A/HRC/21/8
77.
France paid tribute to Finland for its policy in the area of social integration of
women and for signing the Convention of the Council of Europe on prevention and fight
against violence towards women and domestic violence. France inquired about measures
that Finland has been planning and implementing to tackle these issues regarding judicial
procedures and care for victims. France commended Finland for the elaboration of a draft
law on ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons against
Enforced Disappearance (CPED). France welcomed Finland’s intention to ratify the
Optional Protocol to CAT. France made recommendations.
78.
Germany commended Finland for the inclusive and innovative way of preparing the
national report for the second UPR cycle and considered it a best practice. It referred to the
amendments to the Criminal Code to intervene in racist and other hate speech and to
upgrade its Internet monitoring system. Germany inquired whether Finland intended to
raise public awareness more on this issue. It also asked about Finland’s plans to focus on
the Roma question in its awareness-raising campaigns. Germany requested further
information on the concrete steps that were planned to ensure protection and assistance to
women, victims of gender-based violence.
79.
Guatemala welcomed that Finland's programme and policy to give particular
attention to the rights of women, children, ethnic and linguistic minorities, indigenous
peoples, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV and sexual and gender minorities.
Guatemala also looked favourably upon the ratification of various international instruments
and requested information about the steps taken to ratify the ILO Convention No. 169. It
praised Finland’s efforts to protect the rights of migrants. Guatemala also requested further
information on legislation and practices in the area of migration. Guatemala expressed
concern over the reportedly high level of domestic violence and encouraged Finland to
continue its efforts to protect women and children.
80.
Hungary noted with satisfaction the National Action Plan on Fundamental and
Human Rights. It inquired about how Finland intended to promote the rights of children
living in remote communities, many of whom being members of ethnic, linguistic or
national minorities. It then inquired about any plans to further reduce the duration of both
military and non-military service and whether the Government would be inclined to
substitute the current penalty for total objectors with a fine-based scheme. Hungary made
recommendations.
81.
India appreciated the publication of the voluntary mid-term report on the
implementation of the UPR recommendations. It welcomed the launch of the Equality First
Project to combat discrimination, adoption of an integration policy, efforts to combat and
prevent racism and xenophobia, especially on the Internet and the launch of the National
Action Plan to reduce violence against women. India inquired about the Government’s plan
to address the issue of victims of trafficking and their testimony in cases of prostitution. It
welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution in 2012 and made a
recommendation.
82.
Indonesia welcomed the adoption of the first National Action Plan on Fundamental
and Human Rights and the establishment of the Human Rights Centre. It noted the various
measures and initiatives in eliminating discrimination and preventing violence against
women and children, referring to the Equality First Project and the National Action Plan
against Disciplinary Violence for Children. Indonesia made recommendations.
83.
The Islamic Republic of Iran referred to concerns over the human rights violations in
Finland, particularly with regard to the existing inequality and discrimination against
women, children and workers. It made recommendations.
84.
Iraq praised Finland’s approach to human rights through its first National Action
Plan on Fundamental and Human Rights. It asked Finland about its policy to reduce poverty
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