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 Printing: Kopijyvä Oy, Jyväskylä Layout: Kopijyvä Oy, Joensuu This publication has been printed on an environmentally friendly Reprint-paper, produced from 60% recycled fibre, which has been granted the following certificates: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EMAS, DIN 6738, EN-71-3, FSC and EU-flower. CONTENTS 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 re- port 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 interna- tional human rights policy pursued as a part of its foreign and security policy. The Strategy is complemented by a detailed ac- tion 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, devel- opment 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 poli- cy. 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 en- hanced 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 in- clusion are the two cross-cutting themes of the Finnish Foreign Service´s human rights policy. These themes will guide all activi- ties 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 re- main 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 hu- man 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 min- istries. 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 in- creased 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 envi- ronment is in a constant state of flux and over the last four years the world has changed. Globalisation has evolved, and states are increasingly interdepend- ent. 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 hu- man rights policy. This Strategy and the associated action plan have been prepared in a challenging international operating environment which high- lights 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 prob- lems 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 opportuni- ties for human rights defenders and non-governmental organisa- tions. 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 inter- twined 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.