Report calls for inclusivity of multicultural youth

The Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) has published a report entitled Right to belong – Proposals for strengthening the sense of belonging among multicultural youth in Finnish society,said a government press release.

The report proposes measures to support the construction of identity and strengthen the sense of belonging among multicultural youth.

The report includes nine proposals for making Finland a more equal and just country for multicultural youth. These proposals are built on four pillars that are based on the good relations model: participation, identity, sense of security and trust.

The report emphasises the fact that multicultural youth are a very diverse group with a variety of culturally, religiously, nationally and socially different backgrounds. The most important work for promoting young people’s participation and inclusion in society and wellbeing is carried out at grass-roots level as part of everyday activities. The activities of authorities and decision-makers affect young people’s trust in society. Furthermore, attention should be paid not only to young people themselves but also to the wellbeing of their families and other close persons and to the realisation of equality among them.

The publication was commissioned by the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations. In March 2018, the Advisory Board appointed an expert working group for religious and cultural dialogue to examine how the diverse identities of young people are constructed and how they could be supported in Finland. The working group was chaired by Anu-Rohima Mylläri, chair of the Regional Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations in Pirkanmaa and Central Finland.

The publication will be launched at the Forum for Ethnic Relations on 7 May 2019. A webcast of the morning session can be viewed live at 9.30–11.30.