Finland Times

 

Finland has ratified the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights dealing with the complaints procedure.

 

The protocol enters into force for Finland on 30 April, according to a press release of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 

 

The country deposited its instrument of ratification of the ICESCR with the UN Secretary-General on 31 January. 

 

The protocol recognizes the competence of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to receive complaints concerning alleged violations against the economic, social and cultural rights encompassed by the ICESCR presented by individuals and states as well, said the release issued on Tuesday. 

 

Adopted in New York in December 2008, the protocol also includes an inquiry procedure for conducting investigations into grave or systematic violations. It came into force internationally in May 2013.