| FINLAND Republic of Finland Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland Joined United Nations: 14 December 1955 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 02/15/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Helsinki
5,255,068 (July 2010 est.)
Mari Kiviniemi
Prime Minister since 22 June 2010
Prime Minister since 22 June 2010
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 22 June 2010
Next scheduled election: April 2011
Minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after
parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the
appointment. Elections last held on 22 June 2010
Next scheduled election: April 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 elected 22 June 2010
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 April 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 elected 22 June 2010
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 April 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. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly
competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. 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. A recovery of exports stimulated economic growth in
2010, and led to a lowering of unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government finances and the debt ratio,
turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge of economic policy will be to
implement a post-recession exit strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with general government adjustment
measures. Longer-term, Finland must 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. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly
competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. 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. A recovery of exports stimulated economic growth in
2010, and led to a lowering of unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government finances and the debt ratio,
turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge of economic policy will be to
implement a post-recession exit strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with general government adjustment
measures. Longer-term, Finland must 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 |
2009 Human Rights Report: Finland
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
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 in 2007 were free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained
effective control of military and security forces.
Human rights problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
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 in 2007 were free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained
effective control of military and security forces.
Human rights problems included:
- police failure to provide detainees timely access to legal counsel,
- questionable contributions to political campaigns,
- 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 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Finland’s murky campaign-funding law caused further political turmoil in 2009 as Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen resisted calls for
resignation over a campaign finance scandal. Meanwhile, concerns over encroachments on freedom of expression continued throughout
the year.
In December 2009, Vanhanen announced that for personal reasons he would not seek reelection in 2011.
In April 2009, the Helsinki appeals court found Markus Pentikainen, a photographer for the current affairs magazine Suomen Kuvalehti,
guilty of disobeying police orders during the 2006 “Smash Asem” demonstration in Helsinki against the Asia-Europe Summit.
Pentikainen, while displaying full press credentials, had been arrested by law enforcement officials after he refused to leave the scene.
The case was being pursued in the European Court of Human Rights at the year’s end.
In September and October 2009, Prime Minister Vanhanen came under fire after public broadcaster YLE publicized allegations that he
had received valuable supplies for the construction of his home in the 1990s in return for political favors. The scandal prompted calls
from the opposition and the media for Vanhanen’s resignation. The publicly funded company that allegedly supplied the construction
materials, Nuorisosaatio, was also accused of financing the Centre Party’s campaign in several previous elections. However, YLE failed
to produce any evidence or disclose its sources in the matter, causing the National Bureau of Investigation to drop its investigation.
Despite criticism for its failure to sufficiently investigate the claims, YLE was exonerated by the Council for Mass Media in Finland. The
Council’s chairman and one other member stepped down over the exoneration. These two resignations and the failure to reprimand YLE
have exacerbated a debate over whether journalists should be required by law to reveal their source during the preliminary stages of an
investigation. Potential legislation to address these issues was still pending at the year’s end.
In December 2009, the government of Finland announced that Finland’s six provinces will be abolished as of January 2010, along with
its provincial governor posts. The provinces will become regions under the administration of the Regional State Administrative Agencies
(AVI) and the Centers for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (ELY). The reform was initiated by Vanhanen in
2007.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Finland’s murky campaign-funding law caused further political turmoil in 2009 as Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen resisted calls for
resignation over a campaign finance scandal. Meanwhile, concerns over encroachments on freedom of expression continued throughout
the year.
In December 2009, Vanhanen announced that for personal reasons he would not seek reelection in 2011.
In April 2009, the Helsinki appeals court found Markus Pentikainen, a photographer for the current affairs magazine Suomen Kuvalehti,
guilty of disobeying police orders during the 2006 “Smash Asem” demonstration in Helsinki against the Asia-Europe Summit.
Pentikainen, while displaying full press credentials, had been arrested by law enforcement officials after he refused to leave the scene.
The case was being pursued in the European Court of Human Rights at the year’s end.
In September and October 2009, Prime Minister Vanhanen came under fire after public broadcaster YLE publicized allegations that he
had received valuable supplies for the construction of his home in the 1990s in return for political favors. The scandal prompted calls
from the opposition and the media for Vanhanen’s resignation. The publicly funded company that allegedly supplied the construction
materials, Nuorisosaatio, was also accused of financing the Centre Party’s campaign in several previous elections. However, YLE failed
to produce any evidence or disclose its sources in the matter, causing the National Bureau of Investigation to drop its investigation.
Despite criticism for its failure to sufficiently investigate the claims, YLE was exonerated by the Council for Mass Media in Finland. The
Council’s chairman and one other member stepped down over the exoneration. These two resignations and the failure to reprimand YLE
have exacerbated a debate over whether journalists should be required by law to reveal their source during the preliminary stages of an
investigation. Potential legislation to address these issues was still pending at the year’s end.
In December 2009, the government of Finland announced that Finland’s six provinces will be abolished as of January 2010, along with
its provincial governor posts. The provinces will become regions under the administration of the Regional State Administrative Agencies
(AVI) and the Centers for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (ELY). The reform was initiated by Vanhanen in
2007.
Click here to read more »
Case closed: Rape and human rights in the Nordic countries: Summary report
08 March 2010
INTRODUCTION
Sexual violence against women and girls is a worldwide phenomenon. There are no countries where women live free of the threat of
such violence and no class or group of women is exempt from its destructive effects. Rape and other sexual violence harm not only the
victims, but communities and societies as a whole.
Rape and other sexual crimes are a grave attack on the physical and mental integrity and sexual autonomy of the victim. These crimes
are violations of human rights in themselves and they also impair the victim’s enjoyment of a range of other human rights such as the
rights to physical and mental health, personal security, equality within the family and equal protection for men and women under the law.
This report is a summary of a comprehensive report published by Amnesty International in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in
2008: Case Closed – Rape and human rights in the Nordic countries.1Children, women, and sometimes also men, are subjected to rape
and other forms of sexual violence in countries all over the world. While acknowledging that all sexual violence, regardless of the identity
of the victim, is important as a human rights issue, this report focuses on one form of sexual violence, namely rape of women in the
Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. In almost all reported rapes in the Nordic countries of people aged 15 years
or older the victim of the crime is female, and the perpetrator is a man.2 Women are raped by men they are close to or acquainted with
as well as by men completely unknown to them.
CASES NEVER COME TO COURT – THE ATTRITION PROCESS
The pattern in Finland, Norway and Sweden follows that of several other European countries: a continuous and strong increase in the
number of reported rapes in recent decades, whereas the number of prosecutions and convictions has remained fairly static. Attrition
describes the filtering process whereby alleged offences never come to the attention of the criminal justice system, either because they
are never reported, or because cases are dropped at various stages of the legal process.
In Finland, approximately 16 per cent of reported rapes go to court. The acquittal rate in
district courts between 1997 and 2007 was 19 per cent. Approximately 13 per cent of
reported rapes lead to a conviction.
Click here to read more »
08 March 2010
INTRODUCTION
Sexual violence against women and girls is a worldwide phenomenon. There are no countries where women live free of the threat of
such violence and no class or group of women is exempt from its destructive effects. Rape and other sexual violence harm not only the
victims, but communities and societies as a whole.
Rape and other sexual crimes are a grave attack on the physical and mental integrity and sexual autonomy of the victim. These crimes
are violations of human rights in themselves and they also impair the victim’s enjoyment of a range of other human rights such as the
rights to physical and mental health, personal security, equality within the family and equal protection for men and women under the law.
This report is a summary of a comprehensive report published by Amnesty International in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in
2008: Case Closed – Rape and human rights in the Nordic countries.1Children, women, and sometimes also men, are subjected to rape
and other forms of sexual violence in countries all over the world. While acknowledging that all sexual violence, regardless of the identity
of the victim, is important as a human rights issue, this report focuses on one form of sexual violence, namely rape of women in the
Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. In almost all reported rapes in the Nordic countries of people aged 15 years
or older the victim of the crime is female, and the perpetrator is a man.2 Women are raped by men they are close to or acquainted with
as well as by men completely unknown to them.
CASES NEVER COME TO COURT – THE ATTRITION PROCESS
The pattern in Finland, Norway and Sweden follows that of several other European countries: a continuous and strong increase in the
number of reported rapes in recent decades, whereas the number of prosecutions and convictions has remained fairly static. Attrition
describes the filtering process whereby alleged offences never come to the attention of the criminal justice system, either because they
are never reported, or because cases are dropped at various stages of the legal process.
In Finland, approximately 16 per cent of reported rapes go to court. The acquittal rate in
district courts between 1997 and 2007 was 19 per cent. Approximately 13 per cent of
reported rapes lead to a conviction.
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 »
65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly: Statement by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen, New
York 24 September 2010
Mr. President,
Basic social protection is everyone’s right and an important element of sustainable development. But the most vulnerable need our special
attention. We need to do much more to combat discrimination and exclusion.
All human rights are equally important and must be enjoyed by everyone without discrimination. The protection and promotion of human
rights must be an integral part of peace building and crisis management.
In combating impunity, justice must always go hand in hand with peace efforts. Finland firmly supports the International Criminal Court
in its work in bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious crimes. We call on all States Parties to the Rome Statute to
uphold their international legal obligations under the Statute.
The Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to promote the respect for human rights and its functioning will now be reviewed. To
reach tangible results, the Human Rights Council needs effective tools. The independent thematic country specific mandates continue to
be vital in order to achieve full implementation of human rights for all.
The commitment of all the UN Member States to strengthen promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and gender mainstreaming is
welcome. Finland strongly supports UN Women and would like to congratulate President Michelle Bachelet on her appointment. We
must assure that the UN Women becomes a strong advocate and actor for women’s rights across the UN work.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Concrete
improvements have been made but we must step up our efforts to turn the objectives into practice. National Action Plans are valuable
tools for implementing the Resolution. We completed our own plan in 2008 and have now started a twinning initiative with Kenya.
We need a comprehensive approach which integrates both the long-term development programmes and conflict resolution. In our
common efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, the contribution of regional organizations is valuable. Civil society can also play a role.
Finland supports the development of the peace mediation activities of the United Nations.
Click here to read more »
York 24 September 2010
Mr. President,
Basic social protection is everyone’s right and an important element of sustainable development. But the most vulnerable need our special
attention. We need to do much more to combat discrimination and exclusion.
All human rights are equally important and must be enjoyed by everyone without discrimination. The protection and promotion of human
rights must be an integral part of peace building and crisis management.
In combating impunity, justice must always go hand in hand with peace efforts. Finland firmly supports the International Criminal Court
in its work in bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious crimes. We call on all States Parties to the Rome Statute to
uphold their international legal obligations under the Statute.
The Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to promote the respect for human rights and its functioning will now be reviewed. To
reach tangible results, the Human Rights Council needs effective tools. The independent thematic country specific mandates continue to
be vital in order to achieve full implementation of human rights for all.
The commitment of all the UN Member States to strengthen promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and gender mainstreaming is
welcome. Finland strongly supports UN Women and would like to congratulate President Michelle Bachelet on her appointment. We
must assure that the UN Women becomes a strong advocate and actor for women’s rights across the UN work.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Concrete
improvements have been made but we must step up our efforts to turn the objectives into practice. National Action Plans are valuable
tools for implementing the Resolution. We completed our own plan in 2008 and have now started a twinning initiative with Kenya.
We need a comprehensive approach which integrates both the long-term development programmes and conflict resolution. In our
common efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, the contribution of regional organizations is valuable. Civil society can also play a role.
Finland supports the development of the peace mediation activities of the United Nations.
Click here to read more »
27.1.2011
More than 4,000 complaints to ombudsman last year
Most complaints concerned the police, social welfare and health care, and prisons
The Ombudsman received nearly 4,100 complaints last year. In addition, he launched over 60 investigations on his own initiative.
Once again, half of the complaints related to a few major categories of matters: the police, social welfare, health care and the prison
service. Nearly 700 complaints were made about the police, over 500 related to social welfare, there were about 450 concerning health
care and 350 about prisons.
The number of complaints has increased by about 65% in the past ten years. The most important reason for this is the growth that has
taken place in the major categories of matters mentioned above. More than half of complaints arrive by e-mail.
In 2010 the Ombudsman issued a total of over 4,000 decisions on complaints and investigations launched on his own initiative.
More measures than earlier
The Ombudsman issued 50 reprimands last year and expressed an opinion intended to rebuke or as guidance for future reference in 666
cases. This represents an increase of over 19 per cent on the number of decisions issued in 2009.
Recent years have seen growth in the number of decisions that lead to measures being taken by the Ombudsman.
Also where decisions involving measures were concerned, the greater part in 2010 concerned the police, social welfare and health care
as well as the prison service. This corresponds also to the long-term pattern.
On the other hand, few decisions involving measures related to courts, taxation, prosecutors and social insurance. This is due in part to
the fact that the subjects of complaints are often court decisions in the contents of which the Ombudsman usually has no power to
intervene.
More inspections than the previous year
The Ombudsman's tasks also include conducting inspections in administrative offices and institutions. The main sites inspected are
prisons, police detention facilities, psychiatric hospitals and units of the Defence Forces. The number of sites inspected in 2010 was 68,
more than the previous year.
When the Ombudsman's statistics for 2010 have been checked, we shall update the data on our web site under the heading "The work of
the Ombudsman".
Click here to read more »
More than 4,000 complaints to ombudsman last year
Most complaints concerned the police, social welfare and health care, and prisons
The Ombudsman received nearly 4,100 complaints last year. In addition, he launched over 60 investigations on his own initiative.
Once again, half of the complaints related to a few major categories of matters: the police, social welfare, health care and the prison
service. Nearly 700 complaints were made about the police, over 500 related to social welfare, there were about 450 concerning health
care and 350 about prisons.
The number of complaints has increased by about 65% in the past ten years. The most important reason for this is the growth that has
taken place in the major categories of matters mentioned above. More than half of complaints arrive by e-mail.
In 2010 the Ombudsman issued a total of over 4,000 decisions on complaints and investigations launched on his own initiative.
More measures than earlier
The Ombudsman issued 50 reprimands last year and expressed an opinion intended to rebuke or as guidance for future reference in 666
cases. This represents an increase of over 19 per cent on the number of decisions issued in 2009.
Recent years have seen growth in the number of decisions that lead to measures being taken by the Ombudsman.
Also where decisions involving measures were concerned, the greater part in 2010 concerned the police, social welfare and health care
as well as the prison service. This corresponds also to the long-term pattern.
On the other hand, few decisions involving measures related to courts, taxation, prosecutors and social insurance. This is due in part to
the fact that the subjects of complaints are often court decisions in the contents of which the Ombudsman usually has no power to
intervene.
More inspections than the previous year
The Ombudsman's tasks also include conducting inspections in administrative offices and institutions. The main sites inspected are
prisons, police detention facilities, psychiatric hospitals and units of the Defence Forces. The number of sites inspected in 2010 was 68,
more than the previous year.
When the Ombudsman's statistics for 2010 have been checked, we shall update the data on our web site under the heading "The work of
the Ombudsman".
Click here to read more »
FINNISH HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE WARNS OF INCREASE OF CHILDREN SENT ABROAD INTO FORCED MARRIAGES
By Tundra Tabloids | February 9, 2011
The sending abroad of migrant children and young people for forced marriages, may become more frequent in the future, says the
Human Rights League Secretary, Kristiina Kouros, of the EDILEX news service.
In the spring of 2010, the League of Human Rights ascertained data in interviews with 60 people, of immigrant children and young
people being sent abroad. The study succeeded in identifying some forty children and young people who were, during the 2000′s, were
sent abroad.
Interviews indicated that the girls’ marriage arrangements were the most common reason for sending them out of Finland.
Forced marriages can be for parents extreme measures for youths testing their boundaries. Human Rights Association report indicates,
for example, a girl from a Central Asian background who had spent almost her whole life in Finland and attended school up until
university matriculations. Although the girl had spent a very regimented life, expressing her own will led to her being sent out of the
country just prior to the matriculations. Waiting at the destination, apparently, was a marriage by conniving relatives.
Forced marriages may be in a parents’ and child’s relationship, a barter, in which the surrender of the child receives the blessing from
their parents for even promises of studying in school. At worst, it’s still a one-sided dictate, which may be masked as a trip abroad.
- In an extreme case, the girl has been sent abroad, where she has her passport taken and a marriage ceremony has been organized by
the family, Kouros says.
The border between arranged and forced marriages can be unclear. If the arranging of the groom does not involve an element of
coercion, the case may be legally and socially unproblematic. Kouros points out that a forced marriage is always wrong, even though
the list of possible grooms are queued up.
Technically, a forced marriage is not expressly prohibited by Finnish law, although the law assumes that actions taken against the will of
a person are prohibited. The chain may work in an other direction: Coming to Finland to enter into a marriage in order to obtain a
residence permit.
Click here to read more>>
By Tundra Tabloids | February 9, 2011
The sending abroad of migrant children and young people for forced marriages, may become more frequent in the future, says the
Human Rights League Secretary, Kristiina Kouros, of the EDILEX news service.
In the spring of 2010, the League of Human Rights ascertained data in interviews with 60 people, of immigrant children and young
people being sent abroad. The study succeeded in identifying some forty children and young people who were, during the 2000′s, were
sent abroad.
Interviews indicated that the girls’ marriage arrangements were the most common reason for sending them out of Finland.
Forced marriages can be for parents extreme measures for youths testing their boundaries. Human Rights Association report indicates,
for example, a girl from a Central Asian background who had spent almost her whole life in Finland and attended school up until
university matriculations. Although the girl had spent a very regimented life, expressing her own will led to her being sent out of the
country just prior to the matriculations. Waiting at the destination, apparently, was a marriage by conniving relatives.
Forced marriages may be in a parents’ and child’s relationship, a barter, in which the surrender of the child receives the blessing from
their parents for even promises of studying in school. At worst, it’s still a one-sided dictate, which may be masked as a trip abroad.
- In an extreme case, the girl has been sent abroad, where she has her passport taken and a marriage ceremony has been organized by
the family, Kouros says.
The border between arranged and forced marriages can be unclear. If the arranging of the groom does not involve an element of
coercion, the case may be legally and socially unproblematic. Kouros points out that a forced marriage is always wrong, even though
the list of possible grooms are queued up.
Technically, a forced marriage is not expressly prohibited by Finnish law, although the law assumes that actions taken against the will of
a person are prohibited. The chain may work in an other direction: Coming to Finland to enter into a marriage in order to obtain a
residence permit.
Click here to read more>>
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| 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
