New national Child strategy to ensure the rights of children
In Finland, the first National Child Strategy was launched in 2021. The strategy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and was created with the recognition that important decisions and policies affecting children’s rights are often fragmented and do not align with Finland’s human rights commitments. The strategy acknowledges that children’s rights must be seen in the context of the environment in which they live, their families and other factors that influence the realisation of their rights. (National Child Strategy, p. 9).
The first implementation plan of the National Child Strategy
The first implementation plan of the National Child Strategy outlines approaches to ensure the inclusion of children’s views and participation.
The overarching priorities of the strategy
The strategy is based on three key ideas:
1. The strategy will create a genuinely child and family friendly Finland where the rights of the child are respected.
2. Children’s rights and status will be mainstreamed, ensuring that children are consistently taken into consideration in all policies and activities alongside with other members of society and that they are informed of their rights.
3. The status of children in a vulnerable position will be secured, and their needs will be recognised better. (National Child Strategy, p. 10).
Read more:
- Government of Finland/Ministry of Social Affairs and health (2022). National Child Strategy Report. Committee report. The Parliamentary National Child Strategy Committee.
- Government of Finland/Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (2022). Implementation plan for the National Child Strategy. Government resolution.
- Child Strategy (2021).
