MFA: Recommendations to Finland on the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights

The Committee welcomes the legislative, institutional and political measures implemented in Finland, which ensure a high protection level of economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights.  Finland was commended, among other things, for extending compulsory education and for the National Child Strategy.

The CESCR issued several recommendations to Finland relating to the implementation of the ESC rights. The Committee will monitor the implementation of three recommendations in an expedited procedure: (1) business and human rights; (2) COVID-19 vaccines and medicines; and (3) the right to social security. Finland must report on the implementation of these recommendations to the Committee after two years.

Additionally, recommendations were issued, for example, on the promotion of equality in the labour market and education, on equal pay for equal work, on the right to employment and pension for persons with disabilities, on older people’s independent living and care, as well as on access to healthcare services, including mental health services.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights covers, among other things, the right to health, education, work and fair and decent working conditions, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to enjoy science, arts and cultural life.  The Parties have the duty to submit a report on the implementation of the Covenant at regular intervals. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is a body of independent experts, which monitors the implementation of the Covenant. Finland's seventh periodic report was reviewed in a public virtual session on 15–17 February 2021.

Inquiries: Krista Oinonen, Director, Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions, tel. +358 295 351 172. The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@formin.fi.