Broad consultations on the Government Human Rights Report under way: themes range from sustainable development to digitalisation

The preparation of the Government Human Rights Report has been launched. Before the report is finalised in summer 2021 at the latest, it will be prepared by consulting stakeholders representing society at large.

The Human Rights Report outlines Finland’s activities in fundamental and human rights questions at the national, EU- and international levels. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the overall preparation of the report, but the Ministry of Justice and other ministries are participating in the process.

At the first virtual meeting held in August 2020, the topics of discussion included the link between various elements of sustainable development and human rights and the relationship between digitalisation and human rights. 

The report discusses the realisation of human rights through four key themes:

  • the rule of law and the international rules-based system;
  • sustainable development and human rights;
  • information, digitalisation and human rights; and
  • the promotion of non-discrimination and equality. 

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs received a record number of opinions in summer 2020:  Altogether 111 opinions were received from organisations, researchers, overseer of legality, public authorities, and individual citizens.

The opinions emphasise matters relating to the prevention of inequality. Attention was called to the shrinking space of democracy in many countries, the impacts of climate change on the realisation of human rights, and sexist and racist speech and violence. On the other hand, new technologies and civic engagement provide opportunities for the promotion of rights. 

In the opinions, the rules-based international system of cooperation were strongly supported.  

Climate change and health services at the heart of human rights 

There is no sustainable development if fundamental and human rights are not realised. Almost a hundred people participated in the virtual meeting on sustainable development, held on 20 August. Both climate change and the coronavirus pandemic pose a challenge to the realisation of human rights in connection with sustainable development. 

Heta Heiskanen, Secretary-General of the Finnish Climate Panel, for example, discussed the cause-and-effect relationships between climate change and human rights. Professor Eeva Nykänen from the University of Eastern Finland considered that widening gaps in health caused by the coronavirus crisis is a risk. Therefore, equal access to healthcare services should be supported.  

Several participants emphasised that it is important to safeguard equality and the rights of the most vulnerable population groups. They also stressed the importance of supporting human rights defenders and the importance of broad-based activities. The European Union plays an important role in the promotion of human rights as a part of sustainable development. In the human rights activities of the EU, Finland stresses the economic, social and cultural rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. 

Digitalisation must promote equality

The second meeting focused on digitalisation and human rights.  Participants raised their concern of the increase of inequality and of the growing need of inclusion. At the same time, the pandemic situation has increased the use of technology. 

According to Director Sirpa Rautio from the Finnish Human Rights Centre, safeguarding digital rights is an essential part of inclusion, dignified life and making sufficient services available to everyone. Annika Launiala from the Finnish Development NGOs Fingo said that users should be involved in the planning of technology. 

In digitalisation and technology matters, Finland should conduct value-based and human rights-based policy and choices should be made in matters relating to artificial intelligence. Teemu Ropponen from MyData Global said that users of digital services should be able to also monitor and use the personal data collected of them. 

Finland must also actively take part in the development of international norms concerning the development and use of artificial intelligence so that the fundamental and human rights are safeguarded. As a defender and developer of human rights norms, the European Union is expected to promote them, for example in the debate on data protection.