Finland engages in dialogue on the rights of indigenous people
Finland took part in dialogue with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Professor James Anaya of the United States, in Geneva on Tuesday, 20 September. The Finnish delegation also includes a representative of the Finnish Sami Parliament, as an expert.
The dialogue takes place in connection with the 18th Session of the UN Human Rights Council and addresses, among others, Special Rapporteur Anaya’s report of his visit to the Sami region in April 2010. At that time, Anaya’s trip included a visit to Rovaniemi. In his report on the visit, Anaya gave the Governments of Finland, Sweden and Norway recommendations concerning legislation, the Sami people’s self-determination, rights to land, water and natural resources, and development of the Sami people’s languages and education. In the country’s own statement, Finland reiterates her commitment to promoting the rights of indigenous people and addresses measures relating to the recommendations of Anaya’s report.
During the Human Rights Council’s panel discussion held later on Tuesday, Finland gave a statement on the importance of languages and culture to the well-being and identity of indigenous peoples. Among other things, the statement draws attention to the programme to revive the Sami language now under preparation.
Additional information: Erik Lundberg, Head of the Unit for Human Rights Policy, tel. +358 9 160 55 349 and Legislative Secretary Krista Oinonen, tel. +358 9 160 66 648