Work of the committee preparing the Child Strategy begins – the aim is a strategy that strengthens the child’s rights

The Government has appointed a committee for preparing the Child Strategy. The task given to the committee is to prepare a National Child Strategy that is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and spans across government terms and different administrative sectors. The committee is chaired by Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services.

The aim of the strategy is to enhance the goal-oriented, sustainable and long-term nature of child, youth and family policies. 

The vision is Finland that is child-friendly and family-friendly and respects the rights of the child

The vision of the preparatory work is that the wellbeing and rights of children and young people in Finland will be fully realised so that Finland will be child-friendly and family-friendly and respect the rights of the child.

Studies have shown that most children and young people in Finland enjoy a good level of wellbeing. Nevertheless, the development of inequality is visible among children and young people. 

"We know that the rights of the child are not realised equally in different areas and for different groups of children in Finland. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child requires that the rights of the child be realised fully for all children and groups of children throughout the country. This is why we need a comprehensive Child Strategy,” says Minister Kiuru.

The committee will draw up the strategy during 2020

The Child Strategy will be prepared in two stages. The long-term objectives and actions that will be promoted across government terms will be recorded in the actual Child Strategy. This will be carried out as parliamentary committee work during 2020. 

In the second stage, an implementation plan for the Child Strategy will be carried out, in which the objectives and measures for the government term and the resources available for them will be recorded.

The committee preparing the Child Strategy is one of the five parliamentary committees appointed during this government term. Parliamentary preparation is aimed at ensuring long-term policy preparation across electoral terms. The members of the committee represent all parliamentary groups. 

Inquiries

Johanna Laisaari, Secretary-General, tel. +358 295 161 177, [email protected]