Minister of Justice Henriksson to visit Washington
The Finnish Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson visits Washington from 28 September to 5 October. She will meet with Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder and attend a conference concerning the prevention of child sexual abuse online.
During their meeting, Attorney General Holder and Minister Henriksson will, among other things, discuss the prospective measures that could be taken to adjust the activities of the judicial system to the ever tighter economic situation without compromising the high level of legal protection. On the agenda are also challenges brought by the new technology when it comes to securing the data protection of citizens and combating crime on the Internet.
The topic of the ministerial conference to be held in Washington is the prevention of child sexual abuse online. Finland has, together with 53 other countries, committed itself to a global alliance with a mission to undertake actions to combat such abuse. The objective of the global alliance is to more effectively identify and help the victims of sexual abuse and to more effectively identify and prosecute the offenders. The alliance also aims to increase awareness of the risks posed by children’s activities on the Internet and to reduce the availability of material related to child sexual abuse online.
The conference will be opened by Attorney General Holder and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström. Minister Henriksson will give a speech introducing the actions Finland has undertaken to combat child sexual abuse online. The ministers intend to adopt a common declaration in order to facilitate international cooperation in the investigation of cases of child sexual abuse online.
During her visit to the USA, Minister Henriksson will also become acquainted with issues relating to American Indians and have a discussion with representatives of the World Bank on human rights and the position of minorities.
Henriksson will visit the US Supreme Court and meet with Associate Justice Ruth Ginsburg, who has held her post since 1993.
In addition, Minister of Justice Henriksson will get acquainted with the prison system of the United States and meet with certain high-ranking prison officials. The programme also includes a visit to Harvard University in Boston. Henriksson will meet with the Dean of Harvard Law School and get to hear about students' legal aid project.
Further information:
Mia Wikström, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 2951 50300
Director General Asko Välimaa, tel.+358 2951 50248
E-mail: [email protected]