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ILGA-Europe

FRA LGBTI report discussed in seminar – government action demanded in Finland

Today, Seta organised together with the Human Rights Centre and the government’s network for human rights focal points a seminar on the results of the big LGBT survey of the EU Fundamental Rights agency (FRA). Also ILGA-Europe Rainbow map and index and Transgender Europe trans rights map were presented. LGBTI and other human rights activists, representatives of ministries and equality bodies as well as researchers discussed broadly the need to step up action to improve the situation of LGBTI people in Finland. The seminar was hosted by the Human Rights Centre in the Parliament.

Jörg Gebhard from FRA presented central findings of the FRA LGBT survey regarding Finland. Experiences of LGBT people of violence and threat are more frequent than the EU average according to the survey. Only 3% of the Finnish respondents had always been open about their identity during their school time, compared with 4% in EU.

FRA presented recommendations to Finland and other member states. Member states should among others support equality bodies in informing LGBT people about their rights and defending those rights. Trade unions and employers should be encouraged to adopt diversity policies inclusive of LGBTI perspectives. Trans people’s situation should receive special attention.

In education, LGBTI issues sold be mainstreamed in school curricula. A safe environment for pupils and students cannot be created without attention to equality and non-discrimination regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.

During the seminar, many concrete suggestions for cooperation between various actors were made. There are also several legislative and other procedures going on where LGBTI issues could be taken into account. Advocacy by Seta and other human rights organisations continues.

More information:

Video about the results:
http://fra.europa.eu/en/video/2013/eu-lgbt-survey

Data can be explored also country-by-country
http://fra.europa.eu/DVS/DVT/lgbt.php

Seta will address the UN Human Rights Council in a historical first speech

Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland will participate in the UPR review of Finland’s human rights situation today at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations. Seta will raise legislative and policy demands in a statement delivered by ILGA-Europe.

Finland has accepted a recommendation by Iceland to increase efforts in the field of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, inter alia, by review of national legislation and administration with a view to eliminate discrimination against LGBTI people with regard to family and parental rights and the right to security and integrity of the person.

Seta welcomes this but will present demands and suggestions for concrete and effective implementation of the recommendation. Especially trans and intersex persons are at risk of discrimination and social exclusion. Full statement by Seta will be available online at the time of the debate at www.seta.fi.

Every member state of the UN undergoes the UPR human rights review every four years. This is the second time that Finland is being reviewed.

The debate will be held between 5pm and 6pm CET. Watch the live stream here.

More information: Aija Salo, Secretary General, Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland, tel. +358 (0)50 309 8108, paasihteeri[at]seta.fi

Seta demanded action for LGBTI people’s human rights at Finland’s human rights review at the UN

Today, Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland held a historical speech as it addressed the Human Rights Council of the United Nations for the first time. The speech was a part of the Universal Periodic Review of Finland. Seta demanded that Finland adopts a comprehensive LGBTI human rights policy.

Seta stated that despite progress, significant challenges remain in the human rights situation of LGBTI people in Finland. Gender nonconforming children face transphobic bullying in schools. Discrimination in the employment market is common, and many trans persons remain outside the labour force. Intersex children sometimes suffer serious mental and physical complications due to surgical operations that lack medical grounds.

Seta noted that the recently adopted National Action Plan for Human Rights has very few references to sexual orientation or gender identity. Seta suggested drafting a comprehensive LGBTI policy action plan. Seta also raised the importance of some ongoing legal reforms.

Seta’s statement was delivered by Nori Spauwen representing ILGA-Europe. The statement can be read below.

More information: Aija Salo, Secretary General, tel. +358 (0)50 309 8108, paasihteeri@seta.fi

Finland’s response to the UPR recommendations on the website of the foreign ministry
The UPR resource base on the OHCHR website: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/UPRMain.aspx

UPR: Finland

ILGA-Europe and Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland

United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 19th September 2012

Mr. President,

we commend Finland for accepting the recommendation to increase its efforts in combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We are looking forward to an effective and comprehensive implementation of the commitment.

Whilst we welcome the progress delivered by this Government, significant challenges still remain. Trans and intersex persons face serious discrimination. Gender nonconforming children face transphobic bullying in schools. Discrimination in the employment market is common, and many trans persons remain unemployed. Intersex children sometimes suffer serious mental and physical complications due to surgical operations that lack medical grounds.

The government states that a working group will be appointed to examine the need to amend the Act on Legal Recognition of the Gender of Transsexuals. We urge the government to proceed with this commitment very soon. Persons applying for gender marker change currently face degrading conditions such as infertility requirement that shows the legislator´s lack of understanding the everyday lives of trans persons, of which many already have children and families.

The government states that a possible need to amend family legislation will be discussed. Currently there are several legislative procedures where the equal treatment of LGBTI people´s families should be taken into account. Children should not be treated unequally depending on their parents´ gender.

We note that the recently adopted National Action Plan for Human Rights has very few references to LGBTI people. This places a serious challenge on the government to show concrete commitment to policies to improve the human rights of LGBTI people. While many authorities are working on improving the equality of LGBTI persons, there is a need for a more coherent and coordinated policy. We suggest drafting a comprehensive LGBTI policy action plan and defining responsibilities for implementation and monitoring the plan.

Finally, we thank Finland for a constructive dialogue during the UPR process and stand ready for further interaction to ensure that all LGBTI people can enjoy their citizenship in full equality.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Finland should take action for LGBTI rights also domestically

Speech by ILGA-Europe and Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland in the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, 19th September 2012.

UPR: Finland

ILGA-Europe and Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland

United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 19th September 2012

Mr. President,

we commend Finland for accepting the recommendation to increase its efforts in combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We are looking forward to an effective and comprehensive implementation of the commitment.

Whilst we welcome the progress delivered by this Government, significant challenges still remain. Trans and intersex persons face serious discrimination. Gender nonconforming children face transphobic bullying in schools. Discrimination in the employment market is common, and many trans persons remain unemployed. Intersex children sometimes suffer serious mental and physical complications due to surgical operations that lack medical grounds.

The government states that a working group will be appointed to examine the need to amend the Act on Legal Recognition of the Gender of Transsexuals. We urge the government to proceed with this commitment very soon. Persons applying for gender marker change currently face degrading conditions such as infertility requirement that shows the legislator´s lack of understanding the everyday lives of trans persons, of which many already have children and families.

The government states that a possible need to amend family legislation will be discussed. Currently there are several legislative procedures where the equal treatment of LGBTI people´s families should be taken into account. Children should not be treated unequally depending on their parents´ gender.

We note that the recently adopted National Action Plan for Human Rights, has very few references to LGBTI people. This places a serious challenge on the government to show concrete commitment to policies to improve the human rights of LGBTI people. While many authorities are working on improving the equality of LGBTI persons, there is a need for a more coherent and coordinated policy. We suggest drafting a comprehensive LGBTI policy action plan and defining responsibilities for implementation and monitoring the plan.

Finally, we thank Finland for a constructive dialogue during the UPR process and stand ready for further interaction to ensure that all LGBTI people can enjoy their citizenship in full equality.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Jouduitko viharikoksen uhriksi vuonna 2011? Kerro tapauksesta ETY-järjestölle – dl 16.3.

Jouduitko viime vuonna rikoksen kohteeksi seksuaalisen suuntautumisesi, sukupuoli-identiteettisi tai sukupuolen ilmaisusi vuoksi? Tai tiedätkö jonkun muun, joka joutui? Kerro tapauksesta Setalle 16.3.2012 mennessä, niin Seta kertoo sen edelleen ETY-järjestölle.

Were you a victim of a crime last year because of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression? Or do you know someone else who was? Please tell Seta about the case at latest on March 16th so we can report it to the OSCE. (in English below)

ETYj (Euroopan turvallisuus- ja yhteistyöjärjestö) julkaisee vuosittain tietoja jäsenmaissa tapahtuneista viharikoksista. Uhrin seksuaaliseen suuntautumiseen, sukupuolen ilmaisuun tai sukupuoli-identiteettiin liittyneet tapaukset ovat yksi tapausryhmä, josta ETYj raportoi. Setan kansainvälinen kattojärjestö ILGA-Eurooppa koostaa ETYjiä varten raportin seksuaali- ja sukupuolivähemmistöjen eri maissa kokemista viharikoksista. Seta toimittaa ILGA-Euroopalle tietoja Suomen osalta.

Näin voit auttaa: jos tiedossasi on Suomessa kalenterivuoden 2011 aikana tapahtunut seksuaaliseen suuntautumiseen, sukupuoli-identiteettiin tai sukupuolen ilmaisuun kohdistunut viharikos, ilmoita siitä Setan pääsihteerille sähköpostitse os. paasihteeri[at]seta.fi viimeistään perjantaina 16.3. Laita mukaan vastaukset allaoleviin kysymyksiin niiltä osin kuin pystyt. Laita mukaan myös omat yhteystietosi. Itse tapausselostukseen ei kuitenkaan tarvitse laittaa henkilöiden nimiä. Setan työtä helpottaa, jos voit lähettää viestisi englanninkielisenä (koska tekstit on joka tapauksessa käännettävä ILGA-Eurooppaa ja ETYjiä varten), mutta voit kirjoittaa myös suomeksi tai ruotsiksi.

Setalle ilmoitetut tapaukset raportoidaan Setan harkinnan mukaan edelleen ILGA-Euroopalle ja ETY-järjestölle, ja ne saattavat päätyä ETYjin viralliseen viharikosraporttiin, joka julkaistaan syksyllä.

Kun kerrot meille tapauksesta, vastaa näihin kysymyksiin:

– Mitä tapahtui (lyhyt kuvaus)

– Päivämäärä, kellonaika ja paikka

– Tiedon lähde (esim. uhri, poliisi, järjestö, media tms)

– Uhri(t) (lukumäärä, ikä, sukupuoli, seksuaalinen suuntautuminen/sukupuoli- identiteetti/sukupuolen ilmaisu, jos relevanttia tapauksessa, muut relevantit tiedot)

– Rikostyyppi (esim. kiihottaminen kansanryhmää vastaan, tuhotyö, pahoinpitely, laiton uhkaus)

– Tekijä(t) (lukumäärä, ikä, sukupuoli, muut relevantit tiedot)

– Mistä vihamotiivi ilmenee

– Tapauksen oikeusstatus (onko ilmoitettu poliisille, onko käynnistetty tutkinta, onko nostettu syytettä, onko käsitelty oikeudessa, onko annettu tuomio, onko valitettu)

– Paikallisten viranomaisten reaktio

– Vaikutukset uhriin/uhreihin ja seksuaali- ja sukupuolivähemmistöihin kuuluviin ihmisiin

– Onko tapauksesta julkisia dokumentteja (kuten oikeuskäsittelyn dokumentteja tai media-artikkeleita)

Suuri kiitos avustasi!

IN ENGLISH:

OSCE gathers documentation about hate crimes in 2011 – DL March 16th

Were you a victim of a crime last year because of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression? Or do you know someone else who was? Tell Seta about the case at latest on Friday March 16th!

OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) publishes annually a report on hate crimes and hate-based incidents within OSCE participating states. Cases linked with the sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression of the victim are one category of incidents that OSCE reports on. Seta’s European umbrella organisation ILGA-Europe gathers a report for OSCE on hate crimes experienced by LGBT people in different countries. Seta reports information to ILGA-Europe concerning Finland.

You can help us like this: if you know a hate crime that took place in 2011 (the calendar year) and was related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, please email the secretary general of Seta about it to paasihteeri[at]seta.fi at latest by March 16th by answering the questions below. Please include your contact information. The incident report does not need to include names of persons, though. It makes our work easier if you can write in English (as the texts will have to be translated for ILGA-Europe and OSCE in any case), but you can write also in Finnish or in Swedish.

Cases reported to Seta will be reported to ILGA-Europe and OSCE based on Seta’s evaluation of the information, and they may end up to OSCE’s official report on hate crimes which will be published in the Autumn.

When reporting a case to us, please answer the following questions:

– What happened (brief description)

– Date, time and location of the incident

– Source of information (for example the victim, police, organisation, media, please specify)

– Victim(s) involved (number, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, other relevant information)

– Type of the crime(s) (for example assault, damage, illegal threat)

– Perpetrator(s) (number, age, sex, other relevant information)

– Brief description of incident with bias indicators (= what makes it a hate crime)

– Status of the case (is it reported to the police, has an investigation been conducted, has someone been charged, etc.)

– Response of local authorities

– Impact on the victim(s) and the LGBT community

– Are there any public documentation (like legal documents or media reports) about the case

Big thanks for your help!