Govt adopts action plan to combat racism

The government on Thursday adopted a resolution on an action plan for combating racism and promoting equality, said a government press release.

The action plan elaborates on the statement on promoting equality, gender equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society, which the government submitted to Parliament on 31 August 2023.

Leaders of the opposition parties, however, strongly criticized the government for the statement and also expressed doubt whether, all the ministers would be refrained from using the racist remarks.

The action plan consists of 62 measures to improve the social climate and relations between population groups, increase awareness of equality issues and combat racism and discrimination, especially in working life and education.

The Prime Minister will lead annual roundtable discussions on various themes related to promoting equality and non-discrimination.

The “Actions, not only words” anti-racism campaign was launched in August 2024 amid controversy.

The campaign will be carried out in cooperation with labour market organisations, sports, cultural and civil society organisations and other stakeholders, said the government.

As part of the action plan, a series of dialogues will be held with the aim of increasing discussion on racism and its impacts among the entire population.

Regional Advisory Boards for Ethnic Relations (ETNOs) will expand their dialogue activities on racism experienced by children and young people and will organise events for decision-makers across Finland to highlight young people’s experiences.

As one measure in the action plan, the Government will launch an equality and non-discrimination programme covering the entire education system that will support and monitor the drafting of statutory equality and non-discrimination plans and ensure they are effective.

A regional pilot project will also be implemented as part of the action plan to support highly educated immigrants in accessing work placement opportunities and jobs corresponding to their competence and in advancing their career paths.

The Government will conduct an annual review of the decisions, conclusions and recommendations issued to Finland by international human rights monitoring bodies. Training on various themes related to equality will be provided to the Government’s political leadership and senior public officials. Training on diversity and anonymous recruitment will also be provided to human resources management and experts as part of the action plan.