Statement regarding the government’s communication on the promotion of equality, equity and non-discrimination in Finnish society

UN Youth of Finland were asked to give a statement in support of the working group preparing the government’s communication on the promotion of equality, equity and non-discrimination in Finnish society. In particular, a comment was requested on the ongoing and Equal Finland action program. You can read the full statement below.

 

Statement regarding the government’s communication on the promotion of equality, equity and non-discrimination in Finnish society

UN Youth of Finland is grateful for the opportunity to issue a statement regarding the government’s communication on the promotion of equality, equity and non-discrimination in Finnish society. In the opinion of the UN youth, all the goals of the Equal Finland program are of the utmost importance, but in our opinion, special attention should be focused on the realization of goals 1. (Identify and dismantle the unequal structures of society) and 3. (Strengthen the equality competence of the authorities at different levels). We believe that the realization of these goals will have a positive effect on the realization of other goals as well. We do however emphasize that there is no room to pull back on any of the other goals either. Primarily, we also remind the government of the human rights treaties that bind it and the importance of human rights-based policy.

Also, we call for a perspective that takes into account the individual situations of specific groups in the implementation and evaluation of measures. For example, racism and discrimination experienced in youth has a particularly large impact on young people’s belief in the future, as well as on trust and the experience of belonging in society. Since the members of certain groups of people are experts in their own situation, we strongly urge to involve the groups in the planning and implementation of the measures, as for example in the program’s measure 18 (Developing new ways to promote the participation of minority youth (e.g. Roma youth) in monitoring the implementation of Finland’s human rights obligations) has successfully included.

In addition, we would like to point out that promoting the goals of sustainable development in accordance with the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle (measure 51 of the program) is an effective way to promote the realization of equality. It must also be remembered that the sustainability gap itself, combined with the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss, will increasingly threaten the realization of human rights and equality.

UN Youth of Finland attended a Ministry for Foreign Affairs civil society hearing in preparation for the Council of Europe’s Reykjavik Summit held 16.-17.5. You can read our full statement below:

Center Youth Participation

The UN Youth of Finland gives thanks for the opportunity to comment on Finland’s goals and priorities for the Reykjavik Summit of the Council of Europe on May 16-17, 2023. We especially want to raise the issue of youth participation and youth rights. The Council of Europe has one of the most effective forms of youth participation at the international level (Advisory Council on Youth), and Finland must definitely ensure that this good practice is continued and further developed.

However, the participation of young people is the lifeblood of a sustainable future and therefore it should be a requirement in all decision-making also outside the Council of Europe. Young people are suffering disproportionately from the current and recent crises, and the threat is that young people’s faith in the future will dwindle. Young people do not see their human rights fully realized, which erodes trust in society and a stable future.

The realization of young people’s rights is currently hindered by, among other things, record inflation, insufficient treatment of the learning deficit and mental health crisis caused by the corona pandemic, and insufficient measures to stop the climate crisis. Especially in climate issues, young people are the biggest victims of the crisis, so the Council of Europe should treat climate change as a human rights issue and guarantee the participation of young people in decision-making on the subject. In addition, Finland should pay particular attention to the special issues of the Arctic region and the rights of the Sami people.

The participation of young people in society is also the lifeblood of peace. We have seen how, even in Europe, efforts are being made to narrow down the civic space to an alarming extent, and in this way the already limited opportunity for young people to participate in sociatal decision-making is being further decreased. However, a strong civil society and young people’s experience of their ability to influence decision-making concerning themselves are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Therefore, Finland must ensure that safeguarding civil society’s opportunities for action is placed at the center of the Council of Europe’s work. Special attention and support should be given to countries, where the civil society is in a particularly vulnerable position.

We, the UN Youth of Finland, invite Finland to highlight and put youth participation and youth rights at the center of the Council of Europe’s Reykjavik summit.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrifying attacks our world is witnessing. Our thoughts are with all those killed and injured, and with the people who are against war. This attack is a grave violation of international law, it constitutes an act of aggression against an independent peaceful country. 

It saddens us to see the reality we are in today and we are reminded of the importance of young people striving together for a better, harmonious world. We believe that youth can be part of the solution, and now leadership requires action. Now more than ever we need to raise our voices so people can be aware of the problem and understand how to take action as individuals. We understand how important it is to raise our voices and not stay silent on the issues which shake our faith in humanity, we have the responsibility to voice on issues that matter to young people. We must do everything in our hands to ensure that suffering is ended and peace is achieved.

We call on the Russian government to immediately cease its military action and withdraw all its forces from in and around Ukraine, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need. We urge the Russian government in the strongest terms to turn back from the path of violence and aggression it has chosen. Peace doesn’t mean only to cease fire, but to act and solve this conflict that has been existing for more than 10 years, we request to the leaders of these nations that the work towards peace achievement continues regardless. By raising our voices we would like to remind the world and warring sides that voices can be heard in peace and demands should be sought peacefully. 

We stand for peace