Actions taken:
In Finland, sexual violence is seen as a serious offence both in times of peace and during armed conflicts.
Finland has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in 2015.
The sexual violence faced by refugees (often arriving from areas of conflict) is considered in the latest draft of Finland’s updated action plan on Women, Peace and Security. The draft emphasizes the strengthening of equality and gender perspective within the reception services for asylum seekers and other services and supportive measures during the integration process.
Many services, which are meant for Finnish women who have faced sexual violence, are also available for women arriving from the conflict areas. One safe house is dedicated entirely to immigrant women.
Female genital mutilation became an acute issue in Finland in the 90s, when immigrants started to arrive from areas where genital mutilation was practiced. Female genital mutilation remains an acute problem and it is criminalized as aggravated assault.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the National Institute for Health and Welfare have annually organized a working meeting on female genital mutilation to which key persons from different contact groups are invited.
The National Institute for Health has promoted awareness concerning female genital mutilation as part of the national action plan starting in 2012.
Finland highlights the fact that sexual violence against women, and sexual violence in conflict, must be confronted in an increasingly effective manner. We emphasize that SGBV should be addressed in a comprehensive way, seeing women as powerful agents of change rather than just victims.
Finland has played an active role in Justice Rapid Response’s activities since the network was established, and has held the Chair of JRR since September 2014. JRR, in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre (FINCENT) and the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI) have organized a training course for experts on the investigation of international crimes, held in Finland in October 2016. Finland has continued its financial support to ICC Trust Fund for Victims.
Finnish military and civilian crisis management personnel follow both the Code of Conduct adopted by the crisis management operation/mission and the Finnish authorities. All exploitation cases shall be investigate in accordance with Finnish law. Finland pays special attention to the fact that the code of conduct of international organizations prevents discrimination and exploitation, that the management of the operation fully adheres to the rules and that delays in exploitation cases are investigated. Finland applies zero tolerance to SEA. All Finnish soldiers participating in crisis management operations get a lecture on conduct and discipline in pre-deployment training.
