocide and accused of being responsible for the killings of over 30.000
Tutsis.
The District Court in Porvoo should ensure that an effective protection mechanism is in place for witnesses, victims who could appear
before the Court - and others who are at risk on account of testimony given by such witnesses - before, during and after the trial. A fair
trial will only be possible if such a protection mechanism is in place.
International law provides for the investigation and prosecution of crimes under international law by anystate, regardless of the
nationality of the alleged perpetrator, or the place that the alleged crime was committed. These crimes include genocide, crimes against
humanity, war crimes and serious violations of human rights including torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions.
Background information
As many as 800,000 ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutus were killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. These killings, between April and July
1994, were accompanied by numerous acts of torture, including rape. These abuses occurred within the context of the October 1990 to
July 1994 armed conflict between the Rwandan government forces and the then armed opposition group known as the Rwandan
Patriotic Front (RPF). In addition to the genocide, both parties to the armed conflict committed gross human rights abuses.
Genocide prosecutions have taken place in Rwanda through the conventional court system and gacaca courts. Amnesty International has
consistently raised concerns about the fairness of some of these trials before Rwandan courts, including the gacaca system.
Click here to read more »
An Abridged Women's Agenda for the Parliament
The new European Parliament can make women in Europe safer, wealthier and healthier
by Gauri Van Gulik
July 2, 2009
The European Parliament's new members will soon be in place, some of them without a clear idea of what they can actually achieve
there. They need an agenda, one that is pan-European. They should look at the problems that continue to harm and restrict women in
Europe.
Firstly, there is the matter of financial rights. The EU has been committed to equal pay for equal work since 1957. However, on average,
women still earn 15% less than men, even though women now make up 60% of the EU's university graduates. The pay gap is 20% or
more in six countries, including Finland, Germany and the UK. Indeed in Germany and Finland, the gap has increased. This difference
also means that women are poorer in retirement than men are.
Secondly, sexual and reproductive rights are under threat. In some countries, pressure from conservative and religious groups has
reduced access to essential health services, especially for the poor and migrant populations. There is too little quality sex education and
access to family planning to prevent abortions. In countries where access to abortions is severely restricted, such as Poland and Ireland,
the number of unsafe abortions is rising.
Thirdly, female migrants face added difficulties. They have fewer channels through which to migrate legally to the EU than men. Fear of
deportation and economic vulnerability leave undocumented migrant women more exposed to sexual and domestic violence.
What can the Parliament do? To start with, MEPs need to strengthen the women's rights and gender equality committee. The future
chair should fight to take the lead on topics such as equal pay and rights of migrant women, where the Parliament has or will have the
power to legislate.
Other committees - such as employment, civil liberties and human rights - need to co-ordinate their activities better, in order to bring
women's rights into the core of the parliamentary agenda.
Women's rights are not a fringe issue; they are at the heart of creating a productive, economically viable Europe.
Second, the Parliament can use its budgetary and policy powers, which will increase if the Lisbon treaty is ratified, to make sure
women's rights are fully incorporated into the EU's social policies, the Stockholm programme and the common European asylum
system. It can advocate the inclusion of women's rights in labour laws and education policies. The EU does not have the mandate to
judge any country's abortion legislation, but it can ensure that there is no discrimination in access to healthcare.
Finally, the Parliament needs to take a stand against all forms of discrimination by pressing the Council of Ministers hard for a
comprehensive non-discrimination directive and encouraging the European Commission to increase its use of legal infringement
procedures against member states that do not implement equality-rights laws.
The European Union has spearheaded many advances in gender equality. Newly elected MEPs can take up the mantle by trying to fill the
remaining gaps in protection and enforcement.
Click here to read more »
The new European Parliament can make women in Europe safer, wealthier and healthier
by Gauri Van Gulik
July 2, 2009
The European Parliament's new members will soon be in place, some of them without a clear idea of what they can actually achieve
there. They need an agenda, one that is pan-European. They should look at the problems that continue to harm and restrict women in
Europe.
Firstly, there is the matter of financial rights. The EU has been committed to equal pay for equal work since 1957. However, on average,
women still earn 15% less than men, even though women now make up 60% of the EU's university graduates. The pay gap is 20% or
more in six countries, including Finland, Germany and the UK. Indeed in Germany and Finland, the gap has increased. This difference
also means that women are poorer in retirement than men are.
Secondly, sexual and reproductive rights are under threat. In some countries, pressure from conservative and religious groups has
reduced access to essential health services, especially for the poor and migrant populations. There is too little quality sex education and
access to family planning to prevent abortions. In countries where access to abortions is severely restricted, such as Poland and Ireland,
the number of unsafe abortions is rising.
Thirdly, female migrants face added difficulties. They have fewer channels through which to migrate legally to the EU than men. Fear of
deportation and economic vulnerability leave undocumented migrant women more exposed to sexual and domestic violence.
What can the Parliament do? To start with, MEPs need to strengthen the women's rights and gender equality committee. The future
chair should fight to take the lead on topics such as equal pay and rights of migrant women, where the Parliament has or will have the
power to legislate.
Other committees - such as employment, civil liberties and human rights - need to co-ordinate their activities better, in order to bring
women's rights into the core of the parliamentary agenda.
Women's rights are not a fringe issue; they are at the heart of creating a productive, economically viable Europe.
Second, the Parliament can use its budgetary and policy powers, which will increase if the Lisbon treaty is ratified, to make sure
women's rights are fully incorporated into the EU's social policies, the Stockholm programme and the common European asylum
system. It can advocate the inclusion of women's rights in labour laws and education policies. The EU does not have the mandate to
judge any country's abortion legislation, but it can ensure that there is no discrimination in access to healthcare.
Finally, the Parliament needs to take a stand against all forms of discrimination by pressing the Council of Ministers hard for a
comprehensive non-discrimination directive and encouraging the European Commission to increase its use of legal infringement
procedures against member states that do not implement equality-rights laws.
The European Union has spearheaded many advances in gender equality. Newly elected MEPs can take up the mantle by trying to fill the
remaining gaps in protection and enforcement.
Click here to read more »
General Debate of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly: Statement by the President of the Republic of Finland H.E.
Ms. Tarja Halonen, New York, 24 September 2009
Mr. President,
Finland values highly the UN Charter and the central role given to the Security Council. We actively participate in the efforts to make this
body more representative and efficient. Finland is a candidate to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2013-14.
At the same time, we hope that progress on the Council's reform could be made already during this General Assembly.
Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security were important achievements. Their implementation in all
countries and in all situations is urgently needed.
The International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership, Development, International Peace and Security, held last March in
Monrovia, adopted a Call to Action on Resolution 1325, and a Call for Action on Gender and Climate Change. As a follow-up to the
Colloquium, Finland and Liberia convened a side-event today here at the UN. The event, titled "Peace and Security through Women's
Leadership: Acting on 1325 and Climate Change" focused on strengthening partnerships in implementing Resolution 1325 and integrating
gender aspects in the new climate agreement.
Resolution 1820 strongly condemns sexual violence in conflicts. We must treat systematic rape as a forbidden weapon of war. Victims
of rape and sexual abuse must have access to legal processes while the rapists are prosecuted and condemned.
Appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Women and Armed Conflict would in our view enhance the
implementation of Resolutions 1325 and 1820. We hope that all member states will support this proposal. I want to thank Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon for bringing up the question of violence against women in his opening address at the General Assembly yesterday.
In conflict situations, the civilian population needs protection. At the UN World Summit in 2005, the "Responsibility to Protect" was
accepted as a general principle applying to genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. Further efforts are
urgently needed to save civilians from the violence, and we welcome the active role of the Secretary-General in reminding us of this
important commitment.
We have to try to find things that unite us – and not things that divide us - if we want to be midwives of the future and not guardians of
the past. Finally, I would like to underline that lasting peace can only be built through open dialogue between cultural and religious
communities, in our countries and worldwide. Finland supports all the initiatives, such as the Alliance of Civilisations, in stimulating
intercultural communication. I wish these efforts best success in promoting mutual understanding and peace and promise that Finland
will continue to be engaged.
Click here to read more »
Ms. Tarja Halonen, New York, 24 September 2009
Mr. President,
Finland values highly the UN Charter and the central role given to the Security Council. We actively participate in the efforts to make this
body more representative and efficient. Finland is a candidate to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2013-14.
At the same time, we hope that progress on the Council's reform could be made already during this General Assembly.
Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security were important achievements. Their implementation in all
countries and in all situations is urgently needed.
The International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership, Development, International Peace and Security, held last March in
Monrovia, adopted a Call to Action on Resolution 1325, and a Call for Action on Gender and Climate Change. As a follow-up to the
Colloquium, Finland and Liberia convened a side-event today here at the UN. The event, titled "Peace and Security through Women's
Leadership: Acting on 1325 and Climate Change" focused on strengthening partnerships in implementing Resolution 1325 and integrating
gender aspects in the new climate agreement.
Resolution 1820 strongly condemns sexual violence in conflicts. We must treat systematic rape as a forbidden weapon of war. Victims
of rape and sexual abuse must have access to legal processes while the rapists are prosecuted and condemned.
Appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Women and Armed Conflict would in our view enhance the
implementation of Resolutions 1325 and 1820. We hope that all member states will support this proposal. I want to thank Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon for bringing up the question of violence against women in his opening address at the General Assembly yesterday.
In conflict situations, the civilian population needs protection. At the UN World Summit in 2005, the "Responsibility to Protect" was
accepted as a general principle applying to genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. Further efforts are
urgently needed to save civilians from the violence, and we welcome the active role of the Secretary-General in reminding us of this
important commitment.
We have to try to find things that unite us – and not things that divide us - if we want to be midwives of the future and not guardians of
the past. Finally, I would like to underline that lasting peace can only be built through open dialogue between cultural and religious
communities, in our countries and worldwide. Finland supports all the initiatives, such as the Alliance of Civilisations, in stimulating
intercultural communication. I wish these efforts best success in promoting mutual understanding and peace and promise that Finland
will continue to be engaged.
Click here to read more »
Parliamentary Ombudsman of Finland Summary of the Annual Report 2008
Helsinki 19.3.2009
RIITTA-LEENA PAUNIO
THE OMBUDSMAN IN A GLOBAL WORLD
I have been able to follow the growth and development of the Ombudsman institution here in Finland and the rest of the world for over
three decades. It has been interesting to do so, because in that time the institution has been spreading like wildfire in the world. The
Ombudsman in Finland can look back on a long history compared with many other countries. In February 2010 it will have been 90
years since the first complaint arrived on the Ombudsman’s desk. A Master Sergeant in the light infantry, who was on remand
in the Wiipuri Provincial Prison requested most humbly that the Ombudsman act to ensure that he, “unless his ase could be immediately
reviewed by a Court Martial, be soon released from remand custody and that the person or persons who could be deemed guilty of
having me detained without ground be prosecuted for misconduct in office”.
Oversight of legality has changed over time, but its basic features have been preserved and are still of topical relevance. The
Ombudsman’s role as a prosecutor has receded into the background, whilst the role of developer of official actions has become more
emphatic. Promoting good administration has assumed a key position in the Ombudsman’s work. A lot of attention has also been
devoted to conditions and treatment in institutions. Oversight of prisons, institutions and Defence Forces units where conscripts serve
has been extensive and numerous proposals concerning the development of legislation, administration of justice and administration in
general have been made.
Evolution of thinking on fundamental and human rights both in Finland and elsewhere has significantly shaped the Ombudsman’s
activities in recent decades. Looked at from the long perspective of history, we are now living in a time when the aim is to protect the
fundamental rights of all people through international conventions. This era of human rights conventions is regarded as having begun
with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 60th anniversary of which was celebrated towards the end of
last year. A significant step in Finland was the signing and transposition into national law of the Council of Europe Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in 1990. When the fundamental rights provisions in the Constitution were
revised in 1995, the Ombudsman was statutorily entrusted with overseeing compliance with fundamental and human rights. This task
can be said to have decisively altered the angle of the Ombudsman’s examination from the duties of the authorities to implementation
of human rights.
Click here to read more »
Helsinki 19.3.2009
RIITTA-LEENA PAUNIO
THE OMBUDSMAN IN A GLOBAL WORLD
I have been able to follow the growth and development of the Ombudsman institution here in Finland and the rest of the world for over
three decades. It has been interesting to do so, because in that time the institution has been spreading like wildfire in the world. The
Ombudsman in Finland can look back on a long history compared with many other countries. In February 2010 it will have been 90
years since the first complaint arrived on the Ombudsman’s desk. A Master Sergeant in the light infantry, who was on remand
in the Wiipuri Provincial Prison requested most humbly that the Ombudsman act to ensure that he, “unless his ase could be immediately
reviewed by a Court Martial, be soon released from remand custody and that the person or persons who could be deemed guilty of
having me detained without ground be prosecuted for misconduct in office”.
Oversight of legality has changed over time, but its basic features have been preserved and are still of topical relevance. The
Ombudsman’s role as a prosecutor has receded into the background, whilst the role of developer of official actions has become more
emphatic. Promoting good administration has assumed a key position in the Ombudsman’s work. A lot of attention has also been
devoted to conditions and treatment in institutions. Oversight of prisons, institutions and Defence Forces units where conscripts serve
has been extensive and numerous proposals concerning the development of legislation, administration of justice and administration in
general have been made.
Evolution of thinking on fundamental and human rights both in Finland and elsewhere has significantly shaped the Ombudsman’s
activities in recent decades. Looked at from the long perspective of history, we are now living in a time when the aim is to protect the
fundamental rights of all people through international conventions. This era of human rights conventions is regarded as having begun
with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 60th anniversary of which was celebrated towards the end of
last year. A significant step in Finland was the signing and transposition into national law of the Council of Europe Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in 1990. When the fundamental rights provisions in the Constitution were
revised in 1995, the Ombudsman was statutorily entrusted with overseeing compliance with fundamental and human rights. This task
can be said to have decisively altered the angle of the Ombudsman’s examination from the duties of the authorities to implementation
of human rights.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FINNISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Report 4 / 2 0 0 9 •
AJANKOHTAISTAASIAAIHM ISOIKEUKSISTA
Predictions about the future of human rights
What are the human rights of way? Estimates of the future of human rights always vary their "Death" to the fact that they arise
constitution of the world.
The strengthening of human rights speak on behalf of many factors. Human Rights supervisory bodies to complaints and the number of
complaints has continued to increased, the report and research stacks increase, new contracts partnership, or the institutions set up.
Bold dream of a world Court of Human Rights, such as Professor Martin Scheinin, Manfred Nowak. Or even the world's Constitution,
as Professor Craig Scott.
Others do not expect a future with the same much. Professors and Upendra Baxi Costas Douzinas see a fairly gloomy Human clouds in
the sky. Baxi lay at the heart vulnerable the one hand and the rights The fighting, which human rights have not been able to redeem
the promise of a better future.
As expected, human rights and the reality narrowing the gap between need, But the world Baxin also seems possible.
Despite the sensational title of book, The End of Human Rights, does not Douzinaskaan not povaa mass human rights funerals. Instead,
he claims that human rights must be able to regarded as a critical and re-interpreted, in order to keep the global change a furious pace.
According to him, change is necessary, so that human rights of the curve to fall somewhere the ride - like so many previous ideas. To
avoid the cruel fate human rights should take to its original utopia: a channeldiscontent and rebellion.
Click here to read more>>
Report 4 / 2 0 0 9 •
AJANKOHTAISTAASIAAIHM ISOIKEUKSISTA
Predictions about the future of human rights
What are the human rights of way? Estimates of the future of human rights always vary their "Death" to the fact that they arise
constitution of the world.
The strengthening of human rights speak on behalf of many factors. Human Rights supervisory bodies to complaints and the number of
complaints has continued to increased, the report and research stacks increase, new contracts partnership, or the institutions set up.
Bold dream of a world Court of Human Rights, such as Professor Martin Scheinin, Manfred Nowak. Or even the world's Constitution,
as Professor Craig Scott.
Others do not expect a future with the same much. Professors and Upendra Baxi Costas Douzinas see a fairly gloomy Human clouds in
the sky. Baxi lay at the heart vulnerable the one hand and the rights The fighting, which human rights have not been able to redeem
the promise of a better future.
As expected, human rights and the reality narrowing the gap between need, But the world Baxin also seems possible.
Despite the sensational title of book, The End of Human Rights, does not Douzinaskaan not povaa mass human rights funerals. Instead,
he claims that human rights must be able to regarded as a critical and re-interpreted, in order to keep the global change a furious pace.
According to him, change is necessary, so that human rights of the curve to fall somewhere the ride - like so many previous ideas. To
avoid the cruel fate human rights should take to its original utopia: a channeldiscontent and rebellion.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Tarja Halonen
President since 1 March 2000
President since 1 March 2000
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Jyrki Katainen
Deputy Prime Minister since 19 April 2007
Deputy Prime Minister since 19 April 2007
