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16 November 2000
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CESCR
24th session
16 November 2000
Afternoon
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this afternoon concluded its consideration of a fourth periodic report of Finland after questioning a Government delegation, among other things, on why excess medication was given to elderly persons; about measures against cardio-vascular diseases; and the application of euthanasia.
The Committee will offer its concluding observations and recommendations on the report of Finland at the end of its current three-week session which will conclude on 1 December.
Over the course of their consideration of the report, Committee Experts queried the Finnish delegation on why the situation of the trade unions was reported to be degrading; about the excess of medication given to elderly people; about the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases; about the application of euthanasia; about the cuts affecting social security services; about the homeless persons and the right to housing; and about the situation of mentally disabled persons, among other things.
Responding to the questions, the Finnish delegation said that homosexuality was legalized in Finland; it was no more considered as a crime. Further, the Government had proposed to parliament a legal text on the right to register homosexual partnership providing equal legal effect as that given to normal married couples. Nevertheless, the right to adopt children by "couples" of the same sex was excluded for the time being, the delegation said.
A representative of the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also participated during the debate this afternoon.
Finland is among the 143 States parties to the Covenant and as such it must submit periodic reports to the Committee on its accomplishments regarding the implementation of the provisions of the treaty. During the consideration of Finland's report, a 6-member Government delegation was on hand throughout three meetings to introduce the report and to provide additional information to the Committee.
When the Committee reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Friday, 17 November, it will take up the second periodic report of Belgium (document E/1990/6/Add.18).
Discussion
Responding to pending questions raised by Committee experts during the previous meetings, the Finnish Government officials first focused on regional unemployment problems affecting 9.1 per cent of the workforce. The Government had realized that the employment situation in the 15 Finnish regions should be improved. In recent years, with the technological boom in the northern part of the country, employment conditions had been ameliorated.
Domestic violence had been the central theme in Finnish society during the 1990s, the delegation said. A number of studies had been carried out to diagnose the causes of the phenomenon. The Government had taken several preventive measures, including a public campaign with posters bearing the title: "one punch is too much!". A help line for women victims of violence had been created; rehabilitation shelters for battered women had been established; and a new programme covering the period 1998-2002 was being implemented to increase public awareness, particularly to change men's attitudes on the issue.
Child abuse was prohibited under Finnish law, the delegation said; however, such incidents had continued to be reported within the family, the delegation said. Out of the 10 per cent of accidents affecting children under two years, 80 per cent were attributed to assault in the family. The Government was making efforts to reduce violence perpetrated against children.
Asked about the situation of homosexuality, the delegation said it was legalized and was no more a crime. Further, the Government had proposed to parliament a legal text on the right to register homosexual partnership providing equal legal effect as that afforded to normal married couples. It also included the right to equal division of property in case of separation or "divorce". Nevertheless, the right to adopt children by "couples" of the same sex was excluded for the time being.
In follow-up questions, Committee experts asked the Finnish delegation why the situation of the trade unions was reported to be degrading; about the excess of medication given to elderly people; about the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases; about the application of euthanasia; about the cuts affecting social security services; about the homeless persons and the right to housing; and about the situation of disabled persons, among other things.
The delegation responded by saying that the Government of Finland was at present engaged in a thorough reform of its social and health system. The social services cut during the past economic depression did not affect the major sectors such as health. The Finnish welfare society had helped many citizens through measures aimed at improving their decreasing living conditions. The different municipalities were responsible for providing assistance to persons in need and those affected by the cut in social services.
Squatting was not a current phenomenon in Finland as it was in the 1980s when young people occupied vacant houses as a sign of revolt, and not merely because of homelessness, the delegation said. At that time, the State and municipalities had allowed the youngsters to stay in those houses without any problem.
The responsibility of maintaining services for mental health care had been entrusted to the various municipalities with special budgets allocated by the State, the delegation said.
Elderly people who wished to remain in their own houses received assistance provided by the State, the delegation said. Others who preferred to stay in specialized institutions could also do so.
In the event of a request for the application of euthanasia, in addition to the will of the patient, relatives should give their consent, the delegation said.
In 1996, the Government had launched an initiative to support a national programme of action to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular diseases among its citizens, the delegation said. The principal causes of cardio-vascular diseases were excess natrium intake and obesity. High blood pressure and heart diseases were also affecting the least educated social class of the society.
In order to encourage the 20 Finnish universities to graduate more students, the State had offered additional financial assistance as an incentive, the delegation said. In addition, the Government provided vocational training and studies at polytechnic institutions. State subsidies were also extended for the education of minority children, particularly education in Sami and Romani languages. Students enrolled in higher studies received monthly allowances; and at present there were 4,000 students working for their doctoral degrees in various disciplines.
The delegation said that annual State subsidies were granted to support minority cultures and the combat of racism. The Government also granted subsidies to cultural minorities mainly to be used for cultural and publication projects.
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24th session
16 November 2000
Afternoon
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this afternoon concluded its consideration of a fourth periodic report of Finland after questioning a Government delegation, among other things, on why excess medication was given to elderly persons; about measures against cardio-vascular diseases; and the application of euthanasia.
The Committee will offer its concluding observations and recommendations on the report of Finland at the end of its current three-week session which will conclude on 1 December.
Over the course of their consideration of the report, Committee Experts queried the Finnish delegation on why the situation of the trade unions was reported to be degrading; about the excess of medication given to elderly people; about the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases; about the application of euthanasia; about the cuts affecting social security services; about the homeless persons and the right to housing; and about the situation of mentally disabled persons, among other things.
Responding to the questions, the Finnish delegation said that homosexuality was legalized in Finland; it was no more considered as a crime. Further, the Government had proposed to parliament a legal text on the right to register homosexual partnership providing equal legal effect as that given to normal married couples. Nevertheless, the right to adopt children by "couples" of the same sex was excluded for the time being, the delegation said.
A representative of the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also participated during the debate this afternoon.
Finland is among the 143 States parties to the Covenant and as such it must submit periodic reports to the Committee on its accomplishments regarding the implementation of the provisions of the treaty. During the consideration of Finland's report, a 6-member Government delegation was on hand throughout three meetings to introduce the report and to provide additional information to the Committee.
When the Committee reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Friday, 17 November, it will take up the second periodic report of Belgium (document E/1990/6/Add.18).
Discussion
Responding to pending questions raised by Committee experts during the previous meetings, the Finnish Government officials first focused on regional unemployment problems affecting 9.1 per cent of the workforce. The Government had realized that the employment situation in the 15 Finnish regions should be improved. In recent years, with the technological boom in the northern part of the country, employment conditions had been ameliorated.
Domestic violence had been the central theme in Finnish society during the 1990s, the delegation said. A number of studies had been carried out to diagnose the causes of the phenomenon. The Government had taken several preventive measures, including a public campaign with posters bearing the title: "one punch is too much!". A help line for women victims of violence had been created; rehabilitation shelters for battered women had been established; and a new programme covering the period 1998-2002 was being implemented to increase public awareness, particularly to change men's attitudes on the issue.
Child abuse was prohibited under Finnish law, the delegation said; however, such incidents had continued to be reported within the family, the delegation said. Out of the 10 per cent of accidents affecting children under two years, 80 per cent were attributed to assault in the family. The Government was making efforts to reduce violence perpetrated against children.
Asked about the situation of homosexuality, the delegation said it was legalized and was no more a crime. Further, the Government had proposed to parliament a legal text on the right to register homosexual partnership providing equal legal effect as that afforded to normal married couples. It also included the right to equal division of property in case of separation or "divorce". Nevertheless, the right to adopt children by "couples" of the same sex was excluded for the time being.
In follow-up questions, Committee experts asked the Finnish delegation why the situation of the trade unions was reported to be degrading; about the excess of medication given to elderly people; about the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases; about the application of euthanasia; about the cuts affecting social security services; about the homeless persons and the right to housing; and about the situation of disabled persons, among other things.
The delegation responded by saying that the Government of Finland was at present engaged in a thorough reform of its social and health system. The social services cut during the past economic depression did not affect the major sectors such as health. The Finnish welfare society had helped many citizens through measures aimed at improving their decreasing living conditions. The different municipalities were responsible for providing assistance to persons in need and those affected by the cut in social services.
Squatting was not a current phenomenon in Finland as it was in the 1980s when young people occupied vacant houses as a sign of revolt, and not merely because of homelessness, the delegation said. At that time, the State and municipalities had allowed the youngsters to stay in those houses without any problem.
The responsibility of maintaining services for mental health care had been entrusted to the various municipalities with special budgets allocated by the State, the delegation said.
Elderly people who wished to remain in their own houses received assistance provided by the State, the delegation said. Others who preferred to stay in specialized institutions could also do so.
In the event of a request for the application of euthanasia, in addition to the will of the patient, relatives should give their consent, the delegation said.
In 1996, the Government had launched an initiative to support a national programme of action to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular diseases among its citizens, the delegation said. The principal causes of cardio-vascular diseases were excess natrium intake and obesity. High blood pressure and heart diseases were also affecting the least educated social class of the society.
In order to encourage the 20 Finnish universities to graduate more students, the State had offered additional financial assistance as an incentive, the delegation said. In addition, the Government provided vocational training and studies at polytechnic institutions. State subsidies were also extended for the education of minority children, particularly education in Sami and Romani languages. Students enrolled in higher studies received monthly allowances; and at present there were 4,000 students working for their doctoral degrees in various disciplines.
The delegation said that annual State subsidies were granted to support minority cultures and the combat of racism. The Government also granted subsidies to cultural minorities mainly to be used for cultural and publication projects.
* *** *