Finland
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Anti-discrimination Legislation & Implementation
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Is racial discrimination defined in national law?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Constitution of Finland contains a specific general provision against discrimination, defining it as differential treatment of someone without an acceptable reason on a prohibited ground of discrimination. The Constitution provides: "Everyone is equal before the law. No one shall, without an acceptable reason, be treated differently from other persons on the ground of sex, age, origin, language, religion, conviction, opinion, health, disability or other reason that concerns his or her person."
The provision is in conformity with art. 1.1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf
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Is there a definition of discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin and/or religion in national law in conformity with the EU Directives?
Yes, national law is in confirmity with the directives with regards to definition of discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin and/or religion.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 6:1) defines direct discrimination as "the treatment of a person less favourably than the way another person is treated, has been treated or would be treated in a comparable situation" (Non-Discrimination Act, Section 6:1).
Indirect discrimination means "that an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice puts a person at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons, unless said provision, criterion or practice has an acceptable aim and the means used are appropriate and necessary for achieving this aim." (Section 6:2).
Harrassment is defined as "the deliberate or de facto infringement of the dignity and integrity of a person orgroup of people by the creation of a intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment." (Section 6:3).
The Non-Discrimination Act also defines an instruction or order to discriminate as discrimination (Section 6:4)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040021.pdf
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Does the national law cover all grounds of discrimination as in the International Conventions and EU law or additional discrimination grounds?
Yes, the national law covers also additional grounds.
Qualitative Info
The Constitution of Finland (Section 6) covers discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, origin, language, religion, conviction, opinion, health, disability or other reason that concerns his or her person.
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 6) covers discrimination on the grounds of age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, health, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.
The Criminal Code provision on discrimination (Section 10:11) covers discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, language, sex, age, family ties, sexual preference, state of health, religion, political orientation, political or
industrial activity or another comparable circumstance,The Criminal Code provision on work discrimination (Section 47:3) and extortionate work discrimination (47:3a) covers discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, nationality, colour, language, sex, age, family status, sexual preference or state of health, religion, political opinion, political or industrial activity or a comparable circumstance.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1889/en18890039.pdf
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Does nationality, citizenship serve as a ground for discrimination in access to public goods and services, employment and/or deprivation of economic and social rights?
Yes, the national law prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality and/or citizenship in access to public goods and services, employment and education.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act provides protection universally for all people under the jurisdiction of Finland, irrespective of nationality, residence or any other such status. The act goes beyond the Directives in that it prohibits discrimination also on the grounds of national origin and nationality, albeit only in the fields of employment and education. The material scope of the act is limited in that it does not apply to the application of provisions governing entry into and residence in the country by foreigners (i.e. those without Finnish citizenship), or the placing of foreigners in a different position for a reason deriving from their legal status under the law. Such a status may also include the type of residence permit.
The Criminal Code provision on discrimination (Section 11:10) prohibts discrimination in access to public goods and services on the grounds nationality.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2009-FI-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf
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Does statelessness serve as a ground for discrimination in access to public goods and services and/or deprivation of economic and social rights?
Yes, there are grounds to believe that statelessness serves as a ground for discrimination in access to public goods and services.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act does not explicitly address stateless status as a possible ground of discrimination, but statelessness is generally treated as equivalent to nationality in the Finnish legal system. For instance, a stateless person is under the Aliens Act (301/2004) considered to be an ‘alien’ ( i.e. a citizen of a foreign country) for the purposes of that act. For this reason it is fairly clear that discrimination on the grounds of stateless status would be considered to constitute discrimination on the grounds of nationality.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2009-FI-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf
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Discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin and/or religion is prohibited in all the areas provided for by the EU Directives?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In Finland, the Racial Equality Directive 2000/43/EC and the Employment Equality Directive 2000/78/EC were transposed through the adoption of one new act, namely the Non-Discrimination Act. The act prohibits discrimination based on ethnic origin concerning: 1) social welfare and health care services; 2) social security benefits or other forms of support, rebate or advantage granted on social grounds; 3) the performance of military service, women's voluntary military service or non-military service; or 4) the supply of or access to housing and movable and immovable property and services on offer or available to the general public other than in respect of legal acts falling within the scope of private affairs and family life.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040021.pdf
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Are there specialised bodies/agencies/mechanisms which receive, handle/investigate complaints in discrimination cases?
The Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities and the National Discrimination Tribunal handle discrimination complaints on the grounds of ethnic origin outside employment. The Occupational Safety and Health Authorities handle discrimination complaints on all prohibited gounds in employment.
Qualitative Info
In cases of ethnic discrimination outside employment, the Ombudsman for Minorities: 1) offers guidance and advice, makes recommendations or devises initiatives to ensure discrimination is not continued or repeated; 2) takes measures to achieve reconciliation between the parties involved; 3) requests the authority or entrepreneur suspected of discrimination to provide clarification of the matter; 4) can impose a penalty payment if the authority or person suspected of discrimination does not provide clarification; and 5) can take the case to the National Discrimination Tribunal of Finland.
The National Discrimination Tribunal of Finland is an independent organ promoting legal protection. A decision by the tribunal has the same legal effect as a judgement by a general court of law. The tribunal may examine cases of discrimination based on ethnic origin, except those involving supervision of the prohibition of discrimination in employment and public service. It may confirm conciliated settlements between parties or prohibit any continued or repeated behaviour that infringes the prohibition of discrimination or reprisals. The Tribunal may also impose conditional fines to enforce compliance with its decisions, and order a payment of these fines. A court of law, the Ombudsman for Minorities, other public authorities or voluntary associations may request the opinion of the tribunal on the application of the Non-Discrimination Act to any matter of ethnic discrimination. The Tribunal does not have the authority to revise the decisions of other public authorities.
Discrimination in employment and public service – including recruitment, working conditions, terms of employment, traineeships and career advancement – is supervised by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority. It may receive communications from employees, and carry out on-site inspections in the private sector, and if it considers that there are probable grounds to suspect that discrimination, as defined in the Criminal Code, has taken place, it must report the case to a public prosecutor. In case there are probable grounds to suspect that discrimination, as defined in the Non-Discrimination Act, has taken place, it will issue guidance to the employer and advice the victim of his options.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Nationalism
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url www.ofm.fi / www.syrjintalautakunta.fi / www.tyosuojelu.fi
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Are there mechanisms in place to collect data on racial discrimination in line with data protection legislation as an effective means of, monitoring and reviewing policies and practices to combat racial discrimination and promote racial equality?
Yes, there are mechanisms in place to collect data on racial discrimination.
Qualitative Info
The core mechanisms of data collection are the incidents and cases of racial discrimination reported to the Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities and to the National Discrimination Tribunal of Finland. The data is published in their respective annual reports. In addition, data on racial discrimination is collected by the police and published in the annual reports on hate crime.
The Occupational Safety and Health Authorities do not collect data on reported incidents and cases of discrimination.
The Discrimination Monitoring Group, set-up by the Ministry of the Interior, is responsible for 1) implementation and coordination of the national discrimination monitoring system; 2) determining, defining and commissioning discrimination research annually; 3) collecting data on the situation of migrants and minorities with regards to discrimination and maintaining a website for dissemination of data; 4) improving data collection and research on discrimination in cooperation with research institutes and various organisations; and 5) informing and training different actors on discrimination issues, providing guidance for development of discrimination monitoring.
The group consists of representatives of various official agencies, research institutes, NGOs and equality, gender equality and self-governing bodies.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi/welcome_to_equality_fi/
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Does legislation provide for the possibility of adopting special/positive measures prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to racial or ethnic origin in order to ensure full equality in practice?
Yes, the national law provides for the possibility of adopting positive measures.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 7) provides as follows: "This Act does not prevent specific measures aimed at the achievement of genuine equality in order to prevent or reduce the disadvantages caused by the types of discrimination referred to in section 6 (1). Positive discrimination must be appropriate to its objective."
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040021.pdf
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Are special/positive measures for securing advancement and protection of certain racial or ethnic groups widely adopted and implemented?
No, positive measures are not widely adopted or implemented.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 4) provides for authorities' duty to foster equality. Authorties have a duty to purposefully and methodically foster equality and consolidate administrative and operational practices that will ensure the fostering of equality in preparatory work and decision-making. In particular, the authorities shall alter any circumstances that prevent the realization of equality. For this purpose, each authority is required to draw up a plan for the fostering of ethnic equality (equality plan), which must be as extensive as required by the nature of the work of the authority.
Section 7 of the Non-Discrimination Act provides that any procedure based on an equality plan, and intended to implement the intention of this Act in practice is not considered discrimination. Accordingly, the authorities are well positioned to adopt and implement positive measures for securing advancement and protection of ethnic groups. However, only a few have done so.
The Ministry of the Interior has set a positive example in its own equality plan. The Ministry's human resources strategy includes a commitment to positive measures in recruiting migrant employees and disabled people.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.intermin.fi/intermin/biblio.nsf/E423E4FEEE788056C22575370045D11B/$file/372008.pdf
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Is the State or are state representatives reported to engage in discriminatory acts or practices by independent authoritative sources?
Yes, there are few.
Qualitative Info
In 2009-2011, the European Court of Human Rights did not issue any judgements on Finland pertaining to discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or racial or ethnic origin.
In 2009-2012 the Parliamentary Ombudsman, which exercise oversight to ensure that public authorities and officials observe the law and fulfil their duties in the discharge of their functions, did not issue any reprimands concerning discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or racial or ethnic origin.
The Chancellor of Justice, which supervises the lawfulness of the actions of Government Ministers and public officials, as well as monitors the implementation of basic rights and liberties and human rights, issued altogether two decisions during that period.
In one case, a civil servant of Occupational Safety and Health Authority had decided that discrimination on the ground of an employee's industrial activity does not constitute discrimination as prohibited in the Non-Discrimination Act. In a decision issued on 30.09.2009, the Chancellor of Justice notified the Occupational Safety and Health Authorities of the correct interpretation of the Non-Discrimination Act. The Chancellor of Justice pointed out that the list of prohibited grounds in the Non-Discrimination Act also contains the notion of "other comparable reason", which is to be interpreted in the light of the Constitution of Finland and the EU race and employment equality directives. Accordingly, the Chancellor of Justice decided that industrial activity constitutes a prohibited ground of discrimination. (OKV/1233/1/2007).
In another case, a city had placed a job advertisement seeking for an employee who was a resident of the municipality. In a decision issued on 01.07.2009, the Chancellor of Justice informed the city council that the advertisement infringed the prohibition of discrimination as provided in the Non-Discrimination Act and in the Constitution of Finland. (OKV/250/1/2007).
Groups affected/interested
- Majority
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/fi/viranomaiset/foka/
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Is legal support for victims available from public agencies/bodies? Is there access for victims to assistance and justice?
Yes, legal support is available.
Qualitative Info
Legal support is best available for victims of ethnic discrimination, since they can contact the Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities. The Ombudsman for Minorities offers advice, guidance and takes action when necessary. He/she may assist in filing a complaint to the National Discrimination Tribunal, help to seek legal aid from public legal aid offices and private lawyers. As a rule, the Office of the Ombudsman for Minoritites does not give any legal aid, but in an exceptional case he/she may aid a customer subjected to discrimination in court. This requires that the case is of great importance from the viewpoint of preventing ethnic discrimination.
All victims of discrimination and work discrimination may report the case to the police for investigation. Discrimination and work discrimination are offences subject to public prosecution, and the victim is entitled to legal aid for court proceedings from the public legal aid office. In addition, all victims of discrimination, may contact the public legal aid offices for advice and support.
In employment discrimination, the victims may also contact the Occupational Safety and Health Authorities for support and advice. If the Occupational Safety and Health Authorities consider that there are propable grounds to suspect that work descrimination, as defined in the Criminal Code, has taken place, they must report it to the public prosecutor for consideration of charges. In cases where there are grounds to suspect that work discrimination, as defined in the Non-Discrimination Act, has taken place, the Occupational Safety and Health Authorities will advice the victim how to initiate civil proceedings and obtain legal aid.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url www.ofm.fi / www.syrjintalautakunta.fi / www.tyosuojelu.fi
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Does the law foresee the shift of the burden of proof in civil / administrative procedures? Are there problems of implementation reported by independent authoritative sources?
Yes, national law contains a provision on reversed burden of proof. The problems have most to do with the lack of cases in courts.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 17) provides: "During the hearing of a case as referred to in this Act, when a person who considers himself to have been a victim of discrimination as referred to in section 6 establishes before a court of law or other competent authority information from which it may be presumed that the prohibition of discrimination has been infringed, the defendant must demonstrate that the prohibition has not been infringed. This provision does not apply to criminal cases."
No assessment of implementation regarding the reversed burden of proof has been carried out. One problem is that the number of discrimination cases handled in courts and by the National Discrimination Tribunal of Finland is low.
In 2007, in its third report on Finland, ECRI noted that the provisions establishing a shared burden of proof, coupled with the availability of accessible avenues for redress represented by the Ombudsman for Minorities and the National Discrimination Tribunal of Finland, have resulted in better access to justice for victims of discrimination. However, although information is available on the cases of discrimination dealt with by these institutions, there is no comprehensive picture is available at present on the overall implementation of the Non-Discrimination Act, including for instance, the extent to which claims for compensation have been filed with and awarded by the courts and the number of cases dealt with by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority under the non-Discrimination.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://hudoc.ecri.coe.int/XMLEcri/ENGLISH/Cycle_03/03_CbC_eng/FIN-CbC-III-2007-23-ENG.pdf
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Can associations, organisations or other legal entities, who have a legitimate interest, engage, either on behalf or in support of the complainant, with his or her approval, in any judicial and/or administrative procedure concerning discrimination?
No, associations, organisations and other legal entities have a limited role.
Qualitative Info
Associations or organisations working for the benefit of victims do not have any major role in judicial or administrative procedures. They have a general right to request a statement on the interpretation of the Non-Discrimination Act from the Discrimination Tribunal in matters pertaining to ethnic discrimination. They do not have the right to take a case to court or to the Tribunal, not even with the consent of the complainant. Furthermore, they cannot become third parties to such proceedings. This state of affairs arises from the national legislation on rules of procedure. However, the rules allow any lawyer to represent a claimant with his/her approval, and to provide assistance, such as legal advice. Accordingly, lawyers working for an organisation or association may represent a claimant under general rules of representation and procedure.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.migpolgroup.com/public/docs/196.2010_FINLAND_Countryreportonmeasurestocombatdiscrimination_EN.pdf
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Is class action or actio popularis possible? (court claims or action in the name of a group)
No, class action is not possible in discrimination cases.
Qualitative Info
The Act on Class Action applies only to the hearing of a civil case between a consumer and a business as a class action.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Nationalism
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
External Url http://www.migpolgroup.com/public/docs/196.2010_FINLAND_Countryreportonmeasurestocombatdiscrimination_EN.pdf
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Are sanctions foreseen/provided by anti-discrimination legislation?
Yes, the national anti-discrimination legislation provides for sanctions.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 13) provides that the Discrimination Tribunal of Finland may prohibit the continuation or repeat of discriminatory conduct and impose a conditional fine to enforce the decision. Section 9 provides that genral courts may order a maximum of 15.000 euro in compensation for the victim of discrimination.
The Criminal Code provides that discrimination and work discrimination offences are punishable with a fine or imprisonment for at most six months. Extortionate work discrimination is punishable with a fine or imprisonment for at most two years.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
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Is there provision within anti-discrimination legislation/practice forfinancial compensation/restitution of rights and are these applied in practice?
Yes, there is a provison on compensation in the Non-Discrimination Act.
Qualitative Info
The Non-Discrimination Act (Section 9) provides that genral courts may order a maximum of 15.000 euro in compensation for the victim of discrimination. In addition, payment does not preclude an injured party claiming damages under the Tort Liability Act or other legislation. For example, a victim of work discrimination may also claim damages for wrongful termination of his/her employment contract under the Employments Contract Act.
During 2009-2011, there have been a few cases in which the court has ordered compensation for the victim of discrimination. The amount of compensation in both discrimination in employment and provision of services ranges between 5000 to 10000 euro. (Source: forthcoming publication by Finnish League for Human Rights).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040021.pdf
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Are there any problems concerning the implementation of national legislation prohibiting discrimination?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
There are surprisingly few current references to problems in the implementation of national legislation prohibiting discrimination in authoritative sources. The most significant are the following:
In 2007, in its second report on Finland, ECRI recommended that Finland improve the implementation of existing civil and administrative law provisions, especially as concerns employment and public authorities' compliance with their duty to promote equality.
In its concluding observations, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recommends intensification of efforts to combat discrimination against persons of foreign origin. In particular, Finland should further improve the effectiveness of its legislation and policies aimed at eliminating discrimination in the labour market and improve employment opportunities for persons with immigrant backgrounds. In addition, the Committee recommends that Finland ensures compliance with the law against discrimination in the allocation of housing.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://hudoc.ecri.coe.int/XMLEcri/ENGLISH/Cycle_03/03_CbC_eng/FIN-CbC-III-2007-23-ENG.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history - Has there been a thorough evaluation/assessment of the effectiveness of the national implementation of EU Anti-discrimination Directives?
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Is racial discrimination defined in national law?
-
Policing - Law Enforcement - Justice
-
Is there evidence or indication that the police force engages in ethnic profiling?
No, there is no evidence of ethnic profiling.
Qualitative Info
N/A
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of significant disparities between the number of racist incidents and crimes reported and the numbers of racist incidents and crimes recorded by police authorities?
No, there are no evidence of these issues.
Qualitative Info
N/A
See other countriesSee indicator history - Is there evidence that areas containing significant numbers migrants and minorities are policed in different ways than others?
-
Do migrants/minorities face disproportionate problems in accessing justice?
No.
Qualitative Info
There is no evidence on migrants/minorities facing disporportionate problems in accessing justice in Finland.
However, the situation is better for those groups of people who can turn to the Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities for assistance than for members of sexual minorities and disabled people who do not have their own ombudsman institution.
There is no evidence that the legal aid system would be biased towards minorities/migrants.
The criminal justice system does not provide such disaggegated data that would allow an analysis of differential sentencing.
- Is there evidence of differential sentencing?
-
Is there evidence or indication that the police force engages in ethnic profiling?
-
Employment
-
Differential unemployment levels/rates of migrants?
Yes, migrants have differential unemployment rates from the majority population.
Qualitative Info
According to Eurostat, the unemployment rates of foreigners was 17.1 per cent in 2010. In 2009-2008, the figures were 15.4 per cent and 12.9 per cent respectively. (See: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/setupModifyTableLayout.do).
The unemployment rate of the total population was 8.4 per cent in 2010. In 2009-2008, the figures were 8.2 per cent and 6.4 per cent respectively. (See: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=une_rt_a&lang=en).
The employment rate of foreigners was 60.5 per cent in 2010. In 2009-2008, the figures were 63.8 per cent and 65.4 per cent respectively. (See: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/setupModifyTableLayout.do)
The employment rate of the majority population was 68.5 per cent in 2010. In 2009-2008, the figures were 68.9 per cent and 71.3 per cent respectively. (See: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/setupModifyTableLayout.do)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/employment_unemployment_lfs/data/database
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Differential unemployment levels/rates of minorities?
No data available.
Qualitative Info
Data protection legislation prohibits the registration of sensitive personal data. Personal Data Act (Section 11) provides that personal data is deemed to be sensitive, if they inter alia relate or are intended to relate to: a) race or ethnic origin; b) the social, political or religious affiliation or trade-union membership of a person; c) the state of health, illness or handicap of a person or the treatment or other comparable measures directed at the person; d) the sexual preferences or sex life of a person.
Groups affected/interested
- Religious minorities
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990523.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history - Differential pay rates?
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Legal restrictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of migrants regarding membership of and participation in trade unions
No, there are no legal restrictions or practices excluding migrants from membership of and participation in trade unions.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
-
Legal obstacles to access employment in the public sector under equal conditions for migrants
Yes, there are a few.
Qualitative Info
The State Civil Servants Act provides that certain high positions are only available for Finnish citizens, including, for example, the posts of the Chancellor of Justice, Parliamentary Ombudsman and post of a judge.
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1994/19940750
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Legal restrictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of minorities regarding membership of and participation in trade unions
No, there is no evidence of legal restrictions or practices excluding minorties from membership of and participation in trade unions.
Qualitative Info
N/A
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there examples of good practices and positive initiatives against discrimination/racism at the workplace?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Since 2008, the Ministry of the Interior has coordinated the AFRO Project, the aim of which is to improve the representation of third country nationals’ in public administration positions. The project aims: a) to improve the prerequisites of third country nationals to seek positions within public administration; b) to test and model suitable positive measures for this purpose; c) to influence a change in stereotypical attitudes towards third country nationals; and d) to cooperate with actors such as businesses, social partners, immigrant associations and different ministries. In 2011 the project has focused on improving the recruitment possibilities of third country nationals to the police and rescue services through by first helping them to find employment in private security companies. The project will also produce a guide for employers. The third country nationals eligible for the AFRO project need to have a university degree.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.intermin.fi/intermin/home.nsf/wLatest/5B38E33DEF2B6B5EC2257904004D11F5
See other countriesSee indicator history
-
Differential unemployment levels/rates of migrants?
-
Housing & Segregation
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Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between migrant groups and the majority population?
No significant levels of segregation, but evidence of increased ethnic segregation in Helsinki Metropolitan Area..
Qualitative Info
There is a scarcity of data regarding secregation levels in FInnish cities. Helsinki is the only city collecting the data.
In 1 January 2011, the highest concentration of migrants was in Eastern Helsinki. Altogether 17 per cent of the population in Eastern Helsinki spoke other than Finnish, Swedish or Sámi as a native tongue. The second highest concentration of migrants was in North-Eastern Helsinki, where 11 per cent of the population spoke other than FInnish, Swedish or Sámi as a native tongue. In all other regions of Helsinki, the concentration level was below ten per cent.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.hel2.fi/tietokeskus/julkaisut/pdf/11_12_15_Tilastoja_41_Ranto.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history - What is the ethnic origin of the highly segregated migrant group?
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Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between minority groups and the majority population?
Data not available.
Qualitative Info
Data protection legislation prohibits the registration of sensitive personal data. Personal Data Act (Section 11) provides that personal data is deemed to be sensitive, if they inter alia relate or are intended to relate to: a) race or ethnic origin; b) the social, political or religious affiliation or trade-union membership of a person; c) the state of health, illness or handicap of a person or the treatment or other comparable measures directed at the person; d) the sexual preferences or sex life of a person.
See other countriesSee indicator history - What is the ethnic origin of the highly segregated minority group?
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Is there evidence of majority driven segregation ("white flight" phenomenon)?
Yes, there is evidence of this phenomenon in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.
Qualitative Info
A doctoral thesis examining segregation in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area found that there exists selective migration processes, which have resulted in the development of ethnic residential segregation. Migration flows of the native population have gravitated towards neighbourhoods, where the concentration of migrants is below the Helsinki Metropolitan Area average. This has resulted in significant migration losses for neighbourhoods with established and developing concentrations of immigrants. Meanwhile, migration of immigrants has been drawn to neighbourhoods where the concentration of migrants is above the Helsinki Metropolitan Area average. However, the results also point to clear differences in the migration and spatial patterns of different immigrant groups: The spatial selectivity of migration is more prominent amongst the native population than when compared with immigrants. (Source: K. Vilkama, Yhteinen kaupunki, eriytyvät kaupunginosat? : Kantaväestön ja maahanmuuttajataustaisten asukkaiden alueellinen eriytyminen ja muuttoliike pääkaupunkiseudulla, Helsingin kaupunki, Tietokeskus, Tutkimuksia 2011:2)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/28183/yhteinen.pdf?sequence=1
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of denial of housing/housing rights for certain ethnic groups?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Roma from other EU member states exercising their right to move and reside freely in another member state for up to three months are as a rule not provided housing by the munifipal authorities in Finland. Only in acute cases and when minors are invoved temporary emergency accommodation may be arranged.A report on homelessness published by the Housing Finance and Development Centre discloses that homelessness among immigrants has increased although the total number of homeless has reduced significantly in 2000-2010. In 2010, about 9 per cent of single homeless persons were immigrants, while over 40 per cent of all homeless families were immigrants
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
- Is there evidence that migrant/minority groups face especially serious problems in accessing housing of an acceptable quality?
- Migrant or minority group which faces especially serious problems in accessing housing of an acceptable quality?
-
Is there evidence of particular difficulties faced by migrant/minority groups in purchasing or renting property of their choice?
Yes, there is evidence of Roma facing difficulties in rental housing market.
Qualitative Info
Customer contacts from Roma to the Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities typically concern problems in the housing market, including both the private and public housing market.
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
-
Affected group with particular difficulties in purchasing or renting property of own choice
Roma are the group facing most difficulties in purchasing or renting property of own choice.
Qualitative Info
Customer contacts from Roma to the Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities typically concern problems in the housing market, including both the private and public housing market.
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
-
Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between migrant groups and the majority population?
-
Education
- Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for certain minorities?
-
Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for migrants?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Enrollment to primary education is not an issue in Finland, since according to the statistics of the National Board for Education, altogether 99.6 per cent of all 7-16 year-olds participated in primary education both in 2010. The percentage was the same in 2009. No data disaggregated by nationality or native tongue is available on enrollment rates.
One significant obstacle is faced by asylum seeker children held in detention. They are not able to participate in schooling while in detention.
In addition, children of irregular migrants, in particular Roma from other EU member states, excercising their right to free movement, face obstacles in accessing the schooling system, since access to social services, education, health and employment benefits are residence-based. If a migrant resides in Finland legally, he/she normally has a municipality of residence. Irregular migrants such as Roma from other EU member states, exercising their right to free movement, are excluded from access to aforementioned services, since they do not have a municipality of residence. Accordingly, Roma children from other EU member states are not entitled to education.
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- Asylum seekers
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url https://www.data.oph.fi/wera/wera
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Poorer educational performance by certain groups?
Yes, migrant pupils have poorer educational performance than the majority population.
Qualitative Info
According to a study carried out by the National Board for Education, the average educational performance of migrant pupils (i.e. native tongue other than Finnish or Swedish) are poorer than of pupils whose native tongue is Finnish or Swedish. The study was published in 2008.
A Eurostat study discloses that the share of low achieving 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science among the majority population is 8 per cent. The corresponding share among the foreign-born pupils 26 per cent.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
-
Problems with educational attainement by certain groups (drop out - fragmentation of educational experience)?
Yes, migrant groups have lower educational attainment than members of the majority population.
Qualitative Info
According to a study by the National Board for Education, approximately the same share of migrant pupils (i.e. native tongue other than Finnish or Swedish) and majority pupils continue to vocational secondary education upon completion of compulsory education. However, significantly smaller share of migrant pupils continue to upper secondary education and a significantly higher share of them do not continue at all in secondary education.
The study was published in 2008.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url www.oph.fi/download/46518_maahanmuuttajaoppilaat_ja_koulutus.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there positive initiatives to improve/support poor educational provision for migrant and minority groups?
Yes, there are positive elements in Finnish educational system that aim to support migrant and minority groups.
Qualitative Info
Immigrant children of compulsory school age and pre-school age are as a rule offered instruction preparing them for basic education. The objective is to support the pupils’ balanced development and integration into Finnish society and to give them the necessary skills to enable them to attend basic education. Immigrant pupils typically attend instruction preparing them for basic education for 6 to 18 months before transferring to a mainstream class. Furthermore, all education takes into consideration the fact that pupils are different in terms of their learning capabilities and background. In case a pupil has learning difficulties, he/she is entitled to special education.
Religious education is provided in accordance with pupils own religion upon request from their parents, if there are more than three pupils of the same religion in class.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.oph.fi/download/131649_VALMIS_Koulutuksen_maaralliset_indikaattorit_2010.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Victimisation in schools (bullying/harassment/racist violence) ?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
A study on experiences of discrimination by children and the youth found that 34 % of respondents (n=337) have sometimes experienced some form of discrimination. The respondents (10–17-year-olds) were asked whether they have sometimes or often experienced name-calling, exclusion, unfriendly treatment, prejudice, violence or threats. Altogether 38 % of the respondents belonging to a minority group (n=148), including sexual minorities and disabled, had experienced some form of discrimination.
Most typically experiences of discrimination took place in school.
Groups affected/interested
- Ethnic minorities
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
-
Provision of option to learn mother language other than the majority's
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Basic Education Act provides that pupils are taught Finnish, Swedish, Sámi, Roma, sign language or some other language which is the pupils' native tongue. Furthermore, the language of instruction in schools is Finnish, Swedish, Sámi, Roma or sign language.
Pupils whose native tongue is other Finnish, Swedish, Sámi, Roma or sign language study this language in mother tongue lessons and Finnish or Swedish in second mother tongue lessons.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1998/en19980628.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Evidence of school segregation and/or policies of separate/distinct schooling of migrants
No.
Qualitative Info
The school network is regionally extensive and schools do not select their pupils. Every pupil is entitled to attend the school of his/her own school district.
See other countriesSee indicator history - Evidence of school segregation and/or policies of separate/distinct schooling of minorities
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Health And Social Protection
- Is there evidence of increased morbidity rates for minority and migrant groups?
- Is there evidence of increased mortality rates for minority and migrant groups?
- Is there evidence of forced heatlhcare/intervention practices to minorities?
- Specific health issues such as diseases specific to particular groups
-
Differential access to social protection system and benefits - Do some or more categories of migrants minorities or stateless/non-citizens face limitations and restrictions?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In Finland, access to all social services such as health care, education and employment benefits are residence-based. If a migrant resides in Finland legally, he/she normally has a municipality of residence. Irregular migrants are most affected by this, since they do not have a municipality of residence in Finland and are thereby excluded from access to aforementioned services.
In addition, tertiary level students (migrants and majority alike) may not use municipal health care services, but their health care is organised by the educational institution.
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
-
Do migrants have a higher risk of poverty than the rest of the population?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The median income of foreign-born population aged 20-64 is 77 % of the median disposable income of the total population in this age group.
The median income of third country nationals in the prime working ages of 25-54 is 71 % of the median disposable income of the total population in this age group
The proportion of foreign-born persons aged 20-64 at risk of poverty or social exclusion is 15 percentage points higher than the proportion for the total population in this age group.
The proportion of third country nationals aged 20-64 at risk of poverty or social exclusion is 24 percentage points higher than the proportion for the total population in this age group.
The proportion of foreign born persons aged 20-64 at risk of poverty after social transfers is 15 percentage points higher than the proportion for the total population in this age group. The proportion of third country nationals aged 20-64 at risk of poverty after social transfers is 23 percentage points higher than the proportion for the total population in this age group.
(Source: Eurostat, Indicators of Immigrant Integration – A Pilot Study, Methodologies and working papers , 2011 Edition)
The at-risk-of-poverty rate of non-EU population is almost 50 % higher than among other sections of the society. The at-risk-of-poverty rate of non-EU migrants is three times higher than the rate for local population.
Altogether 66 % of the children born outside the EU live in households with incomes below the poverty threshold. Non-EU migrant children have a risk of poverty risk six times higher than local children.
Altogether 62 % of non-EU migrants who live in a one person household live on income below the poverty threshold.
(Source: European Commission, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Detailed analysis of the relative position of migrants, Research Note 1/2010.)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Health and social protection
- Is there evidence that migrant or minority women are particularly vulnerable in accessing and receiving effective health care services?
-
Are there policies and/or good practices accomodating culture/ traditions' respect in health care
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Act on the Status and Rights of Patients provides that the patient has a right to good quality health and medical care and he/she is to be treated so that his/her human dignity is not violated and that his/her conviction and privacy is respected. Furthermore, patient's mother tongue, individual needs and culture of the patient have to be taken into account as far as possible in his/her care and other treatment.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1992/en19920785.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history
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Political & Civic Participation
-
Outreach - encourage participation - Practical obstacles or problems for migrants in exercising their right to vote
Yes.
Qualitative Info
A lack of language skills can make it difficult to follow politics and societal issues. Poor integration inhibits socialisation to the society and can affect voting activity. In addition, migrants may not be aware of their right to vote.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Political participation
-
Outreach - encourage participation - Practical obstacles or problems for migrants in exercising their right to vote
-
Public Life, Culture, Sport & Media
-
Is self-identification of individuals/groups a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government?
Yes, for the Sámi, with the requirement that certain other conditions specified in legislation are also met.
Qualitative Info
According to the Act on the Sami Parliament, Sámi means a person who considers him-/herself a Sámi, provided that: (1) he/she him-/herself or at least one of his/her parents or grandparents has learnt Sámi as his/her first language; (2) he/she is a descendent of a person who has been entered in a land, taxation or population register as a mountain, forest or fishing Lapp; or (3) at least one of his/her parents has or could have been registered as an elector for an election to the Sámi Delegation or the Sámi Parliament.
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Political participation
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1995/en19950974.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Association: are there restrictions of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for migrants
No.
Qualitative Info
The Constitution of Finland, the Assembly Act and the Associations Act provide that all people have equal rights to peaceful assembly and associations. However, according to the Associations Act, the chairperson of a registered association must be a permanent resident of Finland, unless allowed specific exemption from this requirement.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Integration - social cohesion
-
Association: are there restrictions of the of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for minorities
No.
Qualitative Info
The Constitution of Finland, the Assembly Act and the Associations Act provide that all people have equal rights to peaceful assembly and associations
Groups affected/interested
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Integration - social cohesion
-
Religion: Persons belonging to minorities face legal and practical obstacles in exercising or manifesting their religion or belief?
No.
Qualitative Info
Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Constitution of Finland and in the Freedom of Religion Act.
Groups affected/interested
- Religious minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Religion
-
Media: Are there positive measures for promoting or restrictions for Migrant and minority media?
Yes, there are positive measures for migrant and minority media.
Qualitative Info
The Ministry of Education and Culture allocates grants to cultural magazines each year. In 2010, the allocation for this purpose was 1070000 euro, of which some go to minority and migrant media support. Otherwise migrant and minority media operate on private funding. The Ministry of Education and Culture subsideses inter alia the following: Romano Boodos (Romani language magazine), Spektr (Russian language newspaper), Six Degrees (English language) weekly newspaper.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Ethnic minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Daily life
External Url http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Tiedotteet/2011/03/kulttuurilehdet.html?lang=fi&extra_locale=fi
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Media: Are there positive measures for promoting or restrictions for minority and lesser used language in the media?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Act on Yleisradio Oy (i.e. Finnish Broadcasting Company) provides that the company must treat in its broadcasting Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking citizens on equal grounds and produce services in the Sámi, Romani and sign languages, as well as, where applicable, in the languages of other language groups in the country. In addition the company must provide programming for minorities. According to the Act on Yleisradio Oy, the company is to submit every second year to parliament a report on the implementation of the public service in the past two years after having heard the Sámi Parliament.
Groups affected/interested
- Linguistic minorities
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Daily life
External Url http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1993/en19931380.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Sport: Effective participation of migrants in sport
No statistical data available.
Qualitative Info
There are no legal obstacles for migrants in participating in sport. Immigration status is only relevant in professional level and there are no minimum quotas for national or professional athletes in Finland.
According to Finnish Sports Federation (SLU) especially migrant women have a low participation in sports. The causes for low participation include: lack of language skills, knowledge and financial resources. In addition, according to the SLU, there have been a few cases over the past years, where a person has felt having been discriminated against by a sports association on the ground of his/her ethnic background.
External Url http://lts.fi/sites/default/files/page_attachment/lt611_tutkimusartikkelit_63-70_lowres1.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Sport: Effective participation of minorities in sport
No statistical data available.
Qualitative Info
There is no data available regarding the participation of Roma and Sámi in sports.
See other countriesSee indicator history
-
Is self-identification of individuals/groups a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government?