Finland

Government covering note on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights National Action Plan

Legislative report [page 5]

A report on legislation pertaining to national and international business and human rights is to be drafted based on the principles stated in the UN Guiding Principles. The objective is to examine whether legislation corresponds with the aims of the UN principles and determine the necessity of initiatives taken to otherwise improve corporate operating practices, particularly where due diligence, corporate reporting obligations and remedies for victims of human rights violations are concerned. It is also to propose concrete recommendations for change, wherever necessary.

 Introduction [page 11]

According to the Constitution, Finland participates in international cooperation for the protection of peace and human rights and for the development of society. As a member state of the UN and the EU, Finland is committed to promote a society that is open to everyone. The Finish social contract is based on interaction and on an aspiration to consensus. The desire to include everyone is also part of the open interaction. In Finland, there has been a desire to construct a society based on equality and gender. Equal treatment is taken into consideration in all the legislation and preparation of the national budget, various central government programmes and projects, and personnel policies. Based on these strengths, there is also a desire to create functional tools for the global promotion of human rights related to business activities.

1. The state obligation to protect human rights

1.1 Human rights in Finnish legislation [page 13]

Finland is strongly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights through national legislation and international cooperation. Our reinforced Constitution protects the inviolability of human dignity as well as the freedom and rights of individuals, and promotes justice in society. Fundamental rights (such as equality, freedom of movement, protection of privacy, freedom of association, freedom of speech and the right to social security and judicial protection) have been included in the Constitution.