Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations ETNO The Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) serves as a national forum for dialogue between immigrants, ethnic minorities, authorities, political parties and civil society organisations. The Government a...

Other languages People speaking some other language than Finnish or Swedish as their native language account for 4.5% of the total population of Finland. The largest language groups after Finnish and Swedish are Russian, Estonian, Arabian, Somali ...

Call for applications for organisations until 7 February 2025 A call for applications for organisations to become members of the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) for the 2025–2029 term has ended. The member organisations for both the nat...

Influencing the preparation of decisions and legislation Under Finnish legislation, authorities must act in an open and transparent manner. Citizens must be provided with opportunities to protect their rights and interests, receive information abo...

Linguistic rights The Ministry of Justice is responsible for promoting the realisation of linguistic rights by monitoring the implementation and application of the Language Act and by issuing recommendations. The Unit for Democracy, Language Affai...

We work for a strong rule of law The updated strategy of the Ministry of Justice strengthens the role of the Ministry of Justice as the ministry responsible for the rule of law and democracy. The six impact objectives of the strategy form the key ...

The Ministry of Justice has appointed a cross-administrative working group to prepare the National Programme to Promote Democracy and Participation outlined in Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government Programme and to coordinate the implementation of the programme within the Government ministries.

Right of initiative The Constitution lays down provisions on the right of individuals to participate in and influence the development of society and their living conditions. Pursuant to the Constitution, the public authorities shall promote the op...

18.6.2025 | Today, the Government appointed the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) for the next four-year term 2025–2029.

3.5.2024 | 1 Po lic y br ie f Finnish democracy policy in the 2020s 3 Po lic y br ie f 2 Po lic y br ie f Policies and proposed measures The government resolution on Finnish demo- cracy policy in the 2020s outlines the long- term goals for democracy policy i...

3.5.2024 | 1 Po lic y br ie f Finnish democracy policy in the 2020s 3 Po lic y br ie f 2 Po lic y br ie f Policies and proposed measures The government resolution on Finnish demo- cracy policy in the 2020s outlines the long- term goals for democracy policy i...

15.3.2022 | The secretariat of the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations has been contacted a number of times regarding hate speech and harassment directed towards Russian speakers living in Finland. The Advisory Board condemns all racism, hate speech and other harassment against people of Russian origin, Russian speakers and people from the former Soviet Union in Finland. Adults are responsible for ensuring that there is zero tolerance for intimidation and bullying against children and young people.

17.12.2020 | The Government appointed the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) for the next four-year term 2020–2024 today.

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...

Rights of the Sámi people Ministry of Justice safeguards the rights of the Sámi people The Ministry of Justice supports the development of Sámi cultural autonomy and coordinates the handling of Sámi rights across the ministries. The Ministry of Ju...

Rights of the Sámi people Ministry of Justice safeguards the rights of the Sámi people The Ministry of Justice supports the development of Sámi cultural autonomy and coordinates the handling of Sámi rights across the ministries. The Ministry of Ju...

14.4.2019 | Linguistic rights 2 3 Linguistic rights are fundamental rights Pursuant to the Constitution of Finland, the national languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. Every person has the right to use their language, either Finnish or Swedish, when us...

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...

10.11.2017 | Prime Minister’s Office Publications 7/2012 STRATEGY FOR THE NATIONAL LANGUAGES OF FINLAND Government resolution STRATEGY FOR THE NATIONAL LANGUAGES OF FINLAND Prime Minister’s Office Publications 7/2012 Government resolution Published by PRIME MI...