Foreign Minister Valtonen: UN continues to respond to human rights crises today
The UN Member States adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris on 10 December seventy-six years ago. One of the UN's most influential statements, the declaration is a key element of the multilateral rules-based system, writes Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on International Human Rights Day.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a powerful expression of the rights and freedoms that belong equally to everyone, as recognised in the UN Charter.
The declaration sets out a view that human rights are essential if we are to have peace. It also points out how disregard for human rights has led to brutalities that have outraged humankind's conscience. Today, the message of the importance of fostering human dignity is as urgent as it was after World War II.
In its foreign and security policy, Finland is committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to the international human rights system and treaties built on it. Finland's three-year term and vice-presidency of the UN Human Rights Council will soon come to an end. During that time, we have consistently defended the Council's global role in promoting and protecting human rights.
Wars and crises continue to be linked to the realisation of human rights, and so they feature prominently in the Council's work. During our term, the Council has taken a stand on several issues, including the human rights violations perpetrated by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Iran's repression of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, the civil war in Sudan, and the war in Gaza.
Besides sending a political message, the Council resolutions authorise independent experts to gather information on human rights violations and war crimes. This information can then serve many purposes, among them national and international legal processes, preventing further violations and ensuring that those perpetrating them are made accountable. The Council resolutions are also crucial for civil society representatives who defend human rights in their own countries at grassroots level.
At the initiative of Finland and our partner countries, the Human Rights Council has called on Russia to respect human rights within its borders. The UN Special Rapporteur, established at our initiative, has confirmed that the repression of human rights in Russia is linked to its war of aggression in Ukraine. The state-led system has effectively silenced also any dissenting voices opposing the war. We have also consistently called on China and other states to respect human rights.
Finland strongly supports the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the essential work his office carries out globally. Many countries value the support from the UN human rights system that helps them improve their legislation and integrate human rights into its implementation.
Through a Finland-led initiative, the Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution on the right of intersex persons to live without violence and discrimination. None of us can influence the physical characteristics we are born with.
Our work in the Human Rights Council continues as we take an observer position. We will keep promoting the right of women and girls to decide on their own lives and bodies, the participation of indigenous peoples in the UN work, and the full participation of sexual and gender minorities and persons with disabilities in society. We will continue to work with human rights defenders.
The multilateral rules-based human rights system serves Finland's goals of creating a safe and secure environment in which we can operate.. Protecting and promoting human rights, however, never take place in a vacuum. We need to actively champion our cause and build partnerships. Human rights are the foundation of Finland's actions in any organisation, and as such they will also guide Finland's forthcoming chairpersonship of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs