Clear
  • Anti-discrimination Legislation & Implementation
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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/

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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?

      No evaluation has been carried out.

      Qualitative Info

      N/A

      See other countriesSee indicator history
  • Employment
  • Housing & Segregation
    • 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
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Are there positive initiatives with an impact on housing of migrant and minority groups?

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      The Finnish national policy on Roma (ROMPO), developed by a working group including representatives of public authorities, research institutes and Roma, puts forward 10 policy guideline. The guidelines comprise 147 specific measures in total, aimed at the promotion of inclusion and equal treatment of Roma in different areas of life. One policy guideline aims at ensuring the equal treatment and reducing the sense of insecurity of Roma in housing.

       

      On 9 December 2010, the government adopted a decision in principle on policy measures addressing Roma issues, which affirms its commitment to the implementation of ROMPO. According to the decision, the government ministries will implement the measures assigned to them in ROMPO within the framework of appropriations available to them. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health set up a monitoring group to evaluate the implementation of measures. The first monitoring report is submitted in 2013.

       

      In addition, according to the decision, the government will initiate intensified measures to enhance the inclusion of the Roma population at local level and will carry out a study of their housing conditions.

       

      The current government reaffirms the commitment to the Roma policy of the previous government. The government programme states that the implementation of ROMPO will be initiated and specific measures directed at solving inter alia their housing situation.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Roma & Travelers
      • National minorities

      Type (R/D)

      • Anti-roma/ romaphobia

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Housing
      See other countriesSee indicator history
  • Education
    • Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for certain minorities?

      No.

      Qualitative Info

      N /A

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      External Url www.oph.fi/download/46518_maahanmuuttajaoppilaat_ja_koulutus.pdf / http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-11-009/EN/KS-RA-11-009-EN.PDF

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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 modifying school curricula and teaching materials can be modified to reflect the diversity of the school population

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      The Ministry of Education grants state financial aid to municipalities for measures to improve and stabilise the understanding in school communities of the Roma culture and to costs related to such programs. The amount of the available aid in 2008-2009 was EUR 300,000. A total of 14 municipalities received such aid. In 2010-2011, the amount of the aid will be increased to EUR 650,000. More municipalities are encouraged to take advantage, and the existing ones are encouraged to expand their programs. Approximately 75% or all Roma children in compulsory school are included in the scope of these measures. (Source: Implementation of the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights - sixth periodic report by the Government of FInland) 

      Groups affected/interested

      • Roma & Travelers
      • National minorities

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Education

      External Url http://www.formin.fi/Public/default.aspx?contentid=67747

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Are there in schools good practices/positive initiatives and intercultural coexistence plans designed to solve problems of discrimination racism or xenophobia?

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      KiVa is a research-based anti-bullying program that has been developed at the University of Turku.  The effectiveness of KiVa has been shown in a large randomised controlled trial. In Finland, 90 % of all comprehensive schools are implementing the program.

       

      The KiVa program involves both universal and indicated actions to prevent bullying and to tackle cases of bullying coming to attention. The universal actions are targeted at all students in a school. They refer to efforts made to influence the group norms and to build capacity in all children to behave in constructive ways, to take responsibility for not encouraging bullying, and to support the victims.

       

      KiVa has been evaluated in a large randomized controlled trial including 117 intervention schools and 117 control schools. The program has been shown to reduce both self- and peer-reported bullying and victimization significantly. It influences multiple form of victimization, including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying. In addition, positive effects on school liking, academic motivation and achievement have been reported. KiVa also reduces anxiety and depression and has a positive impact on pupils' perception of their peer climate. A remarkable 98 % of victims involved in discussions with the schools’ KiVa teams felt that their situation improved. Finally, Finnish data from more than 1000 schools that started the implementation of KiVa in fall 2009 showed that after the first year of implementation, both victimization and bullying had reduced significantly.

       

      KiVa program won the European Crime Prevention Award in 2009.

      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

      • Education

      External Url http://www.kivakoulu.fi/there-is-no-bullying-in-kiva-school

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Is the teacher regular curricula/training dealing with specific reference to immigrants or ethnic minorities and respect/promotion of diversity?

      No.

      Qualitative Info

      All teacher education is provided in universities. Universities are independent and thereby decide themselves the content of teacher education. Some education departments offer voluntary courses on these issues, but none of them are compulsory components of teacher training.

      See other countriesSee indicator history
  • Health And Social Protection
    • Is there evidence of increased morbidity rates for minority and migrant groups?

      No.

      Qualitative Info

      N/A

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Specific health issues such as diseases specific to particular groups

      No.

      Qualitative Info

      N/A

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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

      External Url http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-11-009/EN/KS-RA-11-009-EN.PDF ; http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6722&langId=en

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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
  • Political & Civic Participation
    • Migrants' political rights - right to vote to national/local elections

      Yes, migrants have a right to vote in municipal elections, but not in national elections.

      Qualitative Info

      Migrants aged 18 who have been domiciled in Finland for at least two years have the right to vote in municipal elections and municipal referendums.

       

      Only citizens aged 18 have the right to vote in national elections and referendums.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Political participation

      External Url http://www.vaalit.fi/53561.htm

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • 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
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Migrants have the right to stand for elections at local/national level?

      Yes, migrants have the right to stand for elections at local level, but not at national level.

      Qualitative Info

      In national elections, candidates must be Finnish citizens, but migrants have the right to stand for election in local elections. There is no requirement of minimum years of residence in the country in order to stand for election.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Political participation

      External Url http://www.vaalit.fi/53561.htm

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Minority members have certain rights to self-government?

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      The Sámi Parliament is a cultural self-government body of the Sámi. The Constitution of Finland provides that the Sámi have linguistic and cultural self government in their native region. The parliament was established under the Act on the Sámi Parliament and the Decree on the Sámi Parliament.

       

      The Sámi Parliament's (Sámediggi) main purpose is to plan and implement the cultural self-government guaranteed to the Sámi as an indigenous people. The Sámi Delegation was a predecessor to the Sámi Parliament. It operated from 1973-1995.The Sámi Parliament is an independent legal entity of public law which, due to its self-governmental nature, is not a part of the public administration. The Sámi Parliament functions under the administrative sector of the Ministry of Justice. The Sámi Parliament can make initiatives, proposals and statements to the authorities.The members of the parliament are elected from among the Sámi every four years. The Sámi Parliament expresses an official view of the Sámi in Finland on issues concerning them. The operation of the Sámi Parliament is funded by the state.

      Groups affected/interested

      • National minorities

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Political participation

      External Url http://www.samediggi.fi/

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Are migrants' representatives engaged in any formal consultation with public authorities?

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      Migrants's representatives are engaged in formal consultation through national and local advisory boards. The advisory boards are: the Advisory Board on Romani Affairs (RONK), the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) and the Advisory Board for Minority Issues (VÄNE). In addition, there are four regional Advisory Boards on Romani Affairs and International Human Rights Advisory Board (IONK), an expert body appointed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Political participation

      External Url www.intermin.fi/intermin/home.nsf/pages/A6DAD54E3A9379A2C22573B50030FDAA?opendocument / www.ofm.fi/intermin/vvt/home.nsf/pages/5C8E65B085FA04BAC22573A20031AA43?opendocument / www.stm.fi/stm/neuvottelukunnat/ronk/etusivu

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Are there migrants' consultative/advisory/representative bodies established by law?

      Yes.

      Qualitative Info

      The Advisory Board on Romani Affairs (RONK), the Advisory Board for Ethinc Relations (ETNO) and the Advisory Board for Minority Issues (VÄNE) are set up by a government decree.

       

       

       

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Political participation

      External Url http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2003/20031019 / http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2011/20110298 / http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2001/20010687

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Public administration (including judiciary and executive) reflects the ethnic diversity of society?

      No.

      Qualitative Info

      There are no figures available on this issues, but the state of affairs is such that public administration does not reflect the ethnic diversity of the society.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants
      • Refugees
      • Roma & Travelers
      • Muslims
      • Ethnic minorities
      • Religious minorities
      • Linguistic minorities
      • Asylum seekers
      • Africans/black people
      • National minorities
      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • Is there automatic citizenship acquisition by birth for migrant children born in the country?

      Yes, but with certain requirements.

      Qualitative Info

      Finnish citizenship can be based on the citizenship of a parent or adoptive parent (parentage principle), birth in Finland (birthplace principle), the parents’ marriage (legitimation), application (naturalisation) or declaration. A child of foreign parentage who is born in Finland will obtain Finnish citizenship, if he/she does not automatically obtain his/her parents’ citizenship. If the child obtains his/her parents’ citizenship automatically or is entitled to obtain it (e.g. upon registration of the birth, after establishment of paternity or by declaration), the child does not obtain Finnish citizenship at birth. A child born in Finland will automatically obtain Finnish citizenship, if there is no information on the citizenship of its parents or of their statelessness.

       

      A requirement for citizenship ist that one lives in Finland and that you have done so for a sufficient length of time. Period of residence is of sufficient length, if one has lived in Finland: a) for at least five years without interruption (continuous period of residence) or for total of seven years after one has reached the age of 15 (accumulated period of residence), of which one has lived in Finland for the past two years without interruption.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Integration - social cohesion

      External Url http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2825,2826

      See other countriesSee indicator history
    • What is the general law provision for naturalisation?

      The provisions regarding Finnish citizenship are found in the Constitution of FInland and the Finnish Nationality Act.

      Qualitative Info

      A person may be naturalised, if he/she meets the following requirements: is 18 years of age or marries before turning 18, has been permanently resident and domiciled in Finland for the past five years without interruption (continuous period of residence) or a total of seven years since he/she turned 15, with two of these years without interruption (accumulated period of residence), has not committed any punishable act other than one subject to a petty fine or been placed under a restraining order, has not failed to pay maintenance or debt under public law (taxes, fines etc.), can provide a reliable account of his/her livelihood, has satisfactory oral and written skills in Finnish or Swedish language or knows Finnish or Swedish sign language. The requirements regarding years of permanent stay can be lowered to 4 years, if the applicant meets the language skills requirements and has close ties to Finland. The language requirements can be lowered in the case of applicants over the age of 65 or certain health problems.

      Groups affected/interested

      • Migrants

      Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas

      • Integration - social cohesion

      External Url http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2825,2826

      See other countriesSee indicator history
  • Policies On Integration - Cohesion
  • Public Life, Culture, Sport & Media