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Finland - Universal Periodic Review

Session reviewed: 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review
Date reviewed: November 9, 2022

Recommendation

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Canada thanks Finland for its presentation. We acknowledge our continued collaboration on bilateral and multilateral affairs as we mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, and recognize Finland’s contribution as an active member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2022‑2024.

Canada recommends that Finland:

1. Introduce legislation to allow legal gender affirmation for persons under 18.
2. Expand access to safe houses and resources for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, including for the Indigenous Sámi people.
3. Proceed with the amendment of the Sámi Parliament Act to strengthen the Indigenous Sámi people’s right to self-determination.

Canada commends Finland for its continued commitment to improve respect for human rights domestically, and its efforts to pursue a society founded on non-discrimination and transparency. Canada acknowledges the positive steps taken to reduce and eliminate violence against women since Finland’s last UPR, but challenges remain, and Canada encourages Finland to undertake further measures to improve the availability of services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.