The human rights, democracy and the rule of law constitute the fundamental values of the European Union. Included in the Treaty establishing the European Community, they have been further consolidated by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Community. Observing human rights is an absolute precondition for any State for joining the European Union, also required of countries that have made trade or other agreements with the Union.
The European Union represents a central channel of influence and action for Finland to exercise its human rights policies. The European Union has made the commitment of promoting the respect of human rights in the whole world. During its EU Presidency in 2006, Finland undertook to promote the consistency of the human rights policies of the Union, striving to enhance its fundamental rights sector.
Next to the United Nations, as far as promoting the respect of human rights is concerned, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe represent for Finland the most important international organisations. By operating actively in these organisations, Finland is capable of contributing to the security, stability and the promotion of human rights in its neighbouring regions and the entire Europe. In the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council, human rights are integrated in a comprehensive concept of security.
As far as the international regulation on human rights issues is concerned, the United Nations, a global organisation, plays a role of paramount importance. The Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council set up in the spring 2006, having replaced the Commission on Human Rights, represent the most central human rights bodies within the United Nations. The Human Rights Council runs an expanding monitoring system based on the reports of which it takes stands on human rights issues. Finland's term as a member of the Council taken up in 2006 will go on till the end of 2007.
Issues concerning refugee, immigration and asylum policies are integrated in Finland's human rights policies. Efficient human rights policies constitute an important preventive means of fighting refugee problems. On the other hand, guaranteeing the rights of those having fled their home country involves a great number of challenges of immediate attention in Finland, Europe and the whole world. The challenges brought about by migration, in particular by the refugee problem, make up major human rights concerns on a global scale. Therefore, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees represents for Finland an important partner of cooperation.
Content administrator Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions
Updated 2/5/2008