Finland Times

 

Foreign Minister Timo Soini on Wednesday appealed to visiting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, saying that Finland wishes to see mediation and dialogue at the forefront of the UN's work.

 

He made the appeal while speaking at the 60th anniversary celebrations of Finland's membership of the UN at Finlandia Hall, said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

The foreign minister assured that Finland would continue its active contribution to the development of mediation.

 

The UN secretary-general paid a visit to Finland and took part in the event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marking 60th anniversary of Finland’s UN membership.

 

Inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogues play a big role in efforts to repress violent extremist movements. Foreign Minister Soini hoped that the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, the establishment of which was supported by Finland, will help the UN in its peace efforts.

 

Soini informed the UN secretary-general that Finland would stand for candidacy for membership of the Human Rights Council of the UN in 2022–2024.

 

About the refugee situation, the minister said it was important to ensure the full respect for human rights and international law without any discrimination.

 

On behalf of the Finns, he welcomed the UN Secretary-General to address the humanitarian and refugee challenges in high-level meetings next year.

 

“We commend and continue to support the tireless efforts of the UN and humanitarian aid organizations in providing support to the affected populations in Syria and numerous other humanitarian crises.”

 

He also thanked Ban Ki-moon for honouring the 60th anniversary of Finland's membership in the United Nations.

 

The elections will be held at the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2021. Finland's candidacy is supported by the other Nordic countries.

 

Finland is committed to taking part in the UN's activities keeping in mind that human rights remain the cornerstone of the activities of the organization, according to the release.

 

Membership of the Human Rights Council would enable Finland to raise for discussion issues that it regards important, such as women's rights, more strongly than before.

 

Finland was admitted to UN membership on 14 December 1955.