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10.2.2025 | The annual OSCE Conference on addressing anti-Semitism opened today, February 10, in Helsinki. The conference is part of the OSCE's work on combating intolerance. In addition to anti-Semitism, the conference touches upon discrimination faced by Muslims, Christians and representatives of other religions.

17.12.2024 | The Ministry of the Interior has submitted to the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman a follow-up report on the preparation of the allocation of the refugee quota. The report requested by the Ombudsman was also submitted to the Chancellor of Justice. As the matter is of major importance to society and of interest to many, the Ministry of the Interior will make the report available to the public.

1.4.2025 | Finland holds the Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has appointed Prof. Dr Wolfgang Palaver as Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Discrimination.

6.10.2025 | Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the annual Warsaw Human Dimension Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

10.2.2025 | Keynote Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Chairperson-in-office of the OSCE, Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region, 10 February 2025

3.11.2023 | A growing number of the world’s conflicts are sparked by differences in religion and worldview. We need religious and traditional peacemakers to understand the underlying causes of crises, to prevent crises and to support mediation efforts. In ten years, the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers has grown into a significant actor in faith-based mediation. Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has supported the Network from the start.

18.7.2023 | 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.

11.7.2023 | 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.

26.2.2024 | In accordance with established practice, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to comment on Finland’s activities at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 12 February. Representatives of more than 40 CSOs participated in a discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. The discussion focused on the rights of children and the safety...

12.1.2023 | Democratic development is one of the key factors determining Tunisia’s future. Young people must be able to believe they have opportunities in their own country, says Teemu Sepponen Finland’s Ambassador to Tunisia.

6.9.2023 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo gave a presentation speech to Parliament on the government statement on promoting equality, gender equality and non-discrimination on 6 September 2023. Speech to be checked against delivery.

17.11.2022 | Nepal and Finland have a long history of development cooperation that dates back to the 1980s. Long-term development cooperation has helped Nepal reduce poverty, improve literacy and give almost everyone access to clear drinking water, according to Finland’s Ambassador to Nepal Riina-Riikka Heikka.

23.8.2021 | Distinguished Ministers and Heads of Mission, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the 2021 Meeting of Heads of Mission! As you can see from the picture, I am here in the familiar Engel Hall in the newly renovated premises of Merikasarmi. While on the face of it this space may appear to be the same as before, the Ritarikatu Hall, where the panel discussions are being held, is not easily recognisable.

27.2.2023 | Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto at the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council's 52nd session on 27 February 2023.

31.3.2021 | The Ministry of the Interior has published a guide on good practices for identifying and preventing hate crimes for the police and their stakeholders.

11.2.2022 | Taking diversity into account at work is increasingly important as society becomes more diverse. A new electronic training course for public administration employees will provide information and tools for increasing diversity and strengthening a culture that includes everyone. 

27.1.2022 | On Holocaust Remembrance Day, which Finland observes as the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Persecution, we remember the lives lost to the destructive forces of intolerance, hatred and violence. In taking this moment to reflect on our collective grief, we look back on the past. This day reminds us of a painful part of our history and calls on us to bear responsibility for eradicating hate speech, racism and especially antisemitism – Europe’s original sin.

17.5.2023 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke at the New York University commencement in New York City on 17 May 2023.

7.4.2022 | In such humanitarian crises as the one in Ukraine, many actors are involved. How is work divided, where are relief items purchased, and how can private individuals help? Moreover, are available humanitarian resources sufficient to meet the needs of those affected by crises? Riikka Mikkola, Senior Adviser for Humanitarian Assistance at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, answers these questions.

11.11.2022 | Opening statement by Minister Pekka Haavisto at the Fourth Universal Periodic Review of Finland at the UN Human Rights Council on 9 November 2022.