Network for human rights in foreign policy outlined its activities

In its first meeting, the network for human rights in foreign policy discussed Finland's possibilities to contribute to the promotion of human rights around the world. The network, appointed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini, consists of key experts in foreign and social policy.

In its first meeting on 19 April, the network discussed topical human rights issues. The discussion, chaired by Under-Secretary of State Anne Sipiläinen, focused on Finland's possibilities and means to contribute, through its own actions, to the promotion of human rights across the world.

In its upcoming meetings, the network will discuss for example the defence of the international human rights system, support for human rights defenders and vulnerable groups, corporate human rights responsibility, and questions related to freedom of religion and belief.

A strong need to examine the status of human rights in the Finnish foreign and security policy activities was also brought up in the meeting.

Civil society is the cornerstone of a democratic society

In his address, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini emphasised the significance of civil society as one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. With regard to the activities of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, exchange of information with the network for human rights in foreign policy and other civil society actors is vital.

Mr Soini also stressed the importance of long-term  perspective in foreign policy and human rights policy.

When it comes to human rights issues, the results take a long time to materialise. We must nevertheless keep on working to promote human rights, he said.

Minister Soini wished the network to share its views and thoughts on how Finland's activities in this field could be made more effective.

The members of the network are key experts in foreign and social policy, leaders of human rights organisations and other civil society organisations as well as representatives of universities. The network will meet four times this year.

The network consists of the following members: Atik Ali (National Forum for Cooperation of Religions in Finland), Bishop Arseni (Orthodox Church of Finland), Niklas Bruun (Professor), Tuomas Forsberg (Professor), Christina Gestrin (Swedish People’s Party), Markku Jokinen (Finnish Association of the Deaf), Tarja Kantola (Social Democratic Party), Timo Koivurova (Professor), Sirpa Kähkönen (PEN Int.), Niina Laajapuro (Amnesty), Antero Laukkanen (MP, Christian Democrats), Jani Leino (Finnish Red Cross), Kaari Mattila (Finnish League for Human Rights), Elina Pirjatanniemi (Professor), Sirpa Rautio (Human Rights Centre), Annika Saarikko (MP, Centre Party), Pekka M. Sinisalo (Finns Party), Teija Tiilikainen (Finnish Institute of International Affairs), Jani Toivola (MP, Greens), Kari Uotila (MP, Left Alliance), and Sofia Vikman (MP, National Coalition Party).