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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.