Family Law Matters This section contains information on the international family law matters for which the Ministry of Justice is responsible in the capacity of the Central Authority under different international treaties. Such matters are, for ex...

International child abduction A case usually concerns international child abduction if the following criteria are met: A child is taken to or retained in a foreign country without the consent of the person who has custody of the child , the child ...

Child Welfare In Cross-Border Situations This section contains information on the procedures, legislation and agreements related to cross-border situations concerning child welfare. Child welfare falls within the mandate of the Ministry of Social ...

Recognition And Enforcement Of Decisions On Child Custody And Right Of Access The enforcement of a decision on child custody and/or right of access in a foreign country requires usually the existence of an international treaty. If a decision canno...

Organising and securing the exercise of rights of access under the hague convention on international child abduction A child has the right to keep in touch and spend time with the parent with whom he or she does not reside also when the parent res...

International Recovery Of Maintenance The EU legislation and several international treaties binding on Finland contain provisions on the international aspects of maintenance obligations and payments. Within the framework of these arrangements, it ...

New legislation on sexual offences The new legislation on sexual offences entered into force on 1 January 2023. The legislative reform strengthens everyone’s right to sexual self-determination and personal integrity. The key change is that the def...

Processing of personal data in the services of the Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice processes personal data in order to comply with a legal obligation or, in certain situations, to perform a task carried out in the public interest or ba...

International and EU affairs The EU-related activities and international cooperation conducted by the Ministry of Justice aim to maintain an open, active and safe society where people can be confident that their rights are being respected. The eff...

Personnel search Department for Administration and Oversight Administrative Support Functions Mirja Al-Khafaji, Administrative Assistant Department for Administration and Oversight, Administrative Support Functions Phone number +358295150197 Email...

Crime victims The Ministry of Justice is responsible for drafting the legislation related to the legal status of crime victims and for improving the position of crime victims within its mandate. The efforts to improve the position of crime victims...

The Government Programme states that preparation of a cross-administrative democracy programme shall be launched. The National Democracy Programme 2025 covers the numerous measures related to civil society and participation outlined in the Government Programme of Prime Minister Marin. It will function as an umbrella for democracy-related projects to be carried out by different ministries.

In accordance with the Government Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin, an act on a transparency register will be enacted in Finland on the basis of parliamentary preparation and in consultation with civil society. The purpose of the act is to improve the transparency of decision-making and, by doing this, to prevent undue influence and reinforce public confidence.

17.2.2023 | Children and young people have the right to participate and be heard in matters that concern them. The project of the Ministry of Justice has developed methods, compiled good practices and produced communication and training materials on the participation and consultation of children and young people, aimed at authorities.

14.5.2024 | Translation from Finnish Translation subject to possible revisions Legally binding only in Finnish and Swedish Ministry of Justice, Finland Criminal Code (39/1889) Chapter 20 (723/2022) Sexual offences Section 1 (723/2022) Rape A person who has se...

19.12.2022 | Translation from Finnish Translation subject to possible revisions Legally binding only in Finnish and Swedish Ministry of Justice, Finland Criminal Code (39/1889) Chapter 20 (723/2022) Sexual offences Section 1 (723/2022) Rape A person who has se...

8.2.2018 | Report of the Government on the application of language legislation 2017 Government publications 10/2017 Government publications 10/2017 Prime Minister’s Office, Helsinki 2017 Report of the Government on the Application of Language Legislation 201...

8.2.2018 | Report of the Government on the application of language legislation 2017 Government publications 10/2017 Government publications 10/2017 Prime Minister’s Office, Helsinki 2017 Report of the Government on the Application of Language Legislation 201...

19.2.2020 | R IG H T T O B E LO N G 1 RIGHT TO BELONG Proposals for strengthening the sense of belonging among multicultural youth in Finnish society R IG H T T O B E LO N G R IG H T T O B E LO N G 32 Youth is a challenging time for many. It can be particular...

30.5.2017 | 1 Reports and guidelines Layout: Government Administration Department, Information Support and Publications Unit, Anne-Marie Paakkari Description sheet Published by Ministry of Justice 28 February 2017 Authors Corinna Tammenmaa, Vava Lunabba Unit ...