A/HRC/21/8
Government provided funding to civil-society initiatives to combat discrimination and
racism. The Government promoted the participation of minority groups in decision making
in a number of policy areas.
30.
The delegation reported on the intention of Finland to ratify ILO Convention No.
169 by 2015, with the aim of strengthening the participation of Sami, especially with regard
to access to land and water. In this respect, Finland has amended the Mining and Water
Acts to ensure rights of the Sami to participate in decision-making. A national programme
for revitalizing the Sami language s has been adopted. A Nordic Sami Convention is being
drafted with the participation of the representatives of the Government and Sami.
31.
The Government has started the development of a new integration programme for
the period 2012–2015, which would include measures to address the issues of employment,
education, housing, access to social welfare and health, and cultural rights of immigrants.
One of the focuses of this programme is the reduction of unemployment among
immigrants.
32.
To address the issue of child labour in the companies that operate outside of Finland,
the Government has a special programme to promote corporate social responsibilities of
such companies. Corporate social responsibility has also been an important part of the
Government’s development policy, with the aim being to actively cooperate with the
companies to ensure their contribution to the development in the respective countries.
33.
In respect to questions on Finland’s policy and approach to development
cooperation, the delegation mentioned that, with regard to women’s rights international
human rights, standards must be applied. Regarding Finland’s official development
assistance objective, the delegation reiterated its commitment for increasing its ODA
towards the 0.7 per cent target.
34.
Finland started the training of trainers and establishment of focal points in
municipalities for the formation of the network to combat domestic violence as part of the
implementation of the National Action Plan on combating domestic violence. Finland has
been also working to address the issue of the lack of shelters for victims of domestic
violence and social services.
35.
The Philippines welcomed the broad participatory process in the preparation for the
second UPR cycle and the formulation of its First National Action Plan for human rights
promotion and protection. It commended Finland’s frank acknowledgement that women are
paid 17 per cent less than men for doing the same or equivalent work. Philippines also
referred to the situation of migrants and their protection under domestic labour and social
laws. Philippines made recommendations.
36.
Portugal welcomed Finland’s determination to combat racism, intolerance and
discrimination and the recent amendment to the Criminal Code. Portugal was concerned
about the high incidence of violence against women and in this respect it welcomed the
adoption of a national action plan in 2010, which was based on a comprehensive approach.
It welcomed Finland’s signature of the Optional Protocol to the CRC on the
communications procedure. Portugal made recommendations.
37.
Romania welcomed specific measures, including legislative measures, adopted by
Finland in the field of human rights, particularly to reduce violence against women, to
address homelessness and to improve the rights of immigrants and the Sami community. It
requested more information on Finland’s National Action Plan on Fundamental and Human
Rights. Romania also asked for details about results achieved in the implementation of its
twin-track gender equality strategy.
38.
The Russian Federation noted steps taken by Finland to implement the
recommendations made during the first universal periodic review. The Russian Federation
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