Human Rights Strategy of the Foreign Service of Finland

HUMAN RIGHTS STRATEGY OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF FINLAND

MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF FINLAND

HUMAN RIGHTS STRATEGY OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF FINLAND

MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF FINLAND Published on 10 June 2013 ISSN 0358-1489 ISBN 978-952-281-161-5 PDF ISBN 978-952-281-162-2 e-pub ISBN 978-952-281-163-9

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INTRODUCTION...... 7

CHANGES IN THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT...... 9

1. HUMAN RIGHTS IN FINLAND´S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY...... 11

2. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE UNIVERSAL ...... 12

3. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH COOPERATION...... 14

4. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ALL AREAS OF FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY...... 16

5. CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVES AND FLAGSHIP PROJECTS OF FINLAND´S INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY...... 19

6. BILATERAL COOPERATION...... 22

7. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS. 24

8. HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORK OF THE FINNISH FOREIGN SERVICE.... 26 6 INTRODUCTION

he principles, approaches and objectives of Finland´s international Thuman rights policy were for the first time more thoroughly out- lined in the report on Finland’s human rights policy, submitted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee in 1998. The next, more extensive report was given to the Committee in 2000. Government reports on Finland’s human rights policy were submitted to Parliament in 2004 and 2009. The latest report included a large section on the human rights situation in Finland.

In its first Human Rights Strategy, the Foreign Service of Finland outlines the principles, approaches and objectives of its international human rights policy pursued as a part of its foreign and security policy. The Strategy is complemented by a detailed action plan setting out the key activities in the field of international human rights policy for the coming years. The implementation of Finland´s international human rights policy in the European Union and international organisations and in the fields of security, development and trade policy is also guided by other policy documents of the Government and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Human rights is a high priority in Finland`s security and foreign policy. The aim of the Human Rights Strategy of the Finnish Foreign Ser- vice and the associated action plan is to mainstream human rights more effectively and consistently into all areas of foreign policy. At the same time the effectiveness of our human rights policy is enhanced by better focusing our initiatives and activities. Finland´s objectives will have to be adjusted to the changing world and new challenges. When resources are scarce, objectives must be priori- tised and resources more carefully focused in order to increase the effectiveness of our policy and to attain better outcomes.

The elimination of discrimination and greater openness and inclusion are the two cross-cutting themes of the Finnish Foreign Service´s human rights policy. These themes will guide all activities and serve as the basis for biennial flagship projects in the near future. Available resources will be increasingly directed towards

7 these projects, an additional aim being to further In its first Human develop Finnish expertise in these policy areas. ”Rights Strategy, the The Foreign Service seeks to take the initiative in Foreign Service of Finland advancing these themes in both international outlines the principles, and bilateral cooperation so that Finland would approaches and objectives be regarded as a lead actor in the international of its international human arena in these fields. The aim has been to use rights policy pursued as existing skills and expertise when selecting the a part of its foreign and flagship projects and take note of areas where security policy. Finland’s activities could bring added value. In addition to the flagship projects, Finland will remain committed to a broad and comprehensive human rights agenda. With regard to the rights of groups subject to discrimination, Finland will strive to enhance its partnership policy to achieve results and to use the resources more effectively.

Not only the Ministry for Foreign Affairs but also other ministries promote human rights in the international arena. This Strategy de- termines the objectives of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which are to be implemented in cooperation with the other ministries. In many respects, the implementation of Finland´s international human rights policy objectives requires close cooperation between ministries. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will prepare the next Government Report on the Human Rights Policy of Finland, to be submitted to Parliament in 2014, in cooperation with the other ministries. The implementation of the objectives set out in the Govern- ment Report of 2009 and the National Action Plan on Fundamental and Human Rights will be assessed in conjunction with the Report of 2014. The strategy work of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will serve as the Ministry´s contribution to the Government Report.

There have been significant changes in the national monitoring and implementation of human rights. In accordance with the United Nations recommendation, an autonomous and independ- ent national human rights institution (NHRI) has been founded in Finland; the Human Rights Centre began its work in the spring of 2012. Human rights cooperation between the ministries has increased through the collaboration pursued under the Government Network of Contact Persons for Fundamental and Human Rights. One of the tasks of the network is to monitor the implementation of Finland´s human rights obligations and commitments and the periodic reporting associated with them.

8 CHANGES IN THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

he basic principles of our international human rights policy Thave proven to be long-standing. However, our operating environment is in a constant state of flux and over the last four years the world has changed.

Globalisation has evolved, and states are increasingly interdependent. The widespread impact of the financial crisis is a timely ex- ample of these developments. While globalisation opens up new opportunities for cooperation, globalising markets also involve problems. The uneven distribution of the benefits brought about by globalisation presents a challenge to the realisation of human rights. The growth of inequality shows both between and within states. The financial crisis, competition over natural resources and hardening attitudes have led to increasing levels of inequality and discrimination, which in turn can even result in hate speech and violence. Moreover, changing global power relations as well as the increasing weight of non-state actors have implications for human rights policy.

This Strategy and the associated action plan have been prepared in a challenging international operating environment which highlights the need to consider the priorities and approaches more carefully than before. In particular, changes in the international balance of power and the rising influence and assertiveness of the emerging economies have put the European Union and other like-minded countries on the defensive at the United Nations and in other international forums. The universality of human rights is constantly under attack and, for instance, promoting the rights of women is extremely difficult.

Human rights violations and humanitarian crises are serious problems in fragile states often spilling over their national borders. Build- ing and strengthening democratic institutions, tackling impunity and supporting civil society are central to improving the situation. Experi- ence has shown that positive changes in the human rights system can be reached through long-term cooperation with civil society.

9 The role of traditional media, the Internet and social media has grown significantly. These developments open up new opportunities for human rights defenders and non-governmental organisations. At the same time, however, efforts to restrict the freedom of expression have increased to an alarming degree. The amplified role of the media in monitoring human rights situations has creat- ed political pressure to respond to human rights violations, at the national and international levels alike.

The events that started from the so-called Arab Spring have led to a profound process of transformation, the final outcome of which can- not yet be assessed. In order to reinforce democracy, it is particularly important to promote the proper functioning of civil society, advance the status of women and strengthen democratic institutions.

Human rights, peace, security and development are closely intertwined and interdependent. Security can only be achieved if there is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development. Sustainable development, in turn, is not possible without security and respect for human rights. Uncontrolled population growth, competition over natural resources and climate change test the limits of our planetary boundaries, making the realisation of human rights more difficult especially for vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples.

The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the Human rights, peace, amended Charter of Fundamental Rights of the Eu- ”security and development ropean Union of 2007 have changed the dynamics are closely intertwined of the EU`s foreign policy also in the field of human and interdependent. rights. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the EU´s External Action Service are central actors also in the field of human rights policy. Furthermore, the newly established position of EU Special Representative for Human Rights strengthens the role that human rights play in the EU´s foreign and security policy.

The EU´s first Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, adopted by the European Union in June 2012, provides an opportunity to mainstream human rights more effectively into all areas of the EU`s external relations, including crisis management.

10 1. HUMAN RIGHTS IN FINLAND´S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY

inland’s foreign policy strives to strengthen respect for interna- Ftional law, to strengthen security, stability, peace, justice and sustainable development, and to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law enhances stability and security, including Finland´s own security. Democra- cies that respect human rights are more stable and less prone to conflicts. Respecting human rights, ensuring that they are realised in a non-discriminatory manner and decreasing impunity all play a central role in conflict prevention.

Promoting human rights, ”democracy and the rule of law enhances stability and security, including Finland´s own security.

11 2. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE UNIVERSAL

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” “The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties oblige governments to respect and implement everyone`s human rights equally and without discrimination. Human rights constitute a part of international law, and human rights treaties form an internationally binding set of norms through which rights are guaranteed directly to individuals and groups.

The Finnish Government´s human rights policy is grounded on the universality of human rights. International human rights treaties are based on the universality of human rights: human rights belong to everyone regardless of birth, gender, age, language, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic. Even though cultural differences can be taken into account, they do not justify violations of human rights. Finland will act consistently to ensure that the principle of the universality of human rights is sustained and strengthened.

States carry the primary responsibility for the respect, protection and promotion of everyone`s human rights and fundamental free- doms irrespective of their political, economic or cultural systems. The universality of human rights obliges and entitles the international community to promote human rights and respond to human rights violations. The concept of the Responsibility to Protect underlines the state`s primary responsibility to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. The international community has the duty to help and support states in fulfilling this responsibility. Measures aimed at eliminating impunity are central to achieving this, also because of their preventive influence. In situations where a state manifestly neglects its duty to protect its population from these crimes, the international community must take collective action to protect the population. This should happen primarily through peaceful means, but if these measures prove to be inadequate, the last resort is to use the mandatory powers invested in the UN Se-

12 curity Council. For Finland, it is important that the Responsibility to Protect is actively implemented and that its preventive aspects are emphasised.

The indivisibility of human rights means that all human rights are of equal value and interdependent. Civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights are equally important and mutually reinforcing. The Finnish Government is committed to both strengthening the status of civil and political rights and promoting the status of economic, social and cultural rights, in order to ensure the equal status of both sets of rights.

The international human rights treaties already form a rather comprehensive legal protection system. Finland seeks to promote the universal ratification of all central human rights treaties and their full implementation at the country level. The Government of Finland aims to ensure that the rights guaranteed in these treaties are put into practice, including for the poorest and the most vulnerable groups.

The scope of protection granted by human rights treaties should, however, be examined in order to develop the treaty system as necessary. Finland takes part in drafting new human rights treaties and their protocols. Sufficient resources and the fulfilment of other practical preconditions have to be secured do- The Finnish mestically so that new human rights ”Government´s hu- treaties can be ratified without delay man rights policy after they have undergone due po- is grounded on the litical consideration. The drafting and universality of human ratifying processes will be organised in rights. an inclusive manner.

13 3. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH COOPERATION

he European Union is a central channel of operation for Fin- Tland. The EU responds comprehensively to different states` human rights situations. The different instruments of the Union – the Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and De- mocracy, country strategies and guidelines – must work towards the same goals and be mutually complementary. The consistency of the EU`s action, including the coherence between its internal and external activities, must be strengthened. It is important that human rights, democracy and rule of law problems are addressed both in the member states of the Union and in states seeking EU membership. Finland considers it important that means be developed to ensure the realisation of fundamental rights and the rule of law within the EU. In this context, the expertise of the Council of Europe should be drawn upon. Finland has actively promoted the EU`s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights and promotes the openness of the accession process. In conjunction with this process, the opportunity of an individual to file an application with the European Court of Human Rights must be maintained as simple and effective as possible.

The profound societal changes taking place Non-governmental organi- in the EU`s neighbourhood and beyond pose ”sations have much expertise not only great challenges but also opportu- and are important allies to nities for promoting human rights, democ- Finland when promoting racy and the rule of law. human rights at the international and local level. Human rights are also addressed within the EU`s strategic partnership dialogues. It is important that all member states consistently commit themselves to promoting human rights vis-à-vis third countries, and thus strengthen the impact of the EU`s action.

Finland will continue and further develop its close and well-established cooperation with the Nordic countries at all levels. However,

14 because the universality of human rights is being increasingly dis- puted, the need to seek cooperation opportunities with other so- called like-minded countries, too, becomes even more important.

With regard to promoting women´s rights in particular, diverging views within the European Union give grounds for searching partners also from outside the EU. Especially in international organisations, it is important to form partnerships across the traditional political and regional blocks on issues that are of particular importance for Finland´s human rights policy.

In addition, it is important to engage the emerging economies in regular dialogue and cooperation.

Non-governmental organisations have much expertise and are important allies to Finland when promoting human rights at the international and local level. Their expertise is taken advantage of in the course of implementing the objectives set out for human rights policy.

15 4. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ALL AREAS OF FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY

he Ministry for Foreign Affairs strives to pursue a consistent Tand comprehensive human rights policy. A human rights per- spective is integrated into all areas of foreign and security policy.

Mainstreaming human rights into crisis management at both international and national level is of paramount importance. Finland supports the incorporation of clear human rights objectives into the mandates and reporting of crisis management missions and opera- tions. Special attention must be paid to gender equality in both crisis management and peace mediation. With regard to civilian crisis management, the importance of economic, social and cultural rights must be taken into consideration more consistently than before.

When participating in international crisis management activities, Finland will pay particular attention to the promotion of human rights, equality, democracy and the rule of law. The status and par- ticipation of women and girls will be strengthened particularly in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, ‘Wom- en, Peace and Security’. Special attention will be devoted to the status of minorities and other vulnerable groups and the proper functioning of civil society will be supported.

Human rights are central to achieving sustainable development. Economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development can only be achieved if human rights are implemented fairly. Inter- generational solidarity highlights the need for effective action in order to reduce child poverty and youth unemployment.

Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are also promoted through development policy. Poverty is a significant, global human rights challenge, the solution of which demands sustainable economic development as well as the fulfilment of human rights and eradication of inequality. It is important to increase the accountability as well as the transparency and operational capacity of governments to make the enjoyment of human rights an integral part of development. Finland stresses that it is essential to realise hu-

16 man rights also for the poorest and the most vulnerable, and emphasises the right of everyone to participate in decision-making.

Finland will work to strengthen the role of human rights both in the objectives and implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.

The human rights based approach confirmed in the Development Policy Programme enhances the consistency of our activities in the field of foreign and security policy and ensures that our development and human rights policies work towards the same goals.

The promotion of international trade and investment and the opening of markets boost economic growth, which in turn creates economic conditions for the implementation of several human rights. In its trade policy, Finland emphasises the liberalisation of trade and the deepening and broadening of regulation concerning international trade, in a manner that promotes human rights objectives. Finland will seek to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights at work and human rights in the preparation, implementation and dispute resolution phases of international investment agreements.

The positive effects on human rights achieved through The Ministry for closer international economic cooperation and the ”Foreign Affairs strives opening of markets can be supported by the private to pursue a consistent sector. It is important that companies pay increasing and comprehensive attention to accountability as part of their internation- human rights policy. al activities. Through global production networks and long subcontracting chains companies can contribute to the positive opening of the economy in a way that has positive effects for human rights. The objective is that Finnish companies could act as pioneers in the field of corporate social responsibility.

Finland supports the principles and implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These principles, confirmed by the UN Human Rights Council, concern the duty of states to protect the population against human rights violations that are related to business, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and the provision of effective legal remedies to victims of human rights violations. Finland will participate in the international discussion focusing on developing international norms for business and human rights.

17 Finland is committed to promoting the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Many companies have already responded to global development challenges, including the need to respect human rights, by developing internal pro- cedures, guidelines and corporate social responsibility policies. The Government supports the efforts that actors working in this field have taken in order to develop well-functioning monitoring systems aimed at tracking international activities and origin.

Information and communications technology plays a significant role in the realisation of human rights and freedom of expression in particular, and can be assumed to increase further in future. It is important that the international processes regarding information society are open and emphasise the freedom of communication. Finland supports the development of the open and multi-stake- holder-based internet governance system in a way that enables non-governmental organisations and the business community to fully participate in international decision-making and cooperation in questions related to the Internet.

Finnish arms exports are subject to human rights monitoring, the purpose of which is to prevent Finnish arms from being used to commit human rights violations in third countries. Finland will endeavour to bring the Arms Trade Treaty into force as widely as possible, so that arms exports are prevented in situations where they would be used to commit war crimes and large-scale human rights violations. Finland underlines the need for assessing gender-based violence in relation to arms exports.

Finland`s active contribution towards the elimination of impunity regarding the most severe international crimes is significant for the implementation of human rights and the prevention of human rights violations. Activities pursued in this field will remain an important priority in Finland`s foreign policy.

The international community is making greater use of international sanctions to maintain peace and security and secure human rights. Finland also seeks to secure the human rights of those subjected to sanctions.

Finland emphasises respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and refugee law also in the field of anti-terrorism activities.

18 5. CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVES AND FLAGSHIP PROJECTS OF FINLAND´S INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY

n order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its human Irights policy and to raise its human rights profile and visibility in the international arena, Finland will pay more attention to de- termining its priorities and flagship projects for the near future. Cooperation and burden-sharing with like-minded countries will be enhanced and more closely defined. Finland will take an active role in issues where it can bring added value to through its expertise and know-how. In particular, resources will be allocated to important human rights themes which would otherwise receive little attention, or in which Finland´s contribution would be of decisive importance. Moreover, especially those areas of international ac- tivity, through which fundamental and human rights in Finland can be improved, and thus the coherence between national and international human rights activities increased, will be taken into consideration.

The cross-cutting objectives of Finland´s human rights policy are the elimination of discrimination and greater openness and inclusion. They will be taken into consideration in all of our activities and actively promoted through both international organisations and bilaterally. The cross-cutting objectives will also serve as a basis for choosing flagship projects for the near future; the aim is to increase know-how in these policy fields, allocate resources to them as well as gather support for them from others. The most ef- ficient channels for taking action will be determined for each flagship project separately.

Besides Finland`s own initiatives, it is important The cross-cutting to select the themes and projects to which we will ”objectives of Finland´s extend our support. Finland will give its political human rights policy are support to the advancement of issues it regards the elimination of dis- important, and which the European Union or like- crimination and greater minded partners, either within or outside the Eu- openness and inclusion. ropean Union, are already taking forward.

CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVES - Elimination of discrimination FLAGSHIP PROJECTS - Greater openness and inclusion

UNIVERSALITY

SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHTS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS

The prohibition of discrimination is one of the cornerstones of human rights. Human rights are the same for everyone, but certain groups are subjected to discrimination more easily than others. Women, children, minorities, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities are often in a weaker position than the rest of the population. The grounds of discrimination faced by minorities can be linguistic or ethnic, or based on religion or belief or, for instance, sexual orientation or gender identity. Non-citizens who have not been officially registered often fall outside all national legal protection even though they are also covered by the provisions on universal human rights.

Furthermore, we will endeavour to actively bring forward the rights of groups subject to discrimination by means available in security policy, conflict prevention and crisis management, democracy promotion and development policy.

The empowerment and inclusion of groups subject to discrimination is a top priority. The most sustainable results are achieved by improving their opportunities to participate in decision-making that affects them. Special measures may be required even in democratic systems to ensure the equal protection and enjoyment of the rights of minorities.

Finland will take human diversity into account in all its activities. We will pay special attention to multiple discrimination, which often affects those who are in the most vulnerable position. Groups

20 subject to discrimination themselves also have to respect human rights irrespective of their cultural background. Women and girls are often subjected to multiple discrimination.

Openness constitutes the cornerstone of a successful human rights policy. Greater openness is one of Finland´s cross-cutting objectives both at the international level and in our own activities. There is a need to further openness and enhance the influence of civil society in the European Union and international organisations such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Finland will seek to contribute to the replacement of the closed working cul- ture with one that is more open and promotes interaction with civil society. At the same time we will develop our own practices into a more open direction.

Cooperation with civil society, both at home and abroad, will be further intensified. At home, cooperation with non-governmental organisations will be conducted, in particular, within the framework provided by the Advisory Board on International Human Rights Affairs. Supporting the opportunities of non-governmental organisations provides an important means for advancing human rights in practice.

Cooperation and interaction with Finland´s Human Rights Centre will be developed and strengthened.

21 6. BILATERAL COOPERATION

n its bilateral relations, Finland will address human rights viola- Itions and shortcomings in the implementation of human rights. Moreover, if possible, Finland will offer practical help and cooperation in order to improve the human rights situation.

Human rights violations occurring in different states will be treated consistently and with the same level of concern. Human rights violations and development needs related to the implementation of human rights are brought up at bilateral meetings and consul- tations at the political and senior official level. Human rights violations can also be addressed by means of confidential demarches or publicly, as well as through appropriate mechanisms within international organisations.

In addition to highlighting human rights violations, a human rights situation can also be improved through practical bilateral cooperation and projects. This helps to develop the national capacities of the countries in question to address the existing inadequacies in the field of human rights. National capacity can be enhanced through, for instance, projects aimed at developing the rule of law. One of the objectives is to increase the number of rule of law projects.

Whenever human rights are brought up bilaterally, Human rights it is important to emphasise that the purpose of ”violations occurring in Finland´s activities is to provide long-term support different states will be for the development and well-being of the states treated consistently concerned. In the promotion of human rights, the and with the same level specific situation and the best available means to of concern. achieve the desired results are to be taken into account. In order to select the right course of action, profound knowledge regarding the country´s situation and the position of its government towards human rights are needed. A combination of different means to promote human rights is often the most appropriate solution. Bilateral cooperation and the work pursued in multilateral organisations and through the EU can be mutually supportive and enhance effectiveness.

22 Efforts to realise human rights at the country-level are advanced through development cooperation projects in different sectors. Moreover, development policy can be used to support the human rights work of civil society by supporting human rights defenders in particular, including whistleblowers who bring corruption cases forward or disclose them to the public. The expertise of both Finn- ish and local civil society will be used more efficiently. The role of civil society is especially important in assessing different human rights situations as well as in pointing out problems, highlighting human rights violations and identifying solutions.

23 7. PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

strong multilateral system is indispensable for the develop- Ament and promotion of human rights. Bearing in mind the universality of human rights, the United Nations, as a global or- ganisation, constitutes an invaluable forum for the promotion of human rights. The UN is responsible for the creation of global human rights norms as well as for assessing their implementation.

Finland wants to further strengthen the UN and its activities in the field of human rights. In order to strengthen the links between human rights, security and development in the practical work of the UN, cooperation between different UN actors must be enhanced and the human rights based approach strengthened. Our aim is to mainstream human rights into all activities of the UN. The new post-2015 development agenda of the UN must be based on human rights.

Finland defends the independence and operational viability of the mechanisms charged with monitoring the implementation of human rights, and seeks to secure sufficient resources for their proper functioning.

Regional organisations are important in that they complement the work of the UN. Regional human rights norms must aim to set a higher level of protection for human rights than the UN.

The Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) are valuable channels for promoting human rights. The particular strengths of the Council of Europe are its comprehensive, legally binding system of norms and its pan-European membership base. One of Finland’s objectives is to secure the independence and proper functioning of the Council of Europe monitoring mechanisms. The OSCE has an important role in terms of strengthening comprehensive security in Finland’s neighbourhood.

24 Finland stresses the need to enhance the implementation of the OSCE Human Dimension commitments, and emphasises the need to intensify cooperation between the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the European Union.

Activities that aim to promote social and economic rights are increasingly important in the work of international development financing institutions. The World Bank Group and regional development financing institutions are important for the promotion of inclusive growth, and work aimed at promoting human rights has gained increasing weight especially in the World Bank. This development has taken place largely thanks to the efforts of Nordic and Baltic countries. Promoting the mainstreaming of human rights work is one of Finland’s objectives in its cooperation with international development financing institutions.

Finland defends the independence and operational ”viability of the mechanisms charged with monitoring the implementation of human rights, and seeks to secure sufficient resources for their proper functioning.

25 8. HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORK OF THE FINNISH FOREIGN SERVICE

uman rights are at the centre of Finland’s foreign and secu- Hrity policy and they are taken into account in all areas of foreign policy. In order to increase the consistency of our work, both general and targeted human rights training for public officials in the Finnish Foreign Service will be increased at all stages of their careers. Cooperation between the public officials of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and civil society actors working in the field of human rights will be encouraged and promoted.

The mainstreaming of human rights will be ensured in conjunction with assessing the implementation of the Human Rights Strategy of the Finnish Foreign Service. The Advisory Board on International Human Rights Affairs will as- sess the implementation of the objectives set out in the action In order to increase the consistency plan on a yearly basis. The Min- ”of our work, both general and targeted istry for Foreign Affairs and the human rights training for public officials Advisory Board on International in the Finnish Foreign Service will be Human Rights Affairs will work increased at all stages of their careers. in close cooperation.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS 11 / 2013

2013

ISSN 0358-1489 ISBN 978-952-281-161-5 PDF ISBN 978-952-281-162-2 e-pub ISBN 978-952-281-163-9