Finland Times

 

 

The Government on Friday submitted a proposal to Parliament on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child containing provisions on complaints and investigation procedure, according to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

The Protocol recognizes the authority of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to receive individual and State complaints on alleged violations of children's rights included in substantive Optional Protocols concerning the involvement of children in armed conflict as well as the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, said the release.

 

The Protocol also establishes an inquiry procedure for grave or systematic violations at the Committee's own initiative.

 

The Protocol entered into force internationally in April 2014. For Finland, it will enter into force three months after the deposit of the instrument of ratification, according to Ministry for Foreign Affairs.