A/HRC/21/8
and asylum seekers as well as persons belonging to national, ethnic or religious minorities.
Egypt made recommendations.
69.
The delegation mentioned that civil society took active part in the process of
ratification of CRPD. In general, there is a long tradition of the Government’s close
cooperation with the civil society in meeting treaty-body obligation, including reporting.
The draft periodic reports have been shared and discussed with NGOs. Concluding
observations of the treaty bodies have been widely shared with civil society which should
be shared as a best practice among other countries.
70.
On the question on rendition flights, Finland responded that the Ministry for Foreign
Affairs in cooperation with respective State bodies carried out enquiries in a transparent
manner regarding allegations that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) aircrafts illegally
transporting prisoners landed at the Finnish airports in the period of 2001-2006. The
findings were made public and document no evidence to support the view that rendition
flights landed at Finnish airports. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has referred its findings
to the Parliamentary Ombudsman who is currently examining a complaint by a private
individual with regard to the alleged rendition flights.
71.
In respect to discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or intersex
(LGBTI) persons, the delegation acknowledged the existing challenges in protection of the
rights of this group and that the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons were not visible
enough in Finland. In addition to the ongoing reform of the legislation, the Ombudsman for
Equality has increasingly been called upon to address the protection of the sexual and
gender minorities. The delegation assured its commitment to work closely with the LGBTI
community and NGOs to address the protection of this minority.
72.
The national assistance system exists for the victims of human trafficking and it
includes the provision of legal advice, crisis assistance, social welfare and healthcare
services and is based on special needs of each victim. The system has been in the process
of reform for further improvements and the adoption of a new anti-trafficking legislation is
expected next year. Deportations have been taken in connection of the so-called Dublin
procedure as, according to the Finnish immigration service, in all States applying the
Dublin regulation there should be a system in place that can offer assistance and advise to
possible victims of trafficking. All cases are, however, examined individually.
73.
The delegation reported that the detention of foreigners has been used only as a last
resort. Such detainees have a right to question their detention before courts.
74.
Finland stated that while the rate of use of alcohol has decreased, it remained high,
especially among young people, in comparison to European standards. Measures have been
taken to address this issue, including awareness campaigns. The Government plans to
review the Alcohol Act to introduce further restrictions to alcohol advertisement and
increase further taxation on alcohol.
75.
In response to the question on corporal punishment, the delegation stated that
corporal punishment is prohibited by law and there is zero tolerance for corporal
punishment in Finland.
76.
Estonia recognized that human rights were an important part of Finnish domestic
and foreign policies. It welcomed measures adopted to address violence and the illtreatment of vulnerable groups in society. It commended Finland for its efforts to change
the legal base for social services to provide assistance to women and child victims of
violence and for the establishment of a special shelter for abused children. Estonia
encouraged Finland to continue its efforts to address the rise of hate speech in public
forums. Estonia made a recommendation.
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