Mesures prises:
• In 2021, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland issued and published the ICRC’s Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict in Finnish. The Guidelines are available on Ministry of Foreign Affair’s website, together with an article highlighting their significance.
• In June 2021, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland organized a workshop on the ICRC’s Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict, with wide participation from Finnish Defence Forces, Foreign Service and other government and non-governmental entities.
• Finland has participated actively in the discussions at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). At UNEA-6 held in spring 2024, Finland participated actively in the negotiations of the resolution on environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflict.
• The Finnish Defence Forces has incorporated information on the IHL rules applicable to the protection of the natural environment in armed conflict in the soldier’s handbook which is provided to conscripts. Also on the basic and advanced IHL courses for the Finnish Defence Forces employees done in close cooperation with the Finnish Red Cross the topic is included in lectures and in practical exercises.
• Former ILC Special Rapporteur and Ambassador-at-large for International Legal Affairs Dr. Marja Lehto has engaged in a wide range of activities aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the relevant rules of international law related to protection of the environment in armed conflict both domestically and internationally. These activities have included numerous lectures in events addressed to the military and government officials, university students, and the general public; participation in international seminars, workshops and briefings, including at the United Nations in New York and Geneva; and publication of articles and blog posts.
