Working group appointed to prepare a government statement to Parliament on promoting equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society

On 17 July 2023, the Government appointed a working group to prepare a Government communication on promoting equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society. The working group was appointed for the period from 17 July 2023 to 31 August 2023.

The working group has been tasked with preparing a government statement to Parliament on promoting equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society. The statement will also include proposals on how to promote action combatting racism both in Finland and internationally. The working group must consult at least the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Equality and take into account the following entries in the Government Programme: 

Finland promotes the implementation of democracy, the rule of law, and the fundamental and human rights. A society built on trust and good relations between population groups arises from the fact that everyone in Finland can trust that their rights and the principles of gender equality, equality before the law and non-discrimination will be respected and that they will be able to improve their own lives.

The Government will take determined measures to promote equality, gender equality and non-discrimination in society. Everyone has the right to be happy and safe in Finland regardless of their background.

Everyone is equal before the law. No one may be discriminated against based on their gender, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, language, religion or belief, opinion, disability, state of health, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristics.

The working group members will carry out their work as part of their official duties and will not be paid any separate salaries or fees. 

Composition

The working group is chaired by State Secretary Risto Artjoki (Prime Minister's Office). The vice-chair is State Secretary Riikka Slunga-Poutsalo (Ministry of Finance). 

In addition, the working group has the following members:

Mikaela Nylander, State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture
Päivi Nerg, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pekka Timonen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice
Anita Lehikoinen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture
Jukka Salovaara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs 
Veli-Mikko Niemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

Inquiries: Risto Artjoki, State Secretary, Chair of the working group, tel. +358 9 160 220 06, Prime Minister’s Office