In an opinion published, the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) commends Finland for its commitment to social welfare and equal access to human rights with a strong focus on gender equality, including for its minorities. However, the Advisory Committee calls on the authorities to address increasing hate speech and warns of any disproportionate effects of budget cuts on national minorities among its 10 priority recommendations addressed to the authorities. (See also the comments of the Government of Finland and summary in Finnish and Swedish).
Concerning Sami, the Advisory Committee is welcoming the ongoing truth and reconciliation process but recommends that it is carried out in an inclusive way by involving different segments of the Sami people, to achieving a fair balance between the interests of the community on the one hand and the principle of free self-identification on the other. This inclusive approach could create conditions and play a crucial role in reaching a shared understanding on the issue of the prolonged debate regarding the registration to the electoral roll of the Sami Parliament.
The Advisory Committee is also urging the authorities, in close consultations with all segments of the Sami community, to ensure that decisions on the traditional use of land do not adversely affect the ability of the Sami to preserve and develop their cultures, languages and identities, including their traditional ways of life.
