The Finnish League for Human Rights
Viimeksi päivitetty 14.10.2011 12:31
The Finnish League for Human Rights (FLHR) is a religiously and politically non-aligned general human rights organization, whose principal objective is to monitor and improve the human rights situation in Finland. It aims to raise awareness on and promote the fulfilment of human rights and to prevent and oppose human rights violations. The FLHR is a rights-based expert organization basing its work on the Finnish constitution and international human rights instruments. It was founded in 1979 and pursues the work of the League for Human Rights, established in 1935.
The FLHR is a member of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and a founding member of the European Association for the Defence of Human Rights (AEDH). It acts as the National Focal Point of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) since 2000.
The Finnish League for Human Rights
- conducts research, produces publications and disseminates information
- provides training and consulting
- introduces proposals and gives statements
- cooperates with other organizations and participates in a number of governmental and non-governmental working groups
- informs its members, the general public, media and the authorities on human rights issues and
- undertakes other action in line with its mission.
Ihmisoikeudet.net is a Finnish language virtual textbook on human rights, aimed primarily at teachers and students, but functioning as a comprehensive reference book for anyone interested in human rights. A joint initiative of FLHR, Amnesty International Finland, the UN Association of Finland, the Finnish One-World Network and other NGO’s, it contains basic information on human rights instruments, mechanisms and the development of human rights.
The Kitke! project aims to prevent human rights violations caused by harmful traditional practices such as honour-related violence. Focusing on preventive work, it offers information, advice and training. The emphasis in the project lies on cooperation with communities while respecting their traditions.
More information on the Kitke! project
KokoNainen / The Whole Woman activities aim to ensure that no girls living in Finland will be circumcised, here or elsewhere. Female genital cutting (FGC) or female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to be a sensitive issue and both immigrants adhering to the tradition and Finnish authorities require more information, guidance and better tools to address the issue constructively. The work to stop female genital cutting is based on Finnish legislation and international human rights standards. The focus lies on preventive work.
More information on the Whole Woman activities
The work of the FLHR is led by the Board of Directors, elected annually by the members of FLHR. The FLHR receives funding from the Finnish government to cover part of its expenses. Its activities are also supported by institutions, foundations and organizations such as the European Union and the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY). Membership fees and donations also compose a significant proportion of FLHR’s funding. The organisation has approximately 600 members.
Contact information
The Finnish League for Human Rights
Döbelninkatu 2, 8th floor
00260 Helsinki FINLAND
Tel: +358 9 4155 2500
Email: info(a)ihmisoikeusliitto.fi
Secretary General Kristiina Kouros
Tel: 040 835 2548
Email: kristiina.kouros(a)ihmisoikeusliitto.fi
