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Finland publishes its National Commitments at the World Humanitarian Summit

Government Communications Department
Publication date 23.5.2016 16.19
Press release 224/2016

The first World Humanitarian Summit (23 –24 May) has convened in Istanbul with representatives from 180 countries. Finland strongly supports the initiative of the convenor, UN Seceraty General Ban Ki-moon, to address the root causes of human distress more effectively. As much as 80% of humanitarian aid is channelled to conflict situations.

- Finland considers that mediation plays a critical role in efforts to effectively prevent crises and in their resolution.  In addressing the summit, Finland strongly highlights the inclusion of women in conflict resolution, the special needs of people with disabilities in crisis situations, and defence of the international law - including human rights, says Prime Minister Juha Sipilä.

Strong commitment is pursued

The aim of the summit is to convey a strong signal about the necessity to alleviate distress in the world and to decrease the need for aid. At the same time, means are sought for reforming the provision of humanitarian aid and for a more effective use of aid funding.

Finland also published its own commitments today, the central themes of which are:

  • Preventing conflicts and strengthening mediation work
  • Minimising the devastation caused by natural disasters by, for example, preventing global warming and adopting better contingency planning/preventive methods for earthquakes
  • Increasing flexibility in the selection of targets for funding at the planning phase to help make rapid decisions
  • Promoting women's equality also in crisis situations
  • Addressing the special position of people with disabilities and promoting their rights.

Finland highlights the position of people with disabilities

Finland is participating in the organisation of a special session at the Summit to focus on improving the position of people with disabilities in humanitarian action. At the special session, Finland will be represented by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Lenita Toivakka and Executive Director Kalle Könkkölä from the Threshold Association (Kynnys).

- People with disabilities are in a particularly vulnerable position in humanitarian crises. They are often excluded because of physical obstacles and social discrimination. Finland has long promoted the position of people with disabilities in crisis situations, as well. Digital services, for example, will play an important role in this work in the future. The Summit brings together humanitarian actors from all parts of the world and provides an excellent opportunity to ensure that people with disabilities are at the centre of attention, noted Minister Toivakka.

Children are also prioritised

The Summit also included a separate session dealing with the protection of children in humanitarian crises. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Mäntylä represented Finland at the session and also participated in the panel discussion on global health care.

- The importance of protecting children in humanitarian crises cannot be emphasised too much. It is not only a question of funding but of taking social welfare and health care into account comprehensively, embracing new good practices and identifying new solutions.  Special attention must always be paid to the most disadvantaged people. In health care, it is important to improve countries' capacity to respond to crises. Finland contributes to this by supporting ten countries in meeting their set objectives.

Inquiries:

About Prime Minister Sipilä's programme: Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 40 748 3867 and on media arrangements Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

About Minister Toivakka's programme: Claus Jerker Lindroos, Director, Unit for Humanitarian Assistance and Policy, tel. +358 40 132 1416, [email protected] and Juha Kirstilä,  Special Adviser to the Minister (including media arrangements), tel. +358 40 552 8200, [email protected], Ministry for Foreign Affairs

About Minister Mäntylä's programme: Ministerial Advisor Ville Korhonen, tel. +358 50 302 5505, [email protected], Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

English translation of the press release published on 24 May 2016

 
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