The Anti-Racism Cooperation Network has begun its advocacy work

Finnish civil society organisations working against racism have begun close cooperation within a new network convened by the Prime Minister’s Office. The network’s activities began in December 2025 with its first online meeting. Now, following the first hybrid meeting this spring, attention is focused on the independent monitoring of the anti-racism action plan.

The network was established to address civil society organisations’ long-standing desire for a more permanent structure for cooperation, rather than just individual events. At the core of its activities is bringing civil society expertise directly into the evaluation of the Government’s anti-racism work.

The shadow report highlights the voices of groups facing racism

The network’s primary goal is the shadow report currently being prepared to evaluate the Government’s action plan. The purpose of the shadow report is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Government’s anti-racism action plan and its effectiveness. Data collection has begun, and the report aims to provide a picture of the effectiveness of the anti-racism action plan from the perspective of civil society organisations and, in particular, racialised and other communities facing racism. Data collection includes a broad survey among civil society organisations as well as interviews. The report evaluates the concept of racism adopted in the action plan, its impact on the program’s objectives and actions, and its alignment with the views and needs of those on the ground. The evaluation also examines the sets of measures and their priorities, the comprehensiveness and policy of the work, as well as the program’s actual effectiveness and monitoring. As part of the network’s work, the report compiles the findings and produces concrete recommendations for the future and for the anti-racism policy work of future governments.

The Working Group leads the operational work

The network’s activities are led by a 10-member Steering Group consisting of representatives from civil society organisations, researchers and experts on anti-racism work. The Prime Minister’s Office selected the Steering Group's members based on applications, but the Steering Group is independent. The Steering Group is responsible for the shadow report preparation process and coordinates the network’s joint statements. The Prime Minister’s Office is committed to taking into account the views produced by the network and supporting its impact by providing a direct link to the bodies implementing the action plan.

Facts about the network:

• Term: September 1, 2025–March 31, 2027.
• Composition: Civil society organisations, researchers, experts on anti-racism work and experts with experience on various forms of racism
• Objective: To monitor the implementation of the anti-racism action plan and strengthen the advocacy work of the Finnish anti-racism movement.
• Accessibility: The network operates in Finnish and English

Inquiries: Katriina Nousiainen, Chief Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 735