As delivered by Flacelia Celsula
Universal Periodic Review 27th Session
Geneva,
May 3, 2017
Thank you Mr. Vice President.
The United States warmly welcomes the Finnish delegation to the UPR Working Group.
We commend Finland’s longstanding commitment to promoting human rights domestically and globally.
We congratulate the government on its efforts to combat discrimination and foster inclusion; we encourage Finland to take steps to reduce the number of religiously motivated hate crimes, especially against the Jewish and Muslim communities, and ensure equal access for persons with disabilities.
We commend Finland for its efforts in combatting trafficking in persons, particularly the National Plan of Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Work remains, however, to identify and assist victims, and reduce the demand for trafficked labor.
The United States recommends that Finland:
- Develop clear guidelines on how to identify and protect victims of trafficking in persons.
- Strengthen antidiscrimination legislation to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities to public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Thank you Mr. Vice President.