Default title
17 March 1998
Fifty-fourth session of the Commission on Human Rights
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by H.E. Mrs. Tarja Halonen,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Mr Chairman,
Let me, first of all congratulate you on your election to the Chairmanship of this Commission. I wish you and the other members of the Bureau the best success in your demanding tasks. May I assure you that you can count on the full support and cooperation of the Finnish delegation.
I would also like to pay tribute to the new High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Mary Robinson, for the vigorous and energetic way in which she has started to carry out her tasks.
While making the national statement of Finland I associate myself fully with the intervention made earlier by Mr Tony Lloyd, Minister of State of the United Kingdom, on behalf of the European Union.
Mr Chairman,
This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. At that time, after a long and devastating world war, the Governments wanted to make the universal respect of Human Rights a basic instrument in preserving world peace and creating the best possible conditions for nations to prosper
and cooperate.
The awareness of human rights as a common set of values has grown constantly and gradually since the Cold War. This is due to the growing solidarity between people. This is only a logical consequence of the rise of civic society and active participation in public affairs, with all the direct links between the individuals and their organisations, that are characteristic of the modern world.
It is often said that South and North have different views on human rights issues. There might be, indeed, different national priorities and concerns as in all fields of international cooperation. That is why we need more constructive and open dialogue. But after all, the only really divisive line is the one between those who truly want to improve respect for human rights - and those who do not.
Mr Chairman,
The United Nations is the guardian of universal human rights. The Commission, with all its sub-organs and Special Rapporteurs, has become the most important global Human Rights instrument at the service of the international community. Finland stresses the importance of full cooperation of Governments with Special Rapporteurs and other human rights mechanisms. There are many positive examples of an increased will to cooperate. China, for instance, has shown preparedness for enhanced integration with UN mechanisms including legal instruments. We would encourage more steps in this direction.
Unfortunately, there are also causes for serious concern like the declared intention of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to withdraw from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Another sad example is Myanmar. We are seriously concerned at reports of mistreatment of Mr Leo Nichols, our Honorary Consul in Myanmar, prior to his death in custody. I use this opportunity to urge again the Government of Myanmar to give a full account of the circumstances related to his death.
The World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna set the goal of a universal ratification of human rights treaties. The number of ratifications has constantly increased, to our great satisfaction. At the same time treaty bodies have become overloaded with work. It would take ten years just to deal with the accumulated delay in the consideration of country reports with the present resources and methods. To maintain the credibility of the monitoring system adequate resources from the UN regular budget should be allocated for their work. We also recognise the need for structural solutions. We welcome the role and initiatives of the chairpersons of the treaty bodies in this process.
Mr Chairman,
Regional arrangements can have a complementary role to the universal system of human rights. It is clear that they should in no case lower the level of universal human rights standards. In Europe this regional role belongs to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights has not only provided a last resort instance to individuals seeking remedies. It has also already largely influenced the human rights culture in member states and is seen as the cornerstone of the so called "democratic security" concept.
In this context I would also like to mention the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which was created by the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights as an excellent example of regional cooperation in this field.
I was pleased to witness the remarkable progress made in the field of human rights and democratisation in Central America during my recent visit to the area and I am happy to say that Finland has supported the ombudsman-institutions in Central American countries and we are willing to do so in the future, too.
Mr Chairman,
Human rights are indivisible and must be monitored objectively. Human rights thinking should be broad enough to address economic, social and cultural rights on an equal footing. These rights have become even more topical because of economic reforms and changes in the various parts of the world.
The implementation of economic, social and cultural rights differs to some extent from that of civil and political rights. But even if they are to be implemented progressively, it does not make this task less urgent. Finland supports all efforts to enhance the legal and political weight given to this group of rights. The project of drafting an optional protocol to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is very important.
I would also like to encourage countries to consider possibilities to raise the level of legal protection of these rights in their internal legislation. For instance in Finland, many economic, social and cultural rights were recently incorporated in our Constitution and can now be referred to in courts as basic rights.
Right to development can certainly be useful in giving concrete direction to the evidently existing link between human rights and the process of development. To give it weight, the concept should be firmly anchored in human rights standards. Human rights are also a precondition for truly sustainable economic development: focusing exclusively on economic growth does not create these conditions as we have seen recently in some countries as Indonesia.
In my former statements in this Commission I have emphasised the human rights of women. I have done so, because the implementation of their rights has always been particularly difficult. This time I want to underline the importance of the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights of women. This would be a key to an independent and meaningful life for a great number of women throughout the world.
Mr Chairman,
It is not an exaggeration to say that people are frustrated by the lack of progress in the Middle East Peace Process. If unchecked, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will inevitably slide into one of "no war, no peace" with serious implications for the day-to-day living conditions of millions of people.
This Commission has its role to play in seeing that human rights situations are discussed and duly handled in all parts of the world. In the Middle East, particularly within the framework of the peace process, a human rights dialogue is still missing. Human rights are an essential element for maintaining peace and security and advancing social and economic development. Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have committed themselves to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is equally important to condemn terrorism in whatever form it may take and to expect all parties to do their utmost to combat it. Yet, the practice of closures of the Occupied Territories, frequently utilised in recent times, constitutes a form of collective punishment, mostly affecting innocent people. In addition, it is in direct contradiction to our efforts to boost the economy in these areas, thus creating more solid ground and support for the peace process.
We are also concerned about continuing Israeli settlement activities as well as other acts in violation of international agreements, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention as detailed in the relevant reports to this Commission. It is my hope that due attention be paid to well-documented breaches of international law and that the necessary corrective action be taken by the relevant authorities.
Mr Chairman,
Time is limited, last year I spoke about the rights of minorities, indigenous peoples, women and children. All these issues are still topical and valuable and remain high on our human rights agenda. The United Nations and the Commission on Human Rights are the most important tools to promote them universally.
Thank you, Mr Chairman
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by H.E. Mrs. Tarja Halonen,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Mr Chairman,
Let me, first of all congratulate you on your election to the Chairmanship of this Commission. I wish you and the other members of the Bureau the best success in your demanding tasks. May I assure you that you can count on the full support and cooperation of the Finnish delegation.
I would also like to pay tribute to the new High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Mary Robinson, for the vigorous and energetic way in which she has started to carry out her tasks.
While making the national statement of Finland I associate myself fully with the intervention made earlier by Mr Tony Lloyd, Minister of State of the United Kingdom, on behalf of the European Union.
Mr Chairman,
This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. At that time, after a long and devastating world war, the Governments wanted to make the universal respect of Human Rights a basic instrument in preserving world peace and creating the best possible conditions for nations to prosper
and cooperate.
The awareness of human rights as a common set of values has grown constantly and gradually since the Cold War. This is due to the growing solidarity between people. This is only a logical consequence of the rise of civic society and active participation in public affairs, with all the direct links between the individuals and their organisations, that are characteristic of the modern world.
It is often said that South and North have different views on human rights issues. There might be, indeed, different national priorities and concerns as in all fields of international cooperation. That is why we need more constructive and open dialogue. But after all, the only really divisive line is the one between those who truly want to improve respect for human rights - and those who do not.
Mr Chairman,
The United Nations is the guardian of universal human rights. The Commission, with all its sub-organs and Special Rapporteurs, has become the most important global Human Rights instrument at the service of the international community. Finland stresses the importance of full cooperation of Governments with Special Rapporteurs and other human rights mechanisms. There are many positive examples of an increased will to cooperate. China, for instance, has shown preparedness for enhanced integration with UN mechanisms including legal instruments. We would encourage more steps in this direction.
Unfortunately, there are also causes for serious concern like the declared intention of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to withdraw from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Another sad example is Myanmar. We are seriously concerned at reports of mistreatment of Mr Leo Nichols, our Honorary Consul in Myanmar, prior to his death in custody. I use this opportunity to urge again the Government of Myanmar to give a full account of the circumstances related to his death.
The World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna set the goal of a universal ratification of human rights treaties. The number of ratifications has constantly increased, to our great satisfaction. At the same time treaty bodies have become overloaded with work. It would take ten years just to deal with the accumulated delay in the consideration of country reports with the present resources and methods. To maintain the credibility of the monitoring system adequate resources from the UN regular budget should be allocated for their work. We also recognise the need for structural solutions. We welcome the role and initiatives of the chairpersons of the treaty bodies in this process.
Mr Chairman,
Regional arrangements can have a complementary role to the universal system of human rights. It is clear that they should in no case lower the level of universal human rights standards. In Europe this regional role belongs to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights has not only provided a last resort instance to individuals seeking remedies. It has also already largely influenced the human rights culture in member states and is seen as the cornerstone of the so called "democratic security" concept.
In this context I would also like to mention the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which was created by the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights as an excellent example of regional cooperation in this field.
I was pleased to witness the remarkable progress made in the field of human rights and democratisation in Central America during my recent visit to the area and I am happy to say that Finland has supported the ombudsman-institutions in Central American countries and we are willing to do so in the future, too.
Mr Chairman,
Human rights are indivisible and must be monitored objectively. Human rights thinking should be broad enough to address economic, social and cultural rights on an equal footing. These rights have become even more topical because of economic reforms and changes in the various parts of the world.
The implementation of economic, social and cultural rights differs to some extent from that of civil and political rights. But even if they are to be implemented progressively, it does not make this task less urgent. Finland supports all efforts to enhance the legal and political weight given to this group of rights. The project of drafting an optional protocol to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is very important.
I would also like to encourage countries to consider possibilities to raise the level of legal protection of these rights in their internal legislation. For instance in Finland, many economic, social and cultural rights were recently incorporated in our Constitution and can now be referred to in courts as basic rights.
Right to development can certainly be useful in giving concrete direction to the evidently existing link between human rights and the process of development. To give it weight, the concept should be firmly anchored in human rights standards. Human rights are also a precondition for truly sustainable economic development: focusing exclusively on economic growth does not create these conditions as we have seen recently in some countries as Indonesia.
In my former statements in this Commission I have emphasised the human rights of women. I have done so, because the implementation of their rights has always been particularly difficult. This time I want to underline the importance of the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights of women. This would be a key to an independent and meaningful life for a great number of women throughout the world.
Mr Chairman,
It is not an exaggeration to say that people are frustrated by the lack of progress in the Middle East Peace Process. If unchecked, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will inevitably slide into one of "no war, no peace" with serious implications for the day-to-day living conditions of millions of people.
This Commission has its role to play in seeing that human rights situations are discussed and duly handled in all parts of the world. In the Middle East, particularly within the framework of the peace process, a human rights dialogue is still missing. Human rights are an essential element for maintaining peace and security and advancing social and economic development. Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have committed themselves to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is equally important to condemn terrorism in whatever form it may take and to expect all parties to do their utmost to combat it. Yet, the practice of closures of the Occupied Territories, frequently utilised in recent times, constitutes a form of collective punishment, mostly affecting innocent people. In addition, it is in direct contradiction to our efforts to boost the economy in these areas, thus creating more solid ground and support for the peace process.
We are also concerned about continuing Israeli settlement activities as well as other acts in violation of international agreements, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention as detailed in the relevant reports to this Commission. It is my hope that due attention be paid to well-documented breaches of international law and that the necessary corrective action be taken by the relevant authorities.
Mr Chairman,
Time is limited, last year I spoke about the rights of minorities, indigenous peoples, women and children. All these issues are still topical and valuable and remain high on our human rights agenda. The United Nations and the Commission on Human Rights are the most important tools to promote them universally.
Thank you, Mr Chairman