International cooperation
The Ministry of Justice aims to promote a stable rule of law in Finland and especially in its neighbouring areas. International cooperation seeks to reinforce cross-border legal protection, and it also brings new angles to the reform work carried out in Finland.
In the Council of Europe, the Ministry of Justice participates in the development of pan-European rule of law for the purpose of promoting democracy and human rights. Among the most important cooperation forums in the international activities of the Ministry of Justice are also the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), the OECD, and the UN. The Ministry’s public officials participate in the work of various committees and working groups of these international organisations.
The Ministry of Justice has agreed on bilateral cooperation programmes with the judicial authorities of Russia, Ukraine and China.
Bilateral cooperation
Bilateral cooperation carried out by the Ministry of Justice aims to promote stability in the areas neighbouring Finland and the EU and to support the international rule of law development. The Ministry of Justice provides expert assistance to judicial experts in foreign states and participates in bilateral conferences and seminars.
Relations with Russia
Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice has limited the scope of its bilateral cooperation with Russia to matters necessary for the legal protection of citizens.
Promoting judicial reforms in Ukraine
The Ministry of Justice emphasises the importance of judicial reforms in the EU's applicant countries e.g. Ukraine. In 2005, the Ministry of Justice concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice. To promote the rule of law development in Ukraine, expert meetings concerning different areas of the judicial sector are organised and information on legislation is exchanged. The co-operation is made with the Rule of Law Center.
Addressing rule of law issues in certain African countries
The Ministry of Justice has drawn up its own Africa Action Plan. One of the objectives of the Action Plan include encouraging African countries to become members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and promoting their accession to the HCCH Conventions in the field of civil and family law. In this communication, we will keep highlighting questions related to democracy, human rights, equality and the rule of law and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.